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Concept Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Concept Prototyping Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... engineering, software design, and interaction design, enabling it to build fully functional prototypes that inform decisions across Apple. From rapid proofs of concept to live-on platforms ...

Apple

Concept Prototyping Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

... engineering, software design, and interaction design, enabling it to build fully functional prototypes that inform decisions across Apple. From rapid proofs of concept to live-on platforms ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll : sketched out, psychologically intentional, and handed off to the designer with a complete production blueprint ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll: sketched out, psychologically intentional, and handed off to the designer with a complete production blueprint ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$136K - $157K/yr

You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll : sketched out, psychologically intentional, and handed off to the designer with a complete production blueprint ...

Moose Toys LLC

Packaging Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Senior Packaging Engineer Direct Reports: None Role Objectives: Working with cross functional ... from concept and costing through to manufacturing. The role will require you to ensure product ...

Moose Toys

Packaging Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Senior Packaging Engineer Direct Reports: None Role Objectives: Working with cross functional ... from concept and costing through to manufacturing. The role will require you to ensure product ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsConcept Engineer JobsConcept Engineer Jobs in California

Concept Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do concept engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for concept engineer in California is $114,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a concept engineer?

As a Concept Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include brainstorming and developing new product concepts, creating CAD models and prototypes, and evaluating the feasibility of design ideas in collaboration with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams. You'll conduct research to stay up-to-date with industry trends and materials, participate in regular design review meetings, and document your concepts to guide subsequent engineering stages. The work environment is usually project-based and highly collaborative, offering plenty of opportunities to innovate and see your ideas evolve into real-world products. This role is ideal for those who enjoy both hands-on technical tasks and creative problem-solving within a team setting.

What is a concept engineer?

A Concept Engineer is responsible for developing, evaluating, and refining early-stage product or system concepts. They bridge the gap between initial ideas and detailed engineering, focusing on feasibility, innovation, and design optimization. Their role often involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, conducting research, and utilizing simulations or prototypes to validate concepts. Concept Engineers work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to create innovative solutions before full-scale development begins.

What does a concept engineer do?

A concept engineer develops and evaluates innovative ideas and designs for new products or systems, focusing on feasibility and functionality. They often use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to turn concepts into viable solutions during early project phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a concept engineer?

To thrive as a Concept Engineer, you need strong problem-solving abilities, a background in engineering or industrial design, and a solid grasp of product development processes. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and project management systems is typically required, and certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be beneficial. Effective collaboration, creativity, and communication skills help Concept Engineers excel in cross-functional teams and translate abstract ideas into actionable solutions. These skills are crucial for successfully taking innovative concepts from the drawing board to market-ready designs within fast-paced product development environments.

What are popular job titles related to Concept Engineer jobs in California? For Concept Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Concept Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Concept Engineer jobs in California are:
Concept Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Concept Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,347 per year, or $55 per hour.

Ground Systems Concept Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Enterprise Effects Division Description

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position will follow an in-person work model with a minimum of 4 days per week of onsite work required in one of Aerospace's campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, Albuquerque, NM, or El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Providing concept exploration and engineering support of ground systems forcustomer programs

  • Leading and participating in conceptual and preliminary design studies and trades of ground systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams

  • Evaluating ground system design and architecture concepts and participating in design reviews

  • Working with government and program office personnel and technical experts across Aerospace

  • Developing tools and models that support ground system concept design and analysis activities

  • Mentoring junior members of the department

What You Need To Be SuccessfulMinimum Requirements: Engineering Specialist

  • Astrongknowledge of ground systems, spacecraft systems, and systems engineering principles

  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure

  • 8+ years of relevant experience inleading, developing and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams

  • Demonstrated experience in developing ground systems concepts

  • Demonstrated experience in mission control or mission processing systems for space systems

  • Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs

  • Occasionaldomestic travel

  • A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline

  • Demonstrated experience with dedicated on-premises compute hardware

  • Demonstrated experience with Amazon, Microsoft, or Oracle cloud offerings

  • Demonstrated experience with antenna, hardware etc. related to ground entry points

  • Demonstrated experience with communications and networking

  • Demonstrated experience with software, software process approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile)

  • Services, microservices etc.

  • Database technologies

  • Distributed processing frameworks

  • Software standards

  • Demonstrated experience with data center design and operations

  • Demonstrated experience with network maintenance, load balancing, data coordination

  • Proficiency in simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks

  • Strong, demonstrated personal initiative

  • Experience with the Intelligence Community

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

N/A Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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