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Computer Aided Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drafter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

This position requires the ability to convert engineering sketches, specifications, and design ... CAD software platforms Review and interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and design ...

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 ... The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the "how" when it comes to constructing the work.

CAD Designer

Concord, CA · On-site

$76K/yr

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the "how" when it comes to constructing the work.

CAD Designer

Whittier, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $39.50/hr

Join our team of engineers dedicated to delivering excellence to our esteemed clientele! Responsibilities: * Develop intricate part and assembly models using SolidWorks 3D CAD * Design components to ...

As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans ... The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the "how" when it comes to constructing the work.

CAD Drafter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to support Department of Defense (DoD), Commander Navy ... This position requires the ability to convert engineering sketches, specifications, and design ...

IC CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$124K/yr

THE ROLE: As an IC CAD Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting the Cadence Virtuoso ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering LOCATION: San Jose ...

CAD Designer

Whittier, CA

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

Join our team of engineers dedicated to delivering excellence to our esteemed clientele! Responsibilities: * Develop intricate part and assembly models using SolidWorks 3D CAD * Design components to ...

CAD Designer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Develop 2D/3D CAD drawings and models based on engineering specifications. * Implement and utilize Everidge drafting standards and quality plan procedures relating to drafting technique and ...

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 ... The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the "how" when it comes to constructing the work.

CAD Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$27.50 - $30/hr

Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No CAD Engineer Company: Hitachi Particle Engineering and Services, Inc. Location: Pleasanton, CA Status: 6 - 12 month contract (eligible for ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Aided Engineering information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$62.2K

$94.2K

How much do computer aided engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer aided engineering in California is $62,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectComputer Aided EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusSimulation, analysis, and optimization of engineering products using software toolsDesigning and developing mechanical components and systems
Tools & SoftwareCAE software like ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks SimulationCAD software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA
Work EnvironmentEngineering analysis labs, simulation centers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing plants, product development teams
CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in CAE softwareMechanical engineering degrees, CAD certifications

Computer Aided Engineering focuses on analyzing and optimizing designs through simulation, while Mechanical Design Engineers create the actual mechanical components and systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of product development.

Is Computer Aided Engineering a good career?

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is a specialized field that involves using software tools to analyze and optimize product designs, often requiring skills in engineering, programming, and simulation. It offers opportunities in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, with a demand for technical expertise and certifications like CAE software proficiency. Overall, it can be a stable and rewarding career for those interested in engineering analysis and design optimization.

What does a computer-aided engineer do?

A computer-aided engineer uses software tools such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) to design, analyze, and optimize products and systems. They often work in engineering teams to develop prototypes, perform simulations, and improve manufacturing processes, requiring technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles.

What are some common challenges faced by computer aided engineering (CAE) professionals when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Computer Aided Engineering professionals often collaborate with teams from various engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering. One common challenge is ensuring seamless data integration and communication across different software platforms and engineering teams. Additionally, balancing accuracy and speed in simulations while meeting tight project deadlines can be demanding. To succeed, CAE professionals must be adaptable, proactive in problem-solving, and effective communicators who can translate complex simulation results for diverse stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually supported by a relevant degree such as mechanical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency in CAE software tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation, and knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Python or MATLAB), are typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate simulations, effective analysis, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What is computer aided engineering (CAE)?

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) refers to the use of computer software to assist in engineering analysis tasks. It encompasses simulation, validation, and optimization of products and manufacturing tools. CAE tools are widely used for tasks such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and multibody dynamics (MBD). These tools help engineers improve product designs, reduce prototyping costs, and shorten development cycles by predicting how products will behave in real-world conditions.
Infographic showing various Computer Aided Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,152 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Product Manager - CAD Engineering Lead

Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.

Morgan Hill, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Product Manager - CAD Engineering Lead

TheCAD EngineeringLead owns the digital backbone of how we design, develop, and deliver product. From the engineer's first sketch in CAD through release into manufacturing and service, this roleis responsible forthe platforms, data, and processes that make product development fast, reliable, and scalable. It is a deliberate evolution beyond traditional CAD administration-less about keeping the lights on, and more about shaping how engineering works at scale.

This is a strategic, business-aligned positionwith an operational role. The person in this seat will be expected to think in terms of roadmaps, business cases, and measurable outcomes, whileremainingclose enough to the technology to make confident architectural decisions. They will partner across Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to ensure our engineering systems are a competitive advantage rather than a constraint on growth.

