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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

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 ...

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$137K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5+ years of relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent ... Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ...

Chipton Ross

Senior CAD Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71.05/hr

... engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES * Experience with Electronics, Altium to NX or equivalent PCBA development. * Aerospace or automotive design experience.

XDIN

Alias Modeler

Los Angeles, CA

$59 - $76.50/hr

Minimum 3 years working in or for an OEM or Tier I automotive design studio * Portfolio is a MUST. * BS, BA or MFA degree in design, engineering or transportation related * High proficiency in Alias ...

General Motors

Studio Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA

Understanding of engineering theory and principles of automotive design * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others * Aptitude to ...

New

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Engineering JobsAutomotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Automotive Design Engineering information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering 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 as an Automotive Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help you innovate and efficiently address design challenges. These abilities ensure the development of safe, functional, and marketable vehicles in a highly competitive industry.

What is the difference between Automotive Design Engineering vs Automotive Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectAutomotive Design EngineeringAutomotive Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of vehicle components and aestheticsProduction processes, assembly, and manufacturing efficiency
Required SkillsCAD, design principles, vehicle dynamicsManufacturing processes, quality control, automation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labsFactories, production lines
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsManufacturing certifications, Six Sigma

Automotive Design Engineering focuses on creating vehicle designs and prototypes, while Automotive Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production and assembly processes. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments, with design engineers working in creative settings and manufacturing engineers in production facilities.

What is automotive design engineering?

Automotive design engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the development and design of vehicles, including their appearance, functionality, and performance. Professionals in this role combine creativity with technical knowledge to create innovative, safe, and efficient vehicles. They use advanced software and engineering principles to design components, systems, and the overall structure of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Automotive design engineers often work closely with other specialists, such as mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers, to bring a concept vehicle from idea to production.

What are some typical challenges faced by Automotive Design Engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Automotive Design Engineers often work closely with teams from manufacturing, electronics, and quality assurance. A common challenge is ensuring that design concepts are feasible within manufacturing constraints and cost targets, requiring frequent adjustments and clear communication. Balancing innovative design ideas with regulatory standards and safety requirements can also present difficulties. Effective collaboration and adaptability are essential for aligning different perspectives and achieving successful product development.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California? For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Design Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Design Engineering job openings:
Automotive Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote 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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