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Cad Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

... Software Engineer to join our growing team to help us build out the core functionality of our next-generation CAD Graphics Engine! In this role, you'll work as part of a small team of Graphics ...

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$150K - $186K/yr

About The Role We're looking for a Graphics Engine Software Engineer to join our growing team to help us build out the core functionality of our next-generation CAD Graphics Engine! In this role, you ...

Nvidia

Senior VLSI CAD Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our small team building custom, high-impact VLSI CAD software in a technically challenging and highly visible domain. This is a full-cycle role ...

Atomic Machines

AI CAD Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site +1

Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital-but ... Proficiency in interacting with CAD software via APIs (Python, C++, or other relevant languages)

Atomic Machines

AI CAD Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$210K - $260K/yr

Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital-but ... Proficiency in interacting with CAD software via APIs (Python, C++, or other relevant languages)

Atomic Machines

AI CAD Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site +1

$210K - $260K/yr

Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital--but ... Proficiency in interacting with CAD software via APIs (Python, C++, or other relevant languages)

DK Engineer Corp

CAD Drafter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.50/hr

DK Engineer Corp (DKE) is seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic team and help us ... Proficiency in AutoCAD and other CAD software. * Strong attention to detail and ability to produce ...

Gnostech LLC

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Proficient in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, or similar platforms). * Working knowledge of conventional drafting techniques, engineering terms, and documentation. * Ability to ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA · On-site

$74K - $76K/yr

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... internal software and programs. * Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering.

Gnostech

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Proficient in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, or similar platforms). * Working knowledge of conventional drafting techniques, engineering terms, and documentation. * Ability to ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA

$76K/yr

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... internal software and programs. * Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering.

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA

$76K/yr

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... internal software and programs. * Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering.

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA · On-site

$74K - $76K/yr

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... internal software and programs. * Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering.

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All JobsCad Software Engineer JobsCad Software Engineer Jobs in California

Cad Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$91.9K

$149K

How much do cad software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for cad software engineer in California is $91,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace 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.

Is CAD difficult to learn?

CAD software engineering involves learning computer-aided design tools, which can vary in difficulty depending on the complexity of the software and prior experience with design or technical skills. Many CAD programs offer tutorials and training resources to help new users develop proficiency, and consistent practice is key to mastering the skills required for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CAD Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, Python, or Java), a background in computer science or engineering, and a solid understanding of geometry and mathematical modeling. Proficiency with CAD platforms like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, and familiarity with version control systems and APIs, is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, user-friendly CAD solutions that meet engineering needs and client specifications.

What are some common challenges faced by CAD Software Engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

CAD Software Engineers often work closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure that design intent is accurately translated into functional products. One common challenge is balancing the technical requirements of different departments while maintaining efficient workflows and meeting tight deadlines. Effective communication and clear documentation are essential to resolve discrepancies in design specifications or constraints. Additionally, adapting to various team members' preferred CAD tools or standards can require flexibility and continuous learning.

What are CAD Software Engineers?

CAD Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain computer-aided design (CAD) software applications used for creating technical drawings and models in industries such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. They specialize in programming and optimizing software tools that enable users to create precise 2D or 3D representations of products and structures. Their work involves both software engineering skills and an understanding of the needs of end-users in technical fields.

Is CAD still in demand?

CAD Software Engineers are in consistent demand across industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and engineering, as CAD skills are essential for designing and drafting. The role often requires proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, and demand is expected to remain stable due to ongoing infrastructure and product development projects.

What is the difference between Cad Software Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectCad Software EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentSoftware development, CAD tool creationProduct design, prototype development
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, CAD software firmsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in CAD software developmentDesigning mechanical components with CAD

The main difference is that a Cad Software Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining CAD software tools, while a Mechanical Design Engineer uses CAD to create and analyze mechanical parts and assemblies. Both roles require CAD skills and engineering knowledge but serve different functions within the product development process.

What are the 7 types of CAD software?

CAD software engineers work with various types of CAD software, including 2D drafting tools, 3D modeling programs, parametric design software, surface modeling applications, simulation and analysis tools, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software, and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design programs. Familiarity with these types helps in designing, analyzing, and manufacturing products across industries. Proficiency in specific CAD tools often depends on the industry and project requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Cad Software Engineer jobs in California? For Cad Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cad Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cad Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Cad Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cad Software 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 $91,910 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Zoo

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$145K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Us
We're on a mission to revolutionize the CAD industry by developing the world's most advanced hardware design infrastructure and tools. Mechanical CAD is in the dark ages, and hardware demands have outpaced today's hardware design infrastructure. The industry is due for a refresh, and we're laying the foundation for a modern hardware design toolkit so that you can create new design tools never before possible.
We are headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with both a local and remote team. We were founded and incubated by Embedded Ventures in 2021.
About You
We're looking for curious, innovative, and ambitious self-starters to join our lean and growing team to help us bring our mission to life. We think you'll thrive on our team if you're:
  • Curious at your core, with an eagerness to learn and do things differently
  • Customer-focused, always thinking about ways to improve the user experience
  • Able to operate autonomously and work asynchronously, while also being an effective team player

About The Role
We're looking for a Graphics Engine Software Engineer to join our growing team to help us build out the core functionality of our next-generation CAD Graphics Engine! In this role, you'll work as part of a small team of Graphics Engineers to design, prototype and implement features of our engine in order to enable users with faster and more reliable geometry and modeling capability of their hardware designs. Our CAD Engine is GPU optimized and creates boundary representations versus meshes, so the ideal candidate will have familiarity with CAD software, specially B-Rep/NURBS modeling. This is a great opportunity to apply your expertise in 3D graphics to help us disrupt the hardware design industry, working alongside a hands-on, collaborative startup team!
What You'll Do
  • Develop and maintain CAD modeling algorithms (editing brep data structures, developing topological algorithms, etc)
  • Develop and maintain rendering code within the graphics core of the CAD engine
  • Implement and continuously improve various low-level and complex architectural systems that interface with Graphics APIs, modeling, rendering, and proceduralization pipelines
  • Analyze code for performance and optimization opportunities as it relates to load times, memory usage and platform-specific performance issues
  • Become an expert on our product strategy and customer use cases in order to provide the best solutions to our growing customer base
  • Document functionality and implementation details for production and other Engineers
What You'll Need
  • B.S. in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Proficiency with C++14/17
  • Substantial experience with 3D graphics, rendering, and modeling algorithms
  • Substantial experience with 3D Graphics APIs such as Vulkan or OpenGL
  • Experience with GPU computing APIs such as CUDA
  • Strong familiarity of the inner workings of CAD 3D editors such as Blender, Maya, Solidworks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
  • Familiarity with Git
  • Experience working with both low-level and visualization-focused aspects of a graphics pipeline

The salary range for this role is provided below. The final offer will depend on multiple factors including candidate experience, skills, expertise, and market data. Compensation may vary by geography. In addition to salary, we offer competitive equity as well as a full benefits package which may vary by geography as well.
Salary Range
$145,000-$195,000 USD
Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Zoo team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals from across the globe. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other trait that unfairly targets a group of people. We encourage everyone interested in our mission to apply!

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