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Vibration Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Stress Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a Stress Engineer to own and execute structural loads, vibration, and dynamic analyses for complex mechanical systems associated for Kaleidos, the world's first ...

Loads & Dynamics Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a Loads & Dynamics Engineer to own and execute structural loads, vibration, and dynamic analyses for complex mechanical systems associated for Kaleidos, the world ...

Senior Stress Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a Stress Engineer to own and execute structural loads, vibration, and dynamic analyses for complex mechanical systems associated for Kaleidos, the world's first ...

NVH Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

You'll combine CAE, laboratory testing, and vehicle validation to identify noise and vibration ... Collaborate with controls engineers to reduce NVH through software optimization, including motor ...

About the Role Radiant is seeking a Staff Loads & Dynamics Engineer to own and execute structural loads, vibration, and dynamic analyses for complex mechanical systems associated for Kaleidos, the ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

The Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SE&TC) organization is currently hiring a Senior ... Plan and conduct hardware tests, including vibration, mechanical shock, thermal, altitude, humidity ...

Hands-on test experience in vibration labs. * Familiar with Femap/NASTRAN. * Ability to explain ... Staff Dynamics Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

Senior Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

The Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SE&TC) organization is currently hiring a Senior ... Plan and conduct hardware tests, including vibration, mechanical shock, thermal, altitude, humidity ...

Analyze, post-process, and reduce vibration data to identify trends or anomalies, and generate ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field, combined ...

Test Engineer II

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

Analyze, post-process, and reduce vibration data to identify trends or anomalies, and generate ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field, combined ...

Showing results 41-60

Vibration Engineer information

See California salary details

$80.9K

$100K

$125.3K

How much do vibration engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 is a vibration engineer?

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 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 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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Vibration Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of 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:

Infographic showing various Vibration Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,973 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the Vibration Control Group, developing and sustaining precision vibration isolation and structural support products (optical tables, breadboards, platforms, isolators, and integrated customer solutions). You will own challenging mechanical designs from concept through release, guide verification and validation, and partner cross-functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and sales to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading mechanical design of vibration control products and custom customer solutions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.

  • Owning requirements definition and technical trade studies (stiffness, damping, modal behavior, load capacity, thermal effects, cleanliness/non-magnetic constraints, vacuum compatibility as applicable).

  • Performing analysis and simulation (hand calcs, FEA, vibration/modal analysis) and correlating models to test data.

  • Defining and executing verification/validation strategies including prototype builds, characterization tests, environmental/vibration testing, and design reviews.

  • Serving as a technical authority and mentor, reviewing designs and coaching junior engineers/designers.

  • Driving technical risk management: proactively identifying failure modes, executing root-cause investigations, and implementing corrective/preventive actions.

  • Maintaining complete engineering documentation (CAD, drawings, GD&T, BOMs, test plans/reports, compliance documentation) in accordance with MKS processes and PLM/ERP systems.

  • Collaborating cross-functionally with product management and sales to support roadmap execution, technical customer engagements, and lifecycle management of existing platforms.

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) required; Master's degree preferred.

  • 8+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in precision mechanical systems and vibration mitigation.

  • Demonstrated expertise in structural dynamics and vibration fundamentals (modal behavior, transmissibility, stiffness/damping tradeoffs) and applying them to real products.

  • Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) including GD&T, tolerance analysis, and creation/review of production-ready drawings and BOMs.

  • Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS or equivalent) and test correlation; ability to select appropriate simplifications and validate assumptions.

  • Hands-on prototyping and test experience: instrumentation, test planning, data analysis, and clear technical reporting.

  • Proven ability to lead technical workstreams, drive design reviews, and influence cross-functional decisions without direct authority.

  • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills with a track record of closing issues in design and production environments.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical details for customers and internal stakeholders.

  • Customer-facing experience (requirements clarification, technical reviews, issue resolution) strongly preferred; willingness to engage with customers is a must.

  • Comfort operating in a regulated/quality environment with disciplined configuration control and documentation practices.

Preferred:
  • Experience designing vibration isolation/support systems (optical tables, breadboards, pneumatic/electronic isolation, elastomeric systems) and/or precision welded structures.

  • Experience with PLM/ERP systems (Agile, SAP, etc.), and familiarity with cleanliness/non-magnetic materials, vacuum compatibility, and RoHS/REACH considerations.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are considered material job duties of the position:
  • Ability to take and follow directions and instructions.

  • Ability to interact with other employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public, in a safe, professional, and respectful manner.

  • Access to sensitive and confidential business systems and software, personally identifying information, the company's financial information, and/or the ability to maintain physical security and safety.

  • Because this position involves the above material job duties, trustworthiness, reliability, and good judgment also are material job duties.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support business goals. Travel is estimated at <10%.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $ 140,000.00 - 210,000.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role