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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... assist in their professional and personal development. Required Skills/Abilities: * Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering. * A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial ...

... assist in their professional and personal development. Required Skills/Abilities: * Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering. * A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... assist in their professional and personal development. Required Skills/Abilities: * Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering. * A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

... assist in their professional and personal development. Required Skills/Abilities: * Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering. * A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial ...

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Collaborate with project teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. * Assist with lighting circuiting and lighting controls design. * Utilize AutoCAD and Revit MEP for design documentation.

Support synthesis, static timing analysis, lint, CDC, and low‑power verification flows * Assist ... design tapeout to semiconductor foundry * Collaborate with backend engineers on synthesis ...

Support synthesis, static timing analysis, lint, CDC, and low-power verification flows * Assist ... design tapeout to semiconductor foundry * Collaborate with backend engineers on synthesis ...

New

Engineering Analysis & Technical Support * Assist in developing engineering analyses, including ... design * Technical Skills * Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit * Experience with AutoSPRINK or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Design Engineer information

See Poway, CA salary details

$33.8K

$90.8K

$137.6K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in Poway, CA is $90,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $106,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Poway, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Poway, CA are:
What cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Poway, CA with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Design Engineer job openings in Poway, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,792 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Design Engineer

CalSolar Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer


Supervisor:Engineering Manager


Classification:Full-time, exempt


Location: San Diego, CA. Office



The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy project. For new construction projects, the design engineer works closely with the building AOR, SEOR, and EEOR, ensuring that the building infrastructure can support the energy system architecturally, structurally, and electrically. Internally, the design engineer must work closely with the Engineering Managers, Superintendents, and Project Managers, to tap into decades of solar expertise -- setting up the project for future construction success. The design engineer should have a firm grasp of the state and local building and electrical codes, have excellent time management, organizational and communication skills, all to deliver a fully coordinated, permitted, and buildable planset, on time and on budget.You must currently reside in San Diego or Riverside Counties. This is not a remote position.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES



  • Follow company and department standards/SOPs.
  • Ensure full coordination with building AOR, EEOR, SEOR, EOR, on key coordination points.
  • Successfully communicate with all project stakeholders.
  • Perform solar design intake, coordination markups, and draft solar shop drawings.
  • Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time.
  • Coordinate site walks with superintendents.
  • Coordinate carport structural sheets and calculations with carport mfg.
  • Coordinate carport lighting and photometrics with lighting mfg.
  • Coordinate with interconnection department on IX applications.
  • Review & QC solar plansets, obtain shop drawing approvals from AOR/GC.
  • Coordinate EE & SE Review/Calcs/Stamp.
  • Submit, track closely, & follow-up on projects through AHJ plan - check.
  • Track and constantly update project process/activity through Scoop platform.
  • Track project time and costs through Miter platform.
  • Ensure accurate inputs within Scoop platform.
  • Maintain sense of urgency with clients and ensure timely deliver of permitted plansets.


TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE


  • Embody and promote the Cal Solar "GRIPT" core values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Foster open communication, team building, and sharing of best practices amongst all employees, to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
  • Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.
  • Oversee the training and development of all direct reports through the performance planning process and maintaining 1:1 meetings/check-ins, and coordinating with HR to help identify available programs and training that may assist in their professional and personal development.


    Required Skills/Abilities:


    • Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering.
    • A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial solar systems projects.
    • Be a current resident in San Diego or Riverside Counties.
    • 2 years of coordinating solar carport designs desired.
    • Full competence in solar and battery design.
    • Proficiency with 208V and 480V 3 Phase electrical architecture.
    • Time management - sense of urgency, ability to pull - plan a critical path schedule.
    • Effective & efficient communication both internally and externally.
    • Project management and organizational skills.
    • High reading comprehension and writing proficiency.
    • Resourcefulness, able to do research on products and code, self starter.
    • Knowledge of state and local codes as it pertains to Solar Energy.
    • General architectural, electrical, and structural competence.
    • Ability to comprehend and create construction plansets and electrical SLD.
    • Ability to QC Solar PV System construction plansets.
    • Ability to coordinate Electrical Tie-ins with EEOR.
    • Experience with project management software such as Scoop.
    • Ability to navigate multiple AHJ plancheck and permit issuance processes.
    • AutoCAD and BlueBeam Competency.


                                The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $85K - $120K. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.


                                Benefits:


                                • Competitive salaries
                                • Health/vision/dental insurance
                                • 401(k) plan with 6% match
                                • Paid holidays
                                • Flexible PTO


                                About Cal Solar, Inc.:


                                Passionate About Renewable Energy? Then we're looking for you!


                                For more than 10 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar, Inc.) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.


                                We are always seeking talented individuals! Join a focused and motivated team. Cal Solar, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) committed to a culture based on respect and performance.


                                Cal Solar, Inc is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.