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Computer Aided Design Design Engineer Jobs in La Jolla, CA

ATA Engineering, Inc

CAD Designer

CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Develop 3D CAD models and production-ready drawings, in collaboration with engineering team, to support design, documentation, fabrication, assembly, and other product development activities.

Broadcom

IC CAD Engineer

San Diego, CA

$127K - $226K/yr

Master in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science + 10 years of EDA experience. * Expertise in the following CAD Tools: Virtuoso Studio 25.1, Cadence Maestro, Spectre, Virtuoso Layout, Quantus QRC ...

General Atomics

CAD Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a CAD Administrator to support our engineering team in the Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Group located in Rancho Bernardo, CA. DUTIES AND ...

General Atomics

Engineering CAD Drafter

Poway, CA · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Prepares detail engineering drawings from given data such as previous drawings, layouts, detailed sketches, and standard references. * Revises CAD drawings, working from instructions, marked prints ...

Gnostech LLC

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Drafter/CAD Operator II ID: 1164 Location: San Diego, CA Description Gnostech, LLC is seeking an ... Make arithmetic computations using standard engineering formulas. * Consult manuals and measure ...

Qualcomm

EDA/CAD Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering General Summary: Qualcomm Technologies Inc's Global CAD team develops tools, flows, and methodologies for different aspects of VLSI design.

Leidos

Configuration Management CAD Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

This role ensures engineering data integrity, manages CAD data and product structures, supports configuration management processes, and partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT teams ...

Gnostech

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Gnostech, LLC is seeking an experienced Drafter/CAD Operator II to support the Navy and Marine Corps (NAVWAR/NIWC Pacific) Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) In Service Engineering (ISEA) Programs.

Leidos

Configuration Management CAD Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

This role ensures engineering data integrity, manages CAD data and product structures, supports configuration management processes, and partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT teams ...

Gnostech

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Gnostech, LLC is seeking an experienced Drafter/CAD Operator II to support the Navy and Marine Corps (NAVWAR/NIWC Pacific) Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) In Service Engineering (ISEA) Programs.

Gnostech

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Gnostech, LLC is seeking an experienced Drafter/CAD Operator II to support the Navy and Marine Corps (NAVWAR/NIWC Pacific) Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) In Service Engineering (ISEA) Programs.

Leidos

Configuration Management CAD Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

This role ensures engineering data integrity, manages CAD data and product structures, supports configuration management processes, and partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and IT teams ...

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Computer Aided Design Design Engineer information

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$53

$77

How much do computer aided design design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer aided design design engineer in La Jolla, CA is $53.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.06 and $64.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer aided design (CAD) design engineer?

A Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software to create detailed technical drawings and 3D models for products, parts, or structures. These engineers collaborate with other engineering teams to turn conceptual ideas into precise digital designs, which are then used for manufacturing or construction. Their work ensures that designs meet the required specifications, safety standards, and functional needs. CAD Design Engineers are crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, architecture, and manufacturing.

How does a computer aided design (CAD) design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

As a CAD Design Engineer, collaboration with other departments—such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management—is an integral part of the job. You’ll frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure that your designs align with manufacturability, cost targets, and regulatory standards. Effective communication is essential, as you’ll often need to translate complex technical drawings into actionable insights for team members with diverse backgrounds. This interdepartmental teamwork not only helps streamline the design-to-production process but also provides valuable learning opportunities for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer aided design (CAD) design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer, you need strong technical drawing skills, a solid understanding of engineering principles, and typically a degree in mechanical, civil, or related engineering fields. Expertise in CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, along with familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure design accuracy and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills are vital for delivering precise, manufacturable designs that meet project requirements and support efficient product development.

What is the difference between Computer Aided Design Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectComputer Aided Design Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or design, proficiency in CAD softwareRequires engineering degree, often with specialization in mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesManufacturing plants, R&D labs, engineering departments
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including automotive, aerospace, product designPrimarily in mechanical systems, machinery, and equipment design

The Computer Aided Design Design Engineer focuses on creating detailed digital models using CAD software, often working closely with product development teams. Mechanical Design Engineers also use CAD but typically have a broader role in designing mechanical systems and components. While both roles require similar technical skills and work environments, their focus areas differ, with CAD Design Engineers emphasizing digital modeling and Mechanical Design Engineers concentrating on mechanical functionality and system integration.

