High-paying mechanical engineering jobs in San Diego
Mechanical Engineering designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems. Engineers solve problems related to machinery and energy use. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are key.
The 165 mechanical engineering jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $64,827 and $166,559 per year. Mechanical Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Designer are among the most popular high-paying roles in San Diego, CA.
Job title
Updated Oct 08, 2026
Job title
San Diego, CA
California
Job openings (San Diego)
Hardware Design Engineer
San Diego
$166,559
per year
California
$164,313
per year
Senior Hardware Engineer
San Diego
$161,232
per year
California
$189,013
per year
Senior Mechanical Designer
San Diego
$146,040
per year
California
$142,852
per year
Senior Mechanical Engineer
San Diego
$136,790
per year
California
$151,351
per year
Tooling Engineer
San Diego
$136,764
per year
California
$139,524
per year
Hardware Engineer
San Diego
$125,744
per year
California
$159,272
per year
Mechanical Engineer
San Diego
$113,142
per year
California
$127,619
per year
Mechanical Designer
San Diego
$102,898
per year
California
$121,481
per year
Validation Engineer
San Diego
$42.90
per hour
California
$92.27
per hour
Surveyor
San Diego
$35.32
per hour
California
$33.76
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Hardware Design Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Hardware Design Engineers create designs for electronic systems, focusing on functionality and reliability. Essential qualifications include strong knowledge of circuit design, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
Currently, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 16 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$166,559 per yearCalifornia
$164,313 per year -
Senior Hardware Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior hardware engineers lead hardware design projects, ensuring high performance and reliability. Expertise in circuit design, strong leadership abilities and experience with hardware testing processes are vital.
Currently, 14% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 11 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$161,232 per yearCalifornia
$189,013 per yearSkills
- System design
- Manufacturing
- Python
- PCB
- FPGA
-
Senior Mechanical Designer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior mechanical designers oversee complex design projects, mentor junior staff and ensure design standards. Expertise in advanced CAD tools, strong leadership skills and project management experience are important.
Senior Mechanical Designer jobs take 9 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 22% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 6 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$146,040 per yearCalifornia
$142,852 per yearSkills
- GD&T
- Mechanical design
- Mechanical engineering
- SolidWorks
- CAD
-
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior mechanical engineers lead design projects, oversee teams and ensure compliance with regulations. Expertise in mechanical design, leadership experience and advanced problem-solving abilities are essential in this role.
Senior Mechanical Engineer jobs take 31 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 17% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 27 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$136,790 per yearCalifornia
$151,351 per yearSkills
- Electrical experience
- Revit
- Mechanical engineering
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
-
Tooling Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Tooling Engineers design and develop tools for manufacturing processes, ensuring precision and usability. Essential qualifications include knowledge of tooling principles, strong design skills, and experience with CAD software.
Tooling Engineer jobs take 22 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 7 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$136,764 per yearCalifornia
$139,524 per yearSkills
- Tooling
- Plastics injection molding
- Math
- CAD
- Manufacturing
-
Hardware Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Hardware engineers design, test and develop computer hardware components for systems. Proficiency in circuit design, troubleshooting skills and familiarity with industry standards are essential in this role.
Hardware Engineer jobs take 48 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 13% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 15 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$125,744 per yearCalifornia
$159,272 per yearSkills
- PCB
- Embedded software
- Python
- Scripting
- C++
-
Mechanical Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Mechanical Engineers design machinery, analyze mechanical problems, and innovate product solutions. Expertise in mechanical systems, proficiency with CAD software, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Mechanical Engineer jobs take 55 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 13% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 48 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$113,142 per yearCalifornia
$127,619 per yearSkills
- Mechanical engineering
- AutoCAD
- CAD
- SolidWorks
- Mechanical knowledge
-
Mechanical Designer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Mechanical designers create detailed technical drawings and models for mechanical systems. Strong CAD expertise, attention to detail and good communication skills are essential for collaboration and project success.
Mechanical Designer jobs take 94 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 14% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 19 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$102,898 per yearCalifornia
$121,481 per yearSkills
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
- Mechanical engineering
- CAD
- Mechanical design
-
Validation Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Validation engineers ensure systems meet compliance and performance standards through rigorous testing. Key skills for this role include expertise in testing methodologies, analytical thinking and experience with regulatory requirements.
Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 9 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$42.90 per hourCalifornia
$92.27 per hourSkills
- Manufacturing
- Communication skills
- GMP
- CGMP
- FDA regulations
-
Surveyor
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Surveyors measure land, prepare reports for construction projects and use tools to map topography. Key qualifications for this role include strong analytical skills, knowledge of surveying methods and proficiency in relevant software.
Surveyor jobs take 87 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 22% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 7 jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$35.32 per hourCalifornia
$33.76 per hourSkills
- GPS
- Data collection
- Schematics
- Construction
- Math