1

Computer Design Jobs in Los Angeles, CA (NOW HIRING)

The CAD Design Engineer will design and build prototypes for the Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.

The CAD Design Engineer will design and build prototypes for the Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.

The CAD Design Engineer will design and build prototypes for the Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.

CAD Designer

Whittier, CA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $39.50/hr

Develop intricate part and assembly models using SolidWorks 3D CAD * Design components to meet manufacturing specifications, including sheet plastic routing, fusion welding, sheet metal bending ...

CAD Designer

Whittier, CA

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

Develop intricate part and assembly models using SolidWorks 3D CAD * Design components to meet manufacturing specifications, including sheet plastic routing, fusion welding, sheet metal bending ...

CAD Designer

Whittier, CA ยท On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

Develop intricate part and assembly models using SolidWorks 3D CAD * Design components to meet manufacturing specifications, including sheet plastic routing, fusion welding, sheet metal bending ...

CAD Drafter

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$24.25 - $32.50/hr

Are you a skilled CAD Drafter looking to contribute to exciting and innovative civil engineering projects in Southern California? DK Engineer Corp (DKE) is seeking a talented individual to join our ...

Be Seen First

CAD Drafter

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The CAD Drafter will be responsible for the design and development of parts, assemblies, and drawings in SolidWorks PDM. Utilizing feedback from the rest of the engineering team, they will be ...

Principal CAD Designer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

We are looking to add a Principal CAD Designer to our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for ...

We are looking to add a Principal CAD Designer to our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for ...

Principal CAD Designer

El Segundo, CA

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

We are looking to add a Principal CAD Designer to our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for ...

CAD Consultant

Alhambra, CA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $39.25/hr

Position: CAD Consultant Location: Alhambra, CA Duration: 12+ months Skills Required: Specialized functional and technical expertise for the configuration and support of Bentley Systems' OpenRoads ...

CAD Designer / Drafter

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

CAD Designer / Drafter Location: Greater Los Angeles Area Pay: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour (DOE) Position Summary We are seeking a CAD Designer/Drafter to support engineering and infrastructure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Computer Design information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$36.1K

$52K

$68.4K

How much do computer design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer design in Los Angeles, CA is $52,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $59,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is computer design?

Computer design is the process of planning and creating the architecture, components, and systems that make up computers and computing devices. It involves selecting hardware, designing circuit layouts, and optimizing performance, reliability, and efficiency. Professionals in this field may work on anything from microprocessors and memory systems to entire computer architectures, ensuring technology meets the needs of users and organizations.

Which careers are with computers and design?

Careers in computer design include roles such as computer hardware engineer, user interface (UI) designer, and computer graphics artist. These jobs often require skills in software tools like CAD programs, programming, and understanding of digital systems, with some positions requiring certifications or a degree in computer science or related fields.

What does a computer designer do?

A computer designer develops and creates computer hardware, software, or integrated systems, focusing on improving performance, efficiency, and usability. They often use design tools, programming languages, and technical specifications to build prototypes and ensure functionality. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential in this role.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of computer design, roles such as lead UX/UI designer, software architect, or design director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and proficiency with design tools and programming languages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Designer, you need strong skills in hardware architecture, digital logic design, and proficiency in computer engineering or related fields. Familiarity with tools like CAD software, hardware description languages (HDL), and circuit simulation programs is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for creating reliable, innovative computer systems that meet user and industry requirements.

How do computer design professionals typically collaborate with software developers and other engineering teams?

Computer design professionals often work closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and project managers throughout the product development cycle. They participate in regular cross-functional meetings to ensure that hardware and software components integrate seamlessly, exchanging detailed design specifications and providing feedback on feasibility and constraints. Effective communication and documentation are key, as design changes in one area can significantly impact others. Being proactive in collaboration helps prevent costly errors and accelerates the development process.

Is AI replacing graphic designers?

AI tools are increasingly used in graphic design to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not fully replace graphic designers. Human creativity, judgment, and understanding of client needs remain essential in producing effective and original designs. Many designers now incorporate AI into their workflow to enhance productivity and innovation.

What is the difference between Computer Design vs Computer Engineering?

AspectComputer DesignComputer Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Design, related certificationsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, related certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, labs, software development teamsResearch labs, development firms, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on hardware architecture, system designEncompasses hardware and software integration, system development

Computer Design primarily emphasizes creating hardware architectures and designing systems, while Computer Engineering combines hardware and software development to build integrated computing solutions. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their focus areas differ, with Computer Design centered on design aspects and Computer Engineering on implementation and integration.

Infographic showing various Computer Design job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,042 per year, or $25 per hour.

CAD Design Engineer

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You'll Do:
The CAD Design Engineer will design and build prototypes for the Space Kinetic's core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will work with the Space Kinetic manufacturing/engineering team to finalize the current prototype's CAD design. This entails refining the design with detailed tolerancing to cover all prototype development phases, completing mechanism design, providing 2D CAD drawings for manufacturing, and working with vendors to source components. Following this, you will be responsible for enhancing the prototype design to achieve significant weight reduction, targeting a 30% decrease and increasing its stiffness and rigidity.

The next phase involves revising the mechanism designs to incorporate the latest advancements, minimizing the vibration within the system. Subsequently, the prototype will undergo a mechanical redesign to ensure it is suitable for manufacturing, with specific attention to tolerancing for plating processes.

Additionally, you will adapt the prototype for future tests, such as air bearing, zero-g flights, and T-Vac chamber testing. This includes making structural adjustments to facilitate testing in various orientations and environments while ensuring the design meets rigorous safety standards.

Finally, the role involves comprehensive ongoing analysis of test data to inform and drive necessary design changes throughout the project duration. We should move closer to a flight-ready prototype with each new design iteration.

What It Takes:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
  • Proven experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering, specifically skilled in mechanical design and space mechanisms.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks, GD&T, Space Mechanism Design, Test Structure Design, Build for Manufacturing (experience in collaborating with machinists and experience designing for manufacturing), expertise in Vibration, Rotary Component Design, and Space Structural Design.
  • Demonstrated Aerospace experience is essential.
  • Experience in executing experiments in a laboratory or R&D environment, skilled in data collection and adept at implementing design modifications based on experimental outcomes.
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
  • Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance.
What We'd Love:
  • Experience with space-grade components and ratings.
  • Adept in testing for in-space operations
  • Passion for the commercial and government space industry.
  • Demonstrated experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle system development.
Where You'll Be:
  • The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
  • Health and Wellness Stipend
  • Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. 

Pay Range
$100,000—$140,000 USD