Computer Aided Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CAD Specialist

Job Description

This role supports the design and drafting of custom water filtration systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The CAD Specialist creates and updates 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials, while collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication teams. This position contributes to both new product development and sustaining engineering, ensuring that all designs are accurate, manufacturable, and well-documented.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and drafting of 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) for manufacturing and assembly.
• Prepare, organize, and manage engineering documentation for fabrication, production, and assembly processes.
• Collaborate closely with project engineering, manufacturing, and fabrication teams to ensure designs are accurate, practical, and manufacturable.
• Assist with both new product development projects and sustaining engineering activities for existing products.
• Update and revise existing designs to meet project requirements, incorporate production feedback, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all drawings, models, and documentation are organized, accurate, and kept up to date.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to support timely and successful project execution.
• Work closely with welders and fabrication personnel to clarify design intent and address manufacturability questions.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, including 3D modeling and detailed engineering drawing creation (required).
• Experience with mechanical design and CAD modeling.
• Ability to create detailed engineering drawings and supporting documentation for manufacturing and assembly.
• Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong communication skills and the 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 have strong SolidWorks experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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 a plus.
• Exposure to manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environments is beneficial.
• Experience creating detailed engineering drawings for production and assembly processes.
• Ability to work closely with fabrication and welding teams to ensure design feasibility and clarity.

Work Environment

The role is based in a family-owned organization with a collaborative, down-to-earth culture that values clear communication and teamwork. The CAD Specialist works in a warehouse-style manufacturing environment and collaborates closely with welders and fabrication personnel on the shop floor. The setting involves regular interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams, and requires a practical, hands-on approach to supporting fabrication and assembly activities. Attire is typically suitable for a manufacturing and fabrication environment.

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 29, 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.