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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69.71 - $81.73/hr

If Design Engineer sounds like something you would be interested in, and you meet the ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system ... associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system ... associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system ... associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies ...

Tube Bending Technology, LLC

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$31 - $43/hr

Design Engineer Position is located in Apple Valley CA. JOB SUMMARY Provides engineering support in ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist in creating a work environment that effectively engages all associates ...

Tube Bending Technology, LLC

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$31 - $43/hr

Design Engineer Position is located in Apple Valley CA. JOB SUMMARY Provides engineering support in ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist in creating a work environment that effectively engages all associates ...

Tube Bending Technology, LLC

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$31 - $43/hr

Design Engineer Position is located in Apple Valley CA. JOB SUMMARY Provides engineering support in ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist in creating a work environment that effectively engages all associates ...

Trimark Associates

CAD Design Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

Salary: $85,000 - $120,000 Join our Engineering and Design team as a Project Design Engineer with ... Equal Opportunity Statement Trimark Associates is committed to diversity and inclusivity in our ...

Trimark Associates, Inc

CAD Design Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Join our Engineering and Design team as a Project Design Engineer with an emphasis on SCADA to work ... Equal Opportunity Statement Trimark Associates is committed to diversity and inclusivity in our ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What is an associate design engineer?

An associate design engineer is an entry-level engineering professional involved in designing products, systems, or components under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use CAD software, have a foundational understanding of engineering principles, and may hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. This role often involves collaboration, technical documentation, and supporting design development processes.

What are Associate Design Engineers?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Design Engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with roles requiring advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, especially in industries with high demand for technical expertise.

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

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.
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 Associate Design Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Adecco

San Diego, CA • On-site

$69.71 - $81.73/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Adecco is assisting a local client recruiting for Design Engineer (Gearbox / Gas Turbine) opportunities in San Diego, CA. This is an excellent opportunity to join a winning culture and get your foot in the door with a Company that is a leader in aerospace engineering, specializing in advanced gas turbine technologies and innovative design solutions supporting high-performance applications. If Design Engineer sounds like something you would be interested in, and you meet the qualifications listed below, apply now! 

Responsibilities for a Design Engineer include but are not limited to: 

  • Design and develop gearbox systems for gas turbine engines, including gear geometry, bearings, housings, and lubrication systems

  • Perform mechanical design and engineering analysis (FEA, thermal, fatigue, load analysis) to ensure compliance with aerospace and airworthiness standards

  • Create and review CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation using tools such as CATIA, NX, and ANSYS

  • Support testing, validation, root cause analysis, and cross-functional engineering collaboration with suppliers and internal teams

Candidates for Design Engineer must meet the following requirements to be considered: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

  • 10+ years of experience in gearbox design within aerospace or gas turbine applications

  • Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, NX) and analysis tools such as ANSYS, along with strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) knowledge

  • Experience with stack-up analysis, aerospace materials, coatings, and heat treatment processes

What's in this Design Engineer position for you?

  • Pay: $69.71 – $81.73/hour

  • Shift: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Weekly paycheck

  • Dedicated Onboarding Specialist & Recruiter

  • Access to Adecco’s Aspire Academy with thousands of free upskilling courses

This Design Engineer position is being recruited for by one of our Centralized Delivery Team and not your local Branch. For instant consideration for this Design Engineer position and other opportunities with Adecco in San Diego, CA, apply today!


Pay Details: $69.71 to $81.73 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.