Computer Aided Design Design Intern Jobs in California

This role supports the design and drafting of custom water filtration systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The CAD Drafter creates and modifies 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, maintains Bills of Materials, and prepares engineering documentation to support fabrication, production, and assembly. The position collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and draft custom water filtration systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
• Create, modify, and maintain 3D models and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Generate and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support manufacturing and assembly.
• Prepare, organize, and manage engineering documentation for fabrication, production, and assembly processes.
• Collaborate with project engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication teams to ensure designs are accurate, feasible, and manufacturable.
• Support both new product development and sustaining engineering efforts by providing accurate CAD models and drawings.
• Update and revise existing designs based on project requirements, production feedback, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all drawings, models, and documentation remain organized, accurate, and up to date within the document control system.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and support project execution.
• Work closely with welders and fabrication personnel to translate design intent into practical, buildable solutions.

• SolidWorks proficiency, including 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation (must-have).
• Experience with mechanical design and CAD modeling.
• Ability to create detailed engineering drawings and documentation suitable for fabrication and assembly.
• Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• 0–5+ years of experience in CAD design, drafting, or mechanical design, with openness to entry-level candidates who demonstrate strong SolidWorks skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; formal education in CAD, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in CAD, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD is preferred.
• Experience with piping design and P&IDs is an advantage.
• Exposure to manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environments is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate closely with welders and fabrication teams to align designs with practical shop-floor requirements.

The role is based in a family-owned organization with a collaborative, down-to-earth culture that values open communication and teamwork. Work takes place in a warehouse-style manufacturing environment with close interaction between engineering, welders, and fabrication personnel. The position involves frequent collaboration on the shop floor to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and aligned with production needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vista, CA.

The pay range for this position is $43.40 - $54.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Vista,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.