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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Amphenol TCS

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $168K/yr

Position: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Data Center Focus) Location: Santa Clara, CA Amphenol ... Interact with global associates as is needed during product development and provide mentorship as ...

Flux

Aviation Design Engineer/Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Overview We are seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to join one of our clients in San ... Coordinates communication between internal and external associates and client, and between firm and ...

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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 Jun 22, 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Associate Design Engineers and other engineering roles often value skills, experience, and continuous learning over age. Many engineers start or transition into the field later in life, and acquiring relevant certifications or degrees can help regardless of age. Age is generally not a barrier to entering engineering careers if the individual has the necessary skills and motivation.

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 supporting design development, testing, and documentation tasks within engineering teams.

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 $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Nenni and Associates

Irvine, CA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Electrical Design Engineer

Our client is a nationally recognized engineering firm delivering innovative electrical, mechanical, and technology solutions across healthcare, commercial, education, and institutional markets. With a strong West Coast presence, they are known for technical excellence, sustainable design, and a collaborative culture.

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an Electrical Design Engineerto support healthcare and commercial projects from pre-design through construction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support electrical design on small to mid-sized projects

  • Develop single-line diagrams and load schedules

  • Design lighting systems, controls, and power distribution (normal, emergency, renewable)

  • Perform energy modeling (EnergyPro or IES VE)

  • Conduct Arc Flash, Short Circuit, and Coordination studies (ETAP/SKM)

  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

  • 3+ years of electrical design experience

  • Proficient in Revit and AutoCAD

  • Strong knowledge of NEC and California Building Code

  • Experience with power system analysis (Arc Flash/Coordination)

  • EIT preferred; PE, LEED, and HCAI experience a plus

  • Net Zero design experience a plus

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits included (401k match, full health coverage, flexible PTO, professional development support).

Apply