ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vibration Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VDart Inc

Restraint Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Restraint Engineer Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) o 5+ years of recent relevant experience o Work experience on Automotive Occupant safety components [Airbag, Occupant Sensor, ODS and Seat belt] o ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVibration Engineer JobsVibration Engineer Jobs in California

Vibration Engineer information

See California salary details

$80.9K

$100K

$125.3K

How much do vibration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for vibration engineer in California is $99,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Vibration engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and specialized certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in senior or managerial roles within industries like aerospace, defense, or energy. High salaries often require expertise in signal processing, modal analysis, and the use of specialized tools, along with a strong track record of project management and technical leadership.

How does a Vibration Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

As a Vibration Engineer, you will frequently work alongside structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to analyze and mitigate vibration issues in equipment or structures. You’ll often participate in multidisciplinary project meetings, where your expertise helps ensure that vibration considerations are integrated early in the design process. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as you may provide recommendations that influence material selection, equipment mounting, or structural modifications. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also offers opportunities to broaden your technical knowledge and network within related fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Vibration engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in signal analysis, and certifications such as ASNT or IEEE can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in senior or specialized roles within aerospace, automotive, or energy industries. High compensation often involves leadership responsibilities, consulting, or working in high-cost regions.

What does a vibration engineer do?

A vibration engineer analyzes and measures vibrations in machinery and structures to ensure safety, reliability, and performance. They use tools like accelerometers and data analysis software to identify issues, develop solutions, and often work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing. Strong knowledge of physics, materials, and testing standards is essential for this role.

What Does a Vibration Engineer Do?

Vibration engineers typically work in the construction and transportation industries. Your responsibilities include using specialized equipment to measure acoustics and vibrations within a structure, product, or transport system. You analyze that measurement data to understand how to reduce noise, increase structural integrity, and create technical solutions to problems. A vibration engineer’s work and duties proactively control vibrations and acoustics within projects to improve safety and decrease noise pollution. Engineers must achieve these goals while keeping sight of budget constraints, material costs, and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Vibration engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in signal analysis, and certifications such as ASNT or IEEE can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in senior or specialized roles within industries like aerospace, automotive, or energy. High salaries are often associated with leadership positions, consulting, or working in high-cost regions with demanding technical requirements.

What are Vibration Engineers?

Vibration Engineers are specialized professionals who analyze, monitor, and control vibrations in mechanical systems and structures. Their work is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and civil engineering to ensure machinery operates safely and efficiently. They use tools like accelerometers and vibration analyzers to detect issues, prevent equipment failure, and improve product reliability. Vibration Engineers also design solutions to minimize unwanted vibrations, enhancing performance and extending the lifespan of equipment.

What is the difference between Vibration Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectVibration EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; certifications like Vibration Analysis or Condition MonitoringBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive settings focusing on vibration analysis and diagnosticsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing across various industries including automotive, aerospace, and consumer products
Industry UsageSpecialized in vibration testing, analysis, and troubleshootingBroader engineering tasks including design, testing, and system integration

While both roles require a strong engineering background, Vibration Engineers focus specifically on vibration analysis and diagnostics, often using specialized tools. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various aspects of design and analysis. The two roles often collaborate but serve different specialized functions within engineering projects.

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

To thrive as a Vibration Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or structural engineering, with expertise in dynamics, vibration analysis, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like finite element analysis (FEA) software, vibration data acquisition systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for diagnosing, preventing, and mitigating vibration issues that impact safety, performance, and longevity of machinery and structures.
More about Vibration Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Vibration Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Vibration Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Vibration Engineer jobs in California? For Vibration Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vibration Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vibration Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Vibration Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Vibration Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Vibration Engineer jobs in CA? For Vibration Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Vibration Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vibration Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,973 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Noise Vibration and Harshness Test Engineer 2/3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an Noise Vibration and Harshness Test Engineer level 2 or 3 to participate in testing US Navy Machinery (turbines, generators, and gears) based out of Sunnyvale, CA. Northrop Grumman manufactures, assembles, and tests the machinery onsite in our Sunnyvale facility.

This role supports testing conducted during a 24/7 operation for durations of 30 to 45 days. The role does require shift support with extended hours for stretches up to 7 days within that 30-to-45-day window. This would occur approximately 4 times per year. All hours over 80 hours per two-week period are compensated. Any night shift work also carries a premium pay bonus.

The fast paced and stimulating test environment offers the opportunity to grow technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and sound engineering judgement. We are looking for talented engineers to take on this challenge and grow with Northrop Grumman.

What You'll get to Do:

  • Work as a member of the test engineering team to lead and support acoustic acceptance testing of hardware including vibration (accelerometers) and sound (microphones).
  • Troubleshoot issues using basic fundamental skills along with advanced techniques including acoustic cameras, sound intensity, impact testing, and modal analysis.
  • Lead and support acoustic testing for the development and qualification of new systems and hardware.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop test plans and analyze results.
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Prior acoustic experience is not required for this role. Exposure to data acquisition is preferred.

Basic Qualifications for Noise Vibration and Harshness Test Engineer level 2:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 2 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with no relevant work experience.
  • Experience with MATLAB or equivalent tool to process and analyze large data sets.
  • Willingness to work in a hands-on environment with large hardware.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Noise Vibration and Harshness Test Engineer level 3:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 5 years relevant work experience; or master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 3 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with no relevant work experience.
  • Experience with MATLAB or equivalent tool to process and analyze large data sets.
  • Willingness to work in a hands-on environment with large hardware.
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with data acquisition systems including measuring vibration (accelerometers) or noise (microphones).
  • Experience collecting and analyzing large data sets.
  • Experience in conducting advanced measurement techniques such as modal analysis.
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply