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Dfm Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical DFM Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

... engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. Job Summary We are seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader to drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM ...

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Flex DFM Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

DESCRIPTION A Flex DFM Engineer possesses a deep knowledge of the processes and materials used to create flexible printed circuits. * You will provide maintenance of Apple's general specification and ...

New

Flex DFM Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $116K/yr

Description A Flex DFM Engineer possesses a deep knowledge of the processes and materials used to create flexible printed circuits. -You will provide maintenance of Apple's general specification and ...

Flex DFM Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $218K/yr

Description A Flex DFM Engineer possesses a deep knowledge of the processes and materials used to create flexible printed circuits. -You will provide maintenance of Apple's general specification and ...

Flex DFM Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$145 - $218/hr

Description A Flex DFM Engineer possesses a deep knowledge of the processes and materials used to create flexible printed circuits. * You will provide maintenance of Apple's general specification and ...

DFM PCBA Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Description At Apple, our PCBA Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Engineers are the bridge between groundbreaking design and mass production. If you've ever wondered how the electronics in the world ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Work with customer DFM engineer to define manufacturing process flow and prepare necessary tooling for PCBA * Works closely with the site to coordinate supply chain procurement activities in support ...

DFM Project Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$65K - $85K/yr

As a DFM Project Engineer, you're primarily responsible for working with customers across an array of industries including aerospace, defense, commercial, automotive, industrial and medical devices.

Design Engineer, DFM / DFA

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on DFM/DFA , you will sit at the critical intersection of product design and production reality. You will be directly responsible for designing ...

Manufacturing Engineer, DFM

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

We are in search of a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Go-to-Market team, interpreting customer designs, providing DFM feedback, and working with sales and operations to turn requirements into ...

DFM Project Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

As a DFM Project Engineer, you're primarily responsible for working with customers across an array of industries including aerospace, defense, commercial, automotive, industrial and medical devices.

Design Engineer, DFM / DFA

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on DFM/DFA , you will sit at the critical intersection of product design and production reality. You will be directly responsible for designing ...

Design Engineer, DFM / DFA

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$129 - $171/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on DFM/DFA , you will sit at the critical intersection of product design and production reality. You will be directly responsible for designing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dfm Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$94.7K

$147K

How much do dfm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for dfm engineer in California is $94,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DFM engineer?

A DFM (Design for Manufacturability) Engineer ensures that product designs are optimized for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. They collaborate with design, engineering, and production teams to identify potential manufacturing issues early in the design process. Their goal is to improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and enhance production efficiency by implementing best practices and industry standards.

What are some common challenges a DFM engineer faces during the product development process?

A Dfm Engineer often encounters challenges such as balancing innovative design features with manufacturability constraints, managing tight deadlines, and adapting designs to the capabilities and limitations of various manufacturing methods. Collaboration with designers, engineers, and production teams is frequent, requiring clear communication and negotiation to ensure all requirements are met. It's also common to troubleshoot unexpected manufacturing issues and implement cost-saving initiatives without impacting quality. Overcoming these challenges requires technical expertise, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, making the role both dynamic and highly impactful in the production lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the DFM engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dfm Engineer, you need a solid background in manufacturing processes, design principles, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, DFM/A analysis tools, and knowledge of industry standards like IPC or Six Sigma certifications are highly valuable. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills help you effectively bridge the gap between design and manufacturing teams. These abilities are crucial for optimizing product designs, reducing costs, and ensuring manufacturability without compromising on quality.

Are design engineers well paid?

Design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can lead to higher compensation levels compared to entry-level roles.

How to become a Dfm engineer?

A DFM (Design for Manufacturing) engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Gaining experience with CAD software, manufacturing processes, and quality control is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of production methods. Certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing can enhance job prospects.

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

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

Infographic showing various Dfm 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 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,743 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Mechanical DFM Engineer

Etched.ai, Inc.

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Review supplier tool designs, fabrication process flows, equipment selection, DFM strategies, and DOE proposals.

  • Develop, qualify, and lead manufacturing processes for mechanical components across various fabrication methods.

  • Assess supplier readiness for build events and production ramp, and provide onsite technical leadership during line bring-up and pilot builds.


Job description

About Etched

Etched is building the worldโ€™s first AI inference system purpose-built for transformers - delivering over 10x higher performance and dramatically lower cost and latency than a B200. With Etched ASICs, you can build products that would be impossible with GPUs, like real-time video generation models and extremely deep & parallel chain-of-thought reasoning agents. Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history.

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader to drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM), supplier execution, and design validation across complex mechanical components. This role partners closely with suppliers to develop, qualify, and scale robust manufacturing processes across CNC machining, die casting, sheet metal, stamping, and sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate will lead tooling, automation, inspection strategy, and DOE-driven process development while ensuring supplier readiness for builds and production ramp. By owning qualification builds (EVT/DVT/PVT), driving root cause resolution, and leading continuous improvement initiatives, this role ensures high-quality, cost-effective, and scalable production aligned with program milestones.

Key Responsibilities
  • Review supplier tool designs, fabrication process flows, equipment selection, DFM strategies, and DOE proposals (CNC machining, die casting, sheet metal, stamping, sub-assemblies).
  • Develop and qualify manufacturing processes for mechanical components across key fabrication methods.
  • Drive fixture, tooling, and automation development in partnership with suppliers.
  • Establish inspection strategies and metrology requirements for tight-tolerance components.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve cycle time, yield, cost, and overall process robustness.
  • Partner with supplier engineering teams to define process development plans, secure resources, and align schedules with program milestones.
  • Assess supplier readiness for build events and production ramp; proactively identify risks and implement mitigation plans.
  • Provide onsite technical leadership during line bring-up, pilot builds, and ramp readiness activities.
  • Ensure supplier process capability meets defined quality, cost, and delivery targets for mass production.
  • Plan, propose, and lead structured experiments (DOE) to generate data that drives design, development, and supply chain decisions.
  • Own process qualification builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) and drive corrective actions to close yield and quality gaps.
  • Perform structured root cause analysis (8D, DMAIC, fishbone, DOE) and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Translate build learnings