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Design Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 24 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 2-4 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$73K - $88K/yr

mechanical design engineer Overview The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for designing, validating, and sustaining pressure and temperature sensing products for aerospace applications.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer , reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

PCB Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$116 - $162/hr

What you will be doing As a PCB Design Engineer at Neros, you will own printed circuit board layout across every product line we build, from the compact airside electronics inside our aircraft to the ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$44.2K

$96.2K

$172.9K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Pasadena, CA is $96,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $107,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA?

For Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,154 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus Technologies and Services Inc

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$70 - $94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

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.
  • Creating detail drawings, assembly drawings, interface drawings and source control drawings.
  • 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.
  • Aerospace material selection.
  • PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tools such as Teamcenter (preferred), Enovia or Windchill.
DESIRED SKILLS
  • TS/SCI
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

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.