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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineer is the first step in our process of taking an idea or design and ... house * Assist with vendor identification and relationship building * Create project Bill of ...

Design Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

Aid in all technical aspects of projects and assignments * Assist with developing improvement plans ... engineering (Land Development Design), traffic engineering, land surveying, and planning, but we ...

Design Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

Aid in all technical aspects of projects and assignments * Assist with developing improvement plans ... engineering (Land Development Design), traffic engineering, land surveying, and planning, but we ...

Design Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

Aid in all technical aspects of projects and assignments * Assist with developing improvement plans ... engineering (Land Development Design), traffic engineering, land surveying, and planning, but we ...

They are seeking a Design Engineer to own the design and development of Memo's companion app ... Sunday is a robotics startup that builds home robots that utilize AI to assist with household tasks.

They are seeking a Design Engineer to lead the design and development of Memo's companion app ... Sunday is a robotics startup that builds home robots that utilize AI to assist with household tasks.

DESIGN ENGINEER I

Corona, CA · On-site

$31 - $34/hr

Research materials, equipment, and systems to support design decisions. * Assist with reviewing shop drawings and submittals and provide engineering support during construction administration.

Harness Design Engineer The Harness Engineer is responsible for designing wire harnesses for both ... Establish harness/cable routing on spacecraft and assist with integration planning * Provide ...

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Key Responsibilities * Assist in the design and preparation of structural engineering plans, details, and analysis. * Develop and modify drawings using Revit and AutoCAD * Participating in BIM ...

Summary Our client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Structural Design Engineer to join ... * Assist with construction administration activities, including reviewing submittals and responding ...

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Key Responsibilities * Assist in the design and preparation of structural engineering plans, details, and analysis. * Develop and modify drawings using Revit and AutoCAD * Participating in BIM ...

Roadway Design Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

You'll assist with geometric analyses and calculations using established design criteria and standard software. The roadway design engineer reports to the project manager. Yearly Salary Range: $80 ...

Roadway Design Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

You'll assist with geometric analyses and calculations using established design criteria and standard software. The roadway design engineer reports to the project manager. Yearly Salary Range: $80 ...

Act as a liaison between customers and CES to resolve drawing, BOM, and other technical issues * Assist in the sales cycle by providing engineering guidance on product selection, design ...

Roadway Design Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

You'll assist with geometric analyses and calculations using established design criteria and standard software. The roadway design engineer reports to the project manager. Yearly Salary Range: $80 ...

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Assistant Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$87.6K

$132.7K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in California is $87,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Assistant Design Engineer do?

An Assistant Design Engineer supports senior engineers in creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems. Their tasks often include preparing technical drawings, conducting research, creating prototypes, and assisting with testing and analysis. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and work closely with other team members to ensure designs meet project requirements and safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that provides valuable experience in engineering design and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise, innovative design solutions and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Design EngineerDesign Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role in design teams, assisting senior engineersLead or primary role in designing projects, overseeing technical details
ResponsibilitiesAssist in creating designs, preparing drawings, and conducting researchDevelop and finalize designs, review technical specifications, and coordinate with manufacturing

The main difference between an Assistant Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in responsibility level and experience. Assistant Design Engineers support the design process and gain experience, while Design Engineers take on more complex tasks and lead design projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Design Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and responsibility.

What are some common challenges Assistant Design Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to professional engineering environments?

Assistant Design Engineers often find that transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering roles involves adapting to tighter deadlines, larger teams, and stricter compliance with industry standards. Unlike classroom assignments, professional projects require precise documentation, coordination with other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance, and adherence to budget constraints. Embracing collaborative tools and clear communication is essential, as is being open to feedback from senior engineers to grow technically and professionally.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Design Engineer jobs in California? For Assistant Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:
Mechanical Design Engineer

$77K - $104K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design, engineering and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques we use to create first class spectaculars including laser effects, video projection and mapping, pyrotechnics, architectural lighting installs and custom constructed sets and props. We have worked all over the United States completing over thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Rihanna, Jay Z, Tiesto, Lady Gaga, America's Got Talent and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary interactive installations for world class venues including the Staples Center, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Walt Disney World. 

Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to design bespoke solutions to complex entertainment-based projects. 


Our engineering team works within tight timelines and exacting constraints to bring client's visions to life and wow audiences worldwide. The Mechanical Design Engineer is the first step in our process of taking an idea or design and making it reality. We are looking for a dedicated engineer interested in joining Image Engineering to design and engineer the next cutting edge entertainment technology, whether for game day presentation on an NFL field, a tour for a musical artist or permanent installation in a themed entertainment environment. This individual would report to TASC in Santa Clarita, CA, Monday through Friday during our normal business hours. Overtime and travel may be required based on need. 


Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and engineer custom solutions for never-before-seen entertainment technology, set piece design and industrial applications
  • Meet with clients and design teams to understand project application
  • Create 2D sketches or preliminary drawings to communicate initial concept design
  • Consult engineering and manufacturing teammates to ensure design feasibility
  • Specific attention to electrical design principles and design considerations for integration of electronic components and/or scenic and lighting components
  • Collaborate with design department to ensure original design intent is being carried out by the engineered design
  • Create 3D models in CAD, Solidworks highly preferred
  • Preform necessary calculations and analysis to validate design
  • Create a complete and comprehensive drawing package for final designs, present designs to greater engineering team for complete design review
  • Identify and select appropriate materials for design and fabrication
  • Provide Project Managers with materials and time cost estimates for fabrication process
  • Provide recommendation as to which fabrication functions should be completed by in-house team and which functions should be sent out-of-house
  • Assist with vendor identification and relationship building
  • Create project Bill of Materials with associated project fabrication budget
  • Continuously conduct research into new technologies, methods, and applications to inform project design and engineering 
  • Ensure proper project documentation and high-quality deliverables to clients

Requirements

  • Degree in Engineering or Industrial Design required
  • 2+ years of experience in similar Design Engineering role
  • Proficiency in CAD, Solidworks experience highly preferred
  • Ability to work both on tight timelines associated with the fast-paced entertainment industry; as well      as long lead time permanent installations for themed entertainment/      museum-based projects
  • Sound knowledge of mechanical design principles, high level of attention to detail, analytical and      ability to creative problem solve
  • Ability to create designs into practical real-world engineered solutions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Apple Keynote
  • Strong work ethic and team-based mentality

BENEFITS

  • Aetna Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Time Off Program
  • Paid Holidays
  • John Hancock 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program
  • Dependent Care FSA Program
  • CE Allowance
  • ...and more!