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Contract Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Code-first builder with exceptional design taste - You're a front-end engineer who happens to have ... Work with backend engineers to define API contracts. Sync with product to shape roadmap priorities.

About the Role We are looking for an incredible Manufacturing Design Engineer to bridge the gap ... Working directly with contract manufacturers, tooling vendors and supply chain partners to drive ...

RTL Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

We're hiring experienced RTL Design Engineers from junior to senior levels to play a key role in ... contracts across multiple markets. The salary range for this position is $120,000-$225,000 ...

About the Role We are looking for an incredible Manufacturing Design Engineer to bridge the gap ... Working directly with contract manufacturers, tooling vendors and supply chain partners to drive ...

RTL Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

We're hiring experienced RTL Design Engineers from junior to senior levels to play a key role in ... contracts across multiple markets. The salary range for this position is $120,000-$225,000 ...

We're hiring experienced RTL Design Engineers from junior to senior levels to play a key role in ... contracts across multiple markets. The salary range for this position is $120,000-$225,000 ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

FPGA Design Engineers are responsible for the efficient implementation of novel signal processing ... S. federal contracts. PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Master of Science degree in ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$14

$42

$71

How much do contract design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in California?

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

What are popular job titles related to Contract Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Contract Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,478 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus Technologies

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$110.21 - $150.16/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Regular Full-Time Professional Pasadena, CA, US

10 days ago Requisition ID: 1022

Salary Range: $80.00 To $109.00 Hourly

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen
Duration - 6 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted
W2 with full benefits
Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.
Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)
Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen
Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an opportunity to be a Mechanical Design Engineer in the Engineering Design group at JPL, which engages in the engineering and design of advanced spacecraft, instruments and robotic mechanisms for exploration of the solar system.

  • Performing as a Design Engineer for JPL on a spacecraft, instrument or robotic project.
  • Creating complex CAD models, assemblies and engineering drawings.
  • Working with world class engineers and participating on teams in a highly collaborative environment.
  • Developing and running configuration trades on the mechanical system of a spacecraft project.
  • Interfacing with space science experts, analysts, manufacturing engineers, and project staff.
  • Performing conceptual spacecraft design for feasibility and cost estimates of future missions.
REQUIRED SKILLS

Experience and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Mechanical design of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, mechanisms and instruments.
  • Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools such as Siemens NX (preferred), CATIA or Creo.
  • Creating engineering drawings using the ASME Y14.100-2017 standard.
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) using ASME Y14.5-2018.
  • Application of advanced principles, theories, concepts and techniques in solving mechanical engineering problems.
  • Adept at performing trade studies and developing conceptual configurations.
  • Aerospace fabrication processes.
  • PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools such as Teamcenter (preferred), Enovia or Windchill.
DESIRED SKILLS
  • TS/SCI

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

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