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Senior Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Terran Orbital Corporation

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Sr. Mechanical Engineer will will lead or contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering Program ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering Program ...

AECOM

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Orange, CA

$111K - $147K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer based in Orange, California. This is a Hybrid ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering Program ...

Turion Space

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Description The Senior Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in designing, developing, and ... Manage engineering projects, including defining project scope, timelines, and resources. Ensure ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA

$115K - $152K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact ... Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm ...

Salas O'Brien

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact ... Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm ...

The Structures Company

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

JOB TITLE: Sr. Mechanical Engineer LOCATION: Irvine, CA SALARY: $130K - 190K/year We are a national ... Collaborates with electrical engineering teams to integrate batteries, motors, avionics, sensors ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineering JobsSenior Mechanical Engineering JobsSenior Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Senior Mechanical Engineering information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$77.7K

$127.9K

$178.4K

How much do senior mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical engineering in Riverside, CA is $127,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of mechanical design, engineering principles, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and professional licensure (PE). Expertise in CAD software, FEA tools, and industry-standard project management systems is essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and project management skills help you guide teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills ensure innovative, efficient, and reliable engineering solutions while driving project success and team performance.

How does a Senior Mechanical Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will regularly work alongside teams from electrical engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management. This collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, coordinating timelines, and resolving integration challenges to ensure all components fit and function together seamlessly. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll be expected to provide technical guidance and ensure that design decisions align with broader project goals. This cross-functional interaction not only ensures the success of the project but also provides opportunities to broaden your expertise and leadership skills.

What does a Senior Mechanical Engineer do?

A Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the production of mechanical systems and components. They lead engineering projects, provide technical guidance to junior engineers, and ensure that designs meet safety, efficiency, and quality standards. These professionals often collaborate with other engineering disciplines, manage project timelines, and troubleshoot complex technical issues. Their work may span industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, depending on the employer.

What is the difference between Senior Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectSenior Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, project management, leadership roles in manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceDesign, analysis, testing, manufacturing in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, R&D departmentsWide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, consumer products

Senior Mechanical Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced certifications compared to Mechanical Engineers. They focus on project oversight, complex design, and mentoring junior staff, whereas Mechanical Engineers often handle core design and analysis tasks. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but senior roles require more expertise and industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? For Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Mechanical Engineering job openings:
Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Mechanical Engineering job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,867 per year, or $61.5 per hour.
Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Mechanical Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Sr. Mechanical Engineer will will lead or contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal sub-system design, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of product lifecycle. The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Conduct and lead small teams in the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub-systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
  • Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
  • Conduct vehicle and sub-system analysis using appropriate means including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and other relevant techniques to ensure design robustness early in the product lifecycle.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
  • Generate and present technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
  • In coordination with the Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, develop spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
  • Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols, ensuring efficient integration during the initial low-volume production phase.
  • Coordinate the execution of design and analysis activities of the mechanical, electrical integration, structural and thermal analysts to meet program milestones and schedule.
  • Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, automation engineers and production personnel on implementing design for manufacturing and assembly best practices.
  • Review and approve engineering work of peers including design analysis, drawings, models, schematics, specifications, test plans, work instructions, and operating procedures.
  • Stay updated with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance the design and performance of space vehicles.
  • Contribute to Process Development and Continuous Improvement.

Required Qualifications and Skills 

  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar sector.
  • Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
  • Proficient in the interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing from a relevant industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with various engineering disciplines.
  • Experience conducting technical peer reviews and providing constructive feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
  • Experience interfacing with internal and external customers. 
  • Passion for space technology and a commitment to advancing the industry through innovative engineering solutions.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Demonstrated product ownership across the product lifecycle.
  • Experience in a production environment within the space/ aerospace industry.
  • Ability to support the technical growth of the engineering team through mentoring initiatives.

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