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Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Unisco

Retail Design and Operations

Walnut, CA · On-site

The position will also assist in exploring and implementing innovative solutions, including the use ... Lab , with responsibilities evolving based on business needs.

Curtisswright

Mechanical Design Engineer

Brea, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

Support technicians during fabrication or test setup and assist in resolving issues * Review ... Experience or exposure to test development, testing, or lab work * Ability to thrive in a work ...

New

Curtiss-Wright

Mechanical Design Engineer

Brea, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

Support technicians during fabrication or test setup and assist in resolving issues * Review ... Experience or exposure to test development, testing, or lab work * Ability to thrive in a work ...

SpaceX

RTL Design Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

... assist in lab bring-up and validation * Engage in high-level architectural design for FPGA and ASICs * Collaborate with cross-functional engineers in developing new technologies for the Starlink ...

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All JobsDesign Lab JobsDesign Lab Assistant JobsDesign Lab Assistant Jobs in Irvine, CA

Design Lab Assistant information

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How much do design lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lab assistant in Irvine, CA is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design lab assistant?

Design Lab Assistants are support staff who help maintain and manage operations in design laboratories, such as those found in schools, universities, or creative studios. They assist students, faculty, or professionals by preparing materials, setting up equipment, ensuring lab safety, and sometimes providing technical guidance on design software or tools. Their role is essential for keeping the lab organized and facilitating a productive environment for creative work. Depending on the institution, they may also help with troubleshooting equipment and supporting design projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design lab assistant?

To thrive as a Design Lab Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of design principles, familiarity with lab protocols, and typically a degree or coursework in design or a related field. Proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD programs), 3D printers, and other fabrication tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you manage projects and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting creative processes, ensuring safety, and maintaining efficient lab operations.

What are some common challenges faced by design lab assistants, and how can they be successfully managed?

Design Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, maintaining organized workspaces, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Successfully managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, staying proactive with regular equipment maintenance, and communicating clearly with team members and supervisors about project priorities. Embracing a collaborative attitude and being open to feedback can also help Design Lab Assistants adapt quickly and contribute effectively to the creative process.

What is the difference between Design Lab Assistant vs Design Intern?

AspectDesign Lab AssistantDesign Intern
CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic design skillsEnrolled in design or related degree program
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, studios, collaborative spacesDesign firms, studios, educational settings
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, research labs, design companiesDesign agencies, corporate teams, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding support roles in design labsGaining internship opportunities in design

Design Lab Assistants typically support design projects with basic skills and work in educational or research environments, while Design Interns are students gaining hands-on experience in professional design settings. Both roles involve collaboration and learning but differ mainly in experience level and purpose.

Are design lab assistants in high demand?

Design lab assistants are in moderate demand, especially in educational institutions, research facilities, and creative organizations that focus on innovation and prototyping. The role often requires skills in design software, technical tools, and collaboration, with demand influenced by industry growth in design and technology sectors.

How to become a design lab assistant?

To become a design lab assistant, candidates typically need a background in design, engineering, or related fields, along with proficiency in design software and tools. Relevant skills include technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a lab environment. Some positions may require prior experience or certifications in design or prototyping methods.

What exactly does a design lab assistant do?

A design lab assistant supports the design team by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and assisting with prototypes and experiments. They may also help with research, documentation, and maintaining the lab environment, often using design software and tools. The role requires attention to detail and basic technical skills related to design processes.

What are popular job titles related to Design Lab Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Design Lab Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Lab Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Lab Assistant jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Design Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Design Lab Assistant job openings:

Design Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Lab Assistant job openings in Irvine, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,204 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

RF Engineer I/II - Radar

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

RF ENGINEER I/II - RADAR

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a RF Engineer I/II – Radar who will support the development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will work alongside experienced radar engineers to develop radar subsystems, conduct analysis and simulation, and support hands-on testing and integration activities. The successful candidate will have foundational knowledge of radar systems, RF engineering principles, and basic understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the RF Engineer I or RF Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

System Development Support

  • Support the development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development
  • Assist in radar link budget analysis and performance modeling considering orbital parameters
  • Conduct radar system simulations using MATLAB, Python, or specialized radar tools including basic orbital analysis
  • Support radar design trades for waveforms, timing, PRF selection, and RF component selection for space applications
  • Perform radar calculations including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, coverage analysis, and basic orbital effects
  • Assist with mission analysis including ground track visualization, access time calculations, and revisit analysis
  • Assist in the development of test plans and procedures for radar payload testing
  • Support radar calibration activities and image quality assessments
  • Help develop technical documentation including test reports, analysis summaries, and ICDs
  • Learn spacecraft integration considerations including power budgets, thermal interfaces, and data handling requirements
  • Radar & RF Engineering
  • Support radar waveform design and analysis for space-based mission applications
  • Participate in hands-on radar testing including EIRP, sensitivity, and imaging tests
  • Support RF component testing and characterization for space qualification
  • Assist with radar data collection and post-processing activities
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, systems, and spacecraft engineers
  • Learn and apply space-based radar system best practices under mentorship of senior engineers

Customer/Program Support

  • Assist in the review of radar requirements and specifications
  • Support proposal development activities with technical analysis and documentation
  • Participate in engineering reviews and technical meetings
  • Provide technical support for radar-related questions and troubleshooting
  • Track product development schedules and deliverables

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
  • Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equation and basic signal processing concepts
  • Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
  • Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
  • Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
  • Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
  • Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN RF ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in a relevant field
  • Foundational knowledge of radar systems including radar equations and basic signal processing concepts
  • Academic or professional exposure to SAR systems, space-based radar, or remote sensing
  • Basic understanding of orbital mechanics including orbit types (LEO, MEO, GEO), ground tracks, and coverage concepts
  • Foundational awareness of spacecraft systems and how subsystems interact with payloads
  • Basic understanding of RF systems including link budgets, amplifiers, and receiver architectures
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis and simulation
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
  • Ability to obtain a TS / SCI clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in space-based radar and RF engineering
  • Existing security clearance
  • Internship or research experience with space-based radar systems or SAR
  • Experience with radar simulation tools (STK, MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, etc.) including orbital modeling
  • Coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, or astrodynamics
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
  • Coursework or projects involving digital signal processing or image processing
  • Knowledge of radar imaging modes (stripmap, spotlight, ScanSAR) for space platforms
  • Experience with phased array antennas or beamforming
  • Familiarity with RF design tools (AWR, ADS, CST)
  • Understanding of space environment effects on electronics and systems
  • Knowledge of launch environments and spacecraft qualification processes
  • Strong interest in space technology and satellite systems
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Experience with version control (Git) and software development practices

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$89,350—$143,625 USD
Base Salary
$82,400—$126,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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