What cities near La Jolla, CA are hiring for Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near La Jolla, CA with the most Computer Aided Design Design Engineer job openings:

Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Aided Design Design Engineer job openings in La Jolla, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,543 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

CAD Designer

CA • On-site

ATA Engineering, Inc
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about ATA Engineering, Incexternal

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

ATA is seeking a CAD designer with a strong interest in designing and supporting fabrication and testing activities for all types of mechanical hardware across a variety of industries, including themed entertainment, aerospace and defense, and industrial machinery. The successful candidate will be able to quickly adapt to new projects, support multiple concurrent projects, collaborate frequently with small and medium-sized engineering teams, and be open to occasional travel to customer sites. Professional experience working with SolidWorks, NX, or a similar CAD program (modeling and drafting) is essential. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week with benefits and occasional overtime). ATA is headquartered in San Diego, California, but serves clients globally.
LOCATIONS:
San Diego
13290 Evening Creek Drive South
San Diego, California 92128
Colorado
Colorado - 1597 Cole Boulevard, Ste 375,
Lakewood, Colorado 80401
Alabama
308 Voyager Way NW, Suite 102,
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
Washington DC
13665 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite 350,
Herndon, Virginia 20171
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop 3D CAD models and production-ready drawings, in collaboration with engineering team, to support design, documentation, fabrication, assembly, and other product development activities.
  • Produce and review production-ready assembly and detail drawings, applying annotations, notes, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) elements consistent with the ASME Y14.5 standard.
  • Produce other design documentation such as parts lists, schematics, and design review materials.
  • Apply basic design principles to identify, size, and select commercial off-the-shelf mechanical components for engineering designs.
  • Maintain and apply fundamental knowledge of manufacturing processes for commonly used engineering materials.
  • Apply basic design principles in developing and checking structural and mechanical designs, including connections.
  • Interface with suppliers to support the procurement of prototype or production components and assemblies.
  • Occasionally support fabrication and functional testing of mechanical systems.

Requirements:
The ideal candidate would have all of the following skills.
  • Must be a US Person.
  • Computer-Aided Drafting and Design degree (A.S.) or similar; alternatively, three or more years of mechanical design and/or fabrication and assembly experience.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites (within and outside of California).
  • Substantial professional experience with solid design (3D modeling) and computer-aided drafting (2D). Recent experience with SolidWorks or Siemens NX (or both) is a significant advantage. Experience with other 3D or 2D CAD packages, such as Creo, Inventor, and AutoCAD, will be considered. Experience with managing large assemblies in a CAD environment is a plus.
  • Ability to make drawings consistent with the ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
  • Ability to select and size appropriate hardware from commercial off-the-shelf inventory for mechanical designs.
  • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills enabling preparation of clear and precise documentation.
  • Strong technical skills (engineering software, mechanical aptitude, office and productivity software).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience working in technical teams.
  • Ability to work productively without close supervision.
  • Experience designing flight hardware including the following elements is a plus: mechanisms, flexures, honeycomb panels, composites, glass, optical components, and mechanical fasteners.
  • Experience designing ground-based mechanical equipment and heavy structures (bolted construction and/or welded) is a plus.
  • Experience designing mechatronic and robotic systems is a plus.
  • Experience with machine tools (mill, lathe, drill press, etc.) is a plus.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Salary Range:
  • Early Career Professional: $60,000-$90,000 per year
HOW TO APPLY
We appreciate your interest in ATA Engineering and request that you submit the following materials if you are qualified and wish to join our team of employee-owners at ATA Engineering:
  • A current résumé or CV.
  • A copy of your up-to-date college transcripts. You may email them, or request that an official transcript be sent directly to the address below. If your transcript contains identifying information such as Social Security Number and/or date of birth, please delete this information prior to submitting your transcripts.
  • A statement confirming that you meet the definition of a US person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62.

Please note: we prefer electronic copies of all documents, but you may also mail them to the address below if necessary. Many of our contracts require access to government, defense, and classified information. We cannot consider your application unless you are a US Person. Unless you specifically state otherwise in your cover letter or email, you will be considered for all current openings at all ATA locations. Once we have reviewed your qualifications, you will be contacted by email regarding the status of your application.
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About ATA Engineering

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2000

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