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Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chipton Ross

Senior CAD Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71.05/hr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Experience designing and managing large CAD assemblies ... Bachelor's degree in engineering OR 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree. WORK HOURS ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ... Design Engineer I: $86,100 - $122,220 * Design Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468 Pay Range:

General Motors

Studio Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA

The Studio Design Engineer is responsible for integrating and balancing vehicle models with Design ... The optimal candidate has a passion for the automotive industry and can work objectively to balance ...

New

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ... Senior Design Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552 Pay Range: California $137,760-$195,552 USD ...

Aptino

Hardware Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

C2C & W2 Contract Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and validation of advanced electronic hardware systems for automotive ...

New

Banks Power

Mechanical Design Engineer

Azusa, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

Design automotive aftermarket high-performance components and systems. Create 3D models and 2D ... Collaborate with the rest of the Engineering team in the fabrication of test apparatus and ...

Tata Technologies

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Thermal Systems Team ... The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in automotive product design and development ...

Motive Companies

Electrical Design Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Participate in cross‑functional meetings and contribute to technical problem‑solving Requirements * 3-5+ years of electrical design engineering experience (automotive, motorsports, or aerospace ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Engineer JobsAutomotive Design Engineer Jobs in California

Automotive Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automotive Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and a strong understanding of automotive systems and materials. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and relevant certifications such as FE or PE are highly valued. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities enable engineers to develop innovative vehicle designs that meet safety, performance, and manufacturing requirements within cross-functional teams.

What does an automotive design engineer do?

An automotive design engineer develops and refines vehicle concepts, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and safety. They use CAD software to create detailed models, collaborate with manufacturing teams, and ensure designs meet industry standards and customer needs throughout the development process.

What does an Automotive Design Engineer do?

An Automotive Design Engineer is responsible for developing and improving vehicle designs, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and safety. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create blueprints and collaborate with engineers to refine concepts. Their work includes designing body structures, interiors, and aerodynamics while ensuring compliance with industry standards. They also test prototypes and analyze performance to enhance efficiency and durability.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and a strong understanding of vehicle systems can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level engineers in the automotive industry often work in leadership roles or specialized fields such as electric vehicle design or autonomous systems. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What does a typical day look like for an Automotive Design Engineer?

As an Automotive Design Engineer, your days often involve collaborating with other engineers and designers to create and refine vehicle components using CAD tools, participating in design reviews, and ensuring that your solutions meet safety and regulatory standards. You might analyze prototypes, troubleshoot design challenges, and incorporate feedback from cross-functional partners such as manufacturing or testing teams. It's common to split time between computer-based design work and hands-on activities like inspecting prototypes or components. This role offers a dynamic mix of creative problem-solving, technical analysis, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand markets or with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically reflects seniority, specialized expertise, and working for major automotive manufacturers or suppliers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with working in large companies, specialized expertise, or managerial positions within the automotive industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California? For Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Design Engineer job openings:
Automotive Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer, reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Structures and Dynamics team covers a wide range of components and responsibilities: from the primary pressure hull, to MMOD shielding, engineered soft goods, and establishing design loads and factors, as well as supporting other teams' design needs across the company.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Designing vehicle structures from conceptual phase through product release and manufacture release and manufacture.
  • Define and manage interfaces between vehicle subsystems.
  • Develop design process improvement via simplification or automation.
  • Provide technical assistance to integration and testing activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering with relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Aerospace or automotive design experience.
  • Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work well in an integrated team including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
  • Experience designing and managing large CAD assemblies and associated drawings.
  • Demonstrated development and configuration management experience on technically complex hardware products.
  • Knowledge of mechanical engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing.
  • Experience with ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41.
  • Experience with Siemens NX.

Pay Range: 

  • Design Engineer I: $86,100 - $122,220
  • Design Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468

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