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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Fullerton, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Engineer position under the Public Works Design Services Section is a critical position due to its key role in administrating capital projects. The Associate Engineer's primary roles ...

Associate Engineer - Design

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $164K/yr

The Associate Engineer position under the Public Works Design Services Section is a critical position due to its key role in administrating capital projects. The Associate Engineer's primary roles ...

CAD/CAM Engineer

Cypress, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Provide product training to both internal sales/engineering associates and customers * Advise on ... * CAD/CAM (NX, MasterCAM, Esprit, Hypermill, etc.) software experience highly preferred

Supervisor Design Engineering

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

As a Supervisor Design Engineering you will coordinate and conduct activities associated with ... Associate's Degree in Drafting Technology preferred. * 3 years of AutoCAD Plant 3D or equivalent ...

Supervisor Design Engineering

Wilmington, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

As a Supervisor Design Engineering you will coordinate and conduct activities associated with ... Associate's Degree in Drafting Technology preferred. * 3 years of AutoCAD Plant 3D or equivalent ...

The Associate Mechanical Engineer will support the planning, design, and delivery of mechanical building systems for a variety of projects, including commercial, healthcare, higher education, life ...

The Associate Mechanical Engineer will support the planning, design, and delivery of mechanical building systems for a variety of projects, including commercial, healthcare, higher education, life ...

Design Associate Position Summary The Design Associate provides technical and administrative ... This role assists with architectural and engineering coordination, document review, contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Design Engineer information

See Fullerton, CA salary details

$43.3K

$86.2K

$137.7K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Fullerton, CA is $86,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $99,100.00 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?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Fullerton, CA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Fullerton, CA are:
What cities near Fullerton, CA are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Fullerton, CA with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Fullerton, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,214 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Attalon, Inc.

Tustin, CA โ€ข On-site

$117K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description


Optical Engineer

Job Details
The Optical Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high performance optical assemblies, and to determine the following: (1) compliant preliminary and final optical designs, (2) optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering, (3) document optical prescription and optical layout, (4) support fabrication, assembly, integration and test for 100% on-time delivery, (5) investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems involved in the manufacturing of Coherent Aerospace and Defense products to provide a smooth transition into routine production.

Responsibilities
Very experienced professional with a full understanding in multiple areas of specialization (see list below); resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways. Understands the customers' business and has an intimate understanding of the customer's needs; can accurately anticipate customer needs. This job is an advanced level career position.

Key experience, knowledge, or specialization that will enhance effectiveness in this position includes:

• Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal sensors, illuminations and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources.
• Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
• Lead optical sensitivity and Monte Carlo tolerance analyses without guidance.
• Expert understanding of Opto-Mechanical assemblies (Refractive vs Reflective, Visible vs MWIR, etc.)
• Responsible to understand properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum.
• Responsible to understand the applications and limitations with Anti-Reflective (AR), High-Reflective (HR), and filter optical coatings.
• Proficient regarding optical component or system test and metrology instruments, techniques, and performance testing, e.g. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Transmitted Wavefront Error, Surface Figure, focal length, encircled or ensquared energy, transmission, relative illumination, veiling glare, etc.
• Provide design input on optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.)
• Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments.
• Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging.
• Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings.
• Advanced understanding of optical component or system inspection per typical standards, e.g. MIL-PRF-13830B or ISO 10110, including cosmetic or functional Scratch-Dig, particle or residue contamination, reflectance, transmittance, index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, etc.
• Familiar with materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers.
• Familiar with mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, optical physics, or a related discipline is required, along with an understanding of optical and mechanical manufacturing and test processes and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts.
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years experience with a Master’s degree, or 7 years with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications
• Ability to lead conceptual development, detailed analysis, conceptual and detailed computer aided (e.g. Zemax, CodeV) design of optical imaging systems.
• Expert understanding of physical optics, optical aberration theory and optical system performance criteria.
• Proficient leading formalized optical engineering content for design and technical reviews throughout the program life cycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PSR, etc.)
• Experience with problem analysis and resolution. Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Supporting analysis through MATLAB or similar a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Ability to recommend and implement improvements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with networked PC based computer system (MS Office, spreadsheets, access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $117,645.00-$211,830.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance
This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.