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Creative Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Condé Nast

Creative Producer

Los Angeles, CA

$87K - $110K/yr

This role partners closely with Creative Producers and Directors of Content & Development to ... Partners with programming and development teams to evolve and optimize series and formats. Manages ...

Condé Nast

Creative Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $110K/yr

This role partners closely with Creative Producers and Directors of Content & Development to ... programming, audience development, and series building. • Partners with programming and ...

Full Swing Golf Inc

Creative Director

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

As Creative Director , you will lead a team of designers, videographers, and brand storytellers to ... Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and marketing teams to align visual storytelling ...

Inkitt

Creative Strategist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Read books and watch series to extract key USPs and pivotal story elements; synthesize them into punchy hooks and paid ad creative briefs engineered to drive conversion across paid channels. * Write ...

NBCUniversal

Creative Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... The Creative Coordinator is a vital member of the Creative Advertising department, supporting the ...

Full Swing Golf Inc

Creative Director

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

As Creative Director , you will lead a team of designers, videographers, and brand storytellers to ... Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and marketing teams to align visual storytelling ...

Inkitt

Creative Strategist

San Francisco, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Read books and watch series to extract key USPs and pivotal story elements; synthesize them into punchy hooks and paid ad creative briefs engineered to drive conversion across paid channels. * Write ...

NBCUniversal

Creative Coordinator

Universal City, CA · On-site

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... The Creative Coordinator is a vital member of the Creative Advertising department, supporting the ...

NBCUniversal

Creative Coordinator

Universal City, CA

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... The Creative Coordinator is a vital member of the Creative Advertising department, supporting the ...

Inkitt

Creative Strategist

San Francisco, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Read books and watch series to extract key USPs and pivotal story elements; synthesize them into punchy hooks and paid ad creative briefs engineered to drive conversion across paid channels. * Write ...

Mattel

Assoc Packaging Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$71K - $85K/yr

Act as liaison and creative engineering partner with our China team. * Participate in various team/department/management meetings. * Support several toy fair requirements throughout the year.

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All JobsCreative Engineering JobsCreative Engineering Jobs in California

Creative Engineering information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$89.1K

$136.2K

How much do creative engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative engineering in California is $89,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Creative Engineers when balancing technical feasibility with innovative design ideas?

Creative Engineers often encounter the challenge of transforming imaginative concepts into technically viable solutions. Balancing innovation with practicality requires close collaboration with both design and engineering teams, ensuring that creative ideas can be implemented within project constraints such as budget, timeline, and available technology. Navigating these challenges involves clear communication, iterative prototyping, and a willingness to adapt designs based on technical feedback. Successful Creative Engineers thrive in multidisciplinary environments and are adept at problem-solving while maintaining a focus on both functionality and aesthetics.

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

To thrive as a Creative Engineer, you need a strong foundation in engineering principles, design thinking, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and programming languages like Python or C++ is typically required. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills help bridge the gap between technical and creative teams. These skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions that are both technically sound and visually engaging.

What is the difference between Creative Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectCreative EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design or related fields; often includes courses in design and innovationBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often includes courses in thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, innovation labs, product development teamsManufacturing plants, research labs, engineering firms
Industry UsageProduct design, innovation, prototyping, creative problem-solvingMachinery, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing

Creative Engineering focuses on innovative design and problem-solving, often blending engineering with artistic concepts. Mechanical Engineering emphasizes the analysis, design, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering fundamentals, Creative Engineers prioritize creativity and user experience, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on functionality and technical specifications.

What jobs make $1,000,000 per year?

In creative engineering roles, high-earning positions such as lead designers, innovative product developers, or senior technical directors in technology companies can reach or exceed $1 million annually through base salary, bonuses, and equity. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership in cutting-edge projects or startups with significant growth potential.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles requiring specialized expertise, leadership, or management responsibilities tend to have higher compensation levels.

What is creative engineering?

Creative engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines technical engineering skills with creative problem-solving and design thinking. Professionals in this area use their knowledge of engineering principles to develop innovative solutions, products, or systems that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Creative engineers often work on projects that require out-of-the-box thinking, such as product design, interactive installations, or unique technological experiences. They collaborate with artists, designers, and other engineers to bridge the gap between creativity and technical feasibility.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and software engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or specialized technical expertise.

What does a creative engineer do?

A creative engineer combines engineering principles with innovative design to develop new products, systems, or solutions. They often work in multidisciplinary teams, utilizing skills in engineering, design, and problem-solving, and may use tools like CAD software to bring concepts to life. Their role involves both technical expertise and creative thinking to address complex challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Creative Engineering jobs in California? For Creative Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Engineering jobs in California are:
Creative Engineering jobs near you
CAD Engineer, Exterior Trim

CAD Engineer, Exterior Trim

ALTEN Technology USA

Newark, CA

$115K - $125K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Design Engineer - Exterior Trim, Mechanisms & Glazing

ONSITE in Newark, CA

We are currently seeking a Sr Exterior Trim Engineer, Mechanisms & Glazing. This position requires an experienced professional with responsibility for designing and developing parts of the exterior systems of a world-class vehicle in terms of both styling and function. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead or play a leading role in the packaging, engineering design, release, and launch of exterior components of a state-of-the-art car
  • Create cutting-edge exterior systems focusing on quality, reliability, functionality, mass, and cost efficiency
  • Work interactively within a cross-functional studio and vehicle engineering team, placing priority upon the greater benefit of the vehicle above any one individual system
  • Employ and develop world-class engineering tools and an innovative approach to support the systems generation

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in vehicle exterior component design & development. This includes design related experience with at least some of the following areas:
  • Side valences
  • Sill trims
  • Underbody aero shields
  • Wheelhouse liners Spoilers / Appliques
  • "Frunk" / "Froot"
  • Rocker panels
  • Glazing
  • OSRVM (Mirros)
  • Wipers and Wash System
  • Proven experience creating complex CAD schemes and models to an excellent standard, preferably using CATIA V5 or V6
  • Proven experience with thermoplastic & thermoset resin materials and class A manufacturing technologies (including painting)
  • A good understanding of the range of computational tools available to design engineers
  • Launch experience Advantageous
  • A flair for creative engineering and 3D problem solving
  • Five or more years of experience with plastics design, Class A surfaces, front crash, aero features, lighting integration, module integration, tooling, resins, supply base, fit and finish, gap and flush, module concept, thermal expansion, structural design, paint (matching).
  • Five or more years of experience with the development of glazing, wipers, wash systems or OSRVM.
  • A strong desire to create the very best product, working as an integral part of a very capable team
  • Well-developed team working and interpersonal skills
  • A great work ethic

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline

Salary Range:

  • $115,000 - 125,000 per year
  • The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.

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