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Contract Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Direct experience collaborating with external suppliers and contract manufacturers, including ... Masters in mechanical engineering, product design engineering, mechatronics engineering or similar

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The ... Provide technical support to contract manufacturers, production teams, and customers during product ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The ... Provide technical support to contract manufacturers, production teams, and customers during product ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$132K - $181K/yr

FPGA Design Engineers are responsible for the efficient implementation of novel signal processing ... S. federal contracts. * All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background ...

Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and customer contract requirements, and related specifications. Duties and Responsibilities: * Knowledge of ...

Design Engineer

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and customer contract requirements, and related specifications. Duties and Responsibilities: * Knowledge of ...

Conduct design development and contract document work sessions both in the office and at project ... Supervise and coach other engineering and support staff, including mentoring of junior engineers ...

Staff Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$300K - $350K/yr

But what if companies could exit their contract by selling it back to the market? Otherwise, as AI ... Mentor other engineers on design sensibility and frontend craft * Grow into broader product ...

Conduct design development and contract document work sessions both in the office and at project ... Supervise and coach other engineering and support staff, including mentoring of junior engineers ...

But what if companies could exit their contract by selling it back to the market? Otherwise, as AI ... Mentor other engineers on design sensibility and frontend craft * Grow into broader product ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$14

$42

$71

How much do contract design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract design engineer in California is $42.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.95 and $57.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work arrangements and expectations for a contract design engineer?

Contract Design Engineers often work on specific projects with defined durations, which may require flexibility in both location and hours depending on client needs. You might work independently or as part of an engineering team, collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to deliver design solutions within set timelines. The role frequently involves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills. This variety can provide exciting opportunities to expand your technical expertise, build a robust professional network, and gain exposure to diverse industries and design challenges.

What is a contract design engineer?

A Contract Design Engineer is a professional who designs and develops products, systems, or components on a temporary or project-based contract. They typically work for multiple companies or clients, applying engineering principles to create efficient and functional designs. Responsibilities may include CAD modeling, prototyping, and collaborating with teams to meet project requirements. Contract roles offer flexibility and varied experience but may require frequent job searching.

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

To thrive as a Contract Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), project management platforms, and certifications like PE or Chartered Engineer status are often preferred. Strong problem-solving, time management, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with cross-functional teams and meeting project deadlines. These abilities are essential for delivering high-quality design solutions on a contractual basis, ensuring project success and client satisfaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,478 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer 4

Boeing Company

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

This posting is for a contract assignment and is not a full-time employment offer with Boeing. Candidates selected for roles will be employed as contract workers through a Boeing approved 3rd party for the duration of the specified project.
Regular and predictable attendance is required
Work statement is a non-managerial role, non-leadership role.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking a Experienced Contract Design Engineer (Level 4) specializing in Mechanical Flight Controls to support our Out-of-Production (OoP) Mechanical (Mech) Systems Design Engineering (DE) team based in Seal Beach, CA.
This role is integral to our commitment to safety and compliance with FAA regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of design principles, aircraft performance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that our aircraft meet the highest safety standards.
Position Responsibilities:
Works with the OoP Chief Program Engineer (CPE) office as the Responsible Engineer on Continued Operational Safety Program (COSP) and Safety Related Problem (SRP) projects.
Supports to BCA Production, BGS Modifications, BGS Boeing Converted Freighter program and Engineering changes for OoP aircraft.
Supports BGS Spares (ELRs, SDTs and Interchangeabilities).
Provides design solutions to the Service Engineering team for BCS and other fleet issues with design solutions.
Willing and able to travel 10% of the time domestically and internationally.
General tasks:
Performs new detail design, as well as participate in troubleshooting and resolution of in-service issues. Support the development and documentation of Airplane components such as / gearboxes, cable system components, pilot controls (i.e. column, wheel, rudder pedals, switches, etc.), torque tubes, linkages, ball-screws, various sensor types, etc.,
Opportunities for mechanical engineering engagement in Flight Controls and Mechanical Systems include work in Primary Flight Controls (e.g. pilot controls, elevators, horizontal stabilizer, rudder, ailerons, and spoilers/speed-brakes), High Lift Systems (i.e. leading edge flaps or slats, and trailing edge flaps).
Works to ensure world-class Mechanical Systems by collaborating with other organizations such as Aerodynamics Performance and Stability & Control, Structures, Flight Deck Crew Operations, Pilots, Electrical Systems, Systems Stress, Customer Services & Airline Customers, Factory and Flight Line Operations, Supplier Management, Airplane Safety and many others.
Requirements definition, conducting various types of analysis, use of CAD/CAM systems such as CATIA, and math modeling with tools such as Simulink and EASY5.
Conducts or participates in design reviews as a SMEs, formulates path forward with findings and prepares technical presentations for executive review boards of potential safety items
Engages in supplier coordination, define verification methods such as component, system-level and airplane-level testing, and participate in that testing.
Participates in activities related to certification of Boeing products with regulatory agencies.
Required Skills:
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
5+ years of experience in related engineering roles (Mechanical Flight Controls within the aerospace industry, specifically in commercial airplane programs).
2+ years of experience using CATIA V5, ENOVIA, and/or DELMIA.
2+ years of experience with commercial aircraft program.
Preferred Skills:
Current Design Engineering (DE) Approver.
Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Experience presenting to senior leadership.
Strong collaborative skills to deal with multiple team functions.
Experience reviewing/approving Service Bulletins.

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