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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Associate Design Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll ...

Job Title Associate Design Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll ...

Job Title Associate Design Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Summary: We are seeking a dynamic Design Engineer to join our team in Hollister, CA. In ... With engineering and manufacturing capability in Arizona and California, our associates work ...

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA

$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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 31, 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 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:
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, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Associate Design Quality Engineer

Abbott

Temecula, CA • On-site

$50K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job Title
Associate Design Quality Engineer
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career of which you dream.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

THE OPPORTUNITY
We currently have an opening for an Associate Design Quality Engineer for the Vascular division. This role is located at our Temecula, CA location. This is a fully onsite role.
Abbott Vascular provides innovative, minimally invasive, and cost-effective products for treatment of vascular disease.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Product development core team member responsible for quality engineering deliverables including specification development, risk management, process and test method characterization and control plan development.
  • Plans and performs assignments of a wide degree of difficulty.
  • Analyzes, develops, and recommends quality engineering approaches required to meet design and production requirements.
  • Compiles and evaluates design and test data and identifies key product, process, or material factors and determines appropriate limits and specifications.
  • Prepares and assess failure mode analysis and control plans.
  • Receives general direction and exercises considerable discretion as to personal work details.
  • Reviews, generates, and approves related inputs such as FMEAs and specifications.
  • Coordinates activities with other areas.
  • May provide input on potential candidates to be hired into the team.
  • Interfaces with product team members, manufacturing quality and medical affairs

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BRING
Minimum Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science, Statistics, Engineering Discipline or ASQ or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Required Qualifications
  • 0-2 years related work experience
  • Basic technical knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures.
  • Limited understanding of business unit/group function.
  • Will perform this job in a quality system environment.
  • Failure to adequately perform tasks can result in noncompliance with governmental regulations.
  • Learns to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve routine problems.
  • Works on problems of limited scope. Minimal independent decision making.
    Licenses and Certifications

Preferred Qualifications
  • Manufacturing experience, a plus

Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
The base pay for this position is
$50,700.00 - $101,300.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Operations Quality
DIVISION:
AVD Vascular
LOCATION:
United States > Temecula : Building E - TE
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Yes, 10 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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