Mechanical Engineer
Sri International
Palo Alto, CA · Posted September 23, 2026
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Where Palo Alto, CA ranks
Where Palo Alto, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #3Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills28% · of 100
- #3Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast28% · of 54
- #3Best cities for AI-skill jobs37% · of 100
- #3Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the West Coast37% · of 71
- #4Best cities for data and analytics pay after cost of living$207k · of 28
- #4Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals83 / 100 · of 100
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 114 open mechanical engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $108,000 to $153,500 and the median is $132,500.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Overview
SRI’s Bright Ceramic Technologies (BCT) lab is focused on developing, applying, and commercializing a unique technology platform based upon advanced materials. BCT develops and manufactures cutting-edge components and systems in our facility in Palo Alto, CA and is searching for a Mechanical Engineer to join their team.
The Mechanical Engineer (ME) will be responsible for the design, fabrication, integration and operation of critical mechanical parts and systems within BCT’s process line. These will range from test fixtures to prototype products to production systems and will be used to produce products across a wide range of applications at BCT. Additionally, the ME will focus on laser material processing in both R&D and production applications. The ideal candidate will be able to perform engineering analysis, complete detailed specifications, and build and troubleshoot systems with minimal supervision. Working with interdisciplinary teams, the ME will apply his or her knowledge of mechanical design and materials properties to invent, fabricate, and test complex components and systems that are benchmarks of elegant and effective design. The successful applicant will be proficient in mechanical design and analysis, prototyping, a wide range of manufacturing processes, electro-mechanical systems, 3D CAD, and system fabrication.
The position will work onsite at our Palo Alto office.
Responsibilities
Mechanical design
Oversight of fabrication
Technical leadership
Interpreting experimental data
Developing and fielding novel solutions as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team
The ideal candidate will have obsessive attention to detail and never find "good enough" an acceptable outcome while consistently meeting fluid and tight deadlines with a strong sense of professional pride and personal ownership. Communication with other team members is key.
Qualifications
Master’s with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active clearance a plus.
Experience in a product development or manufacturing environment
Thorough knowledge of mechanical design, mechanics and material science concepts, and system integration
Working knowledge of optical systems
Working knowledge of circuit design and electronics
Experience working with and managing vendors for part fabrication
Experience designing with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, to create complex assemblies and parts
Ability to clearly communicate design rationale and results
Experience planning and executing on prototype build plans
The salary range is: $102,400-$135,680. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.