What You'll Do

Own the Engineering Systems Landscape

You will be accountable for the architecture, configuration, performance, and roadmap of our CAD and PDM/PLM platforms-making sure they are stable on their own and integrated cleanly into the broader ecosystem.

  • Own the architecture, configuration, and performance of CAD and PDM/PLM platforms

  • Ensure seamless integration across CAD, PLM, ERP, and manufacturing systems

  • Define a system roadmap aligned to product development and supply chain strategy

Establish Governance and Standards

Engineering at scale depends on consistency, and consistency depends on standards. You will define and enforce the standards that allow engineers across geographies to work as one team.

  • Establish and enforce CAD modeling standards

  • Define data structures, naming conventions, and BOM governance

  • Own release and change management processes

  • Drive consistency across global engineering teams

Protect the Digital Thread

Product datahas toflow accurately from design into manufacturingand oninto service-without distortion, duplication, or loss of context. You will own thatflowend to end.

  • Ensure product data flows accurately from design manufacturing service

  • Own product data quality, version control, and traceability

  • Eliminateduplication, rework, and downstream errors

Drive Engineering Productivity

Engineers should spend their time engineering, not fighting tools. You will improve productivity through targeted automation and performancetuning, andserve as the escalation point when complex issues block the team.

  • Deliver automation through scripts, templates, and design reuse

  • Optimizeperformance for large assemblies and overall system speed

  • Define and deliver a training strategy for engineers and designers

  • Act as escalation point for complex technical and system issues

Lead Transformation and Continuous Improvement

This role is expected to lead, not justmaintain. The bar is real, measurable productivity gains-not technology adoption for its own sake.

  • Lead PLM modernization and upgrade initiatives

  • Drive cloud CAD / SaaS adoption

  • Advance the move to model-based engineering (MBE)

  • Evaluate emerging engineering technologies (simulation, digital twins, MBE)

  • Drive adoption of AI-accelerated CAD - generative and topology-optimized design, AI-assisted part search and design reuse, automated simulation setup, and intelligent validation - to compress design cycles, reduce duplicate parts, and scale engineeringexpertise

  • Identifyand deliver measurable productivity gains

Manage Vendors and Partners

Our engineering systemsrun ona network of external relationships, and you will own them-holding partners accountable to SLAs and continuously looking for ways to optimize cost without compromising capability.

  • Manage external partners for CAD/PLM support, upgrades, and implementations

  • Own strategic vendor relationships (Dassault, PTC, Siemens, Autodesk, etc.)

  • Ensure SLA performance and cost optimization

Partner Across the Business

Engineering systems do not exist in isolation. A central part of the job is translating business needs into system capabilities-and translating system constraints back into business-friendly language.

  • Partner with engineering leadership on design organization needs

  • Work with IT on infrastructure, security, and identity

  • Align with supply chain and manufacturing on downstream data needs

  • Translate business needs into system capabilities

What We're Looking For

Experience

We are looking for someone with deep experience in engineering systems who has been through significant implementations from end to end.

  • 8-12+ years in engineering systems, CAD administration, or PLM roles

  • Hands-on depth with one or more major platforms:

  • PTC Windchill / Creo

  • Siemens Teamcenter / NX

  • Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE / SolidWorks PDM

  • Proventrack recordleading system implementations or transformations

Technical Skills

You should be technically credible across the full stack of engineering data-from CAD geometry through PLM lifecycle and into ERP integration-and comfortable getting hands-on with automation and configuration.

  • Strong understanding of CAD data structures and large assembly management

  • Working knowledge of PDM/PLM workflows and lifecycle models

  • Practical experience with BOM management and ERP integration

  • Automation skills (Python, VBA, APIs)

  • Experience with data governance and system configuration

  • Familiarity with cloud/SaaS engineering platforms is a plus

Leadership and Business Skills

Above all, thisrole demands the ability tooperateat bothstrategic and hands-on levels-able to build a multi-year roadmap one day and debug a complex configuration issue the next.

  • Strategic and hands-on:able to set direction and execute against it

  • Strong stakeholder management across Engineering, IT, and Operations

  • Data-driven mindset with a focus on measurable outcomes

  • Experience building roadmaps and business cases-and delivering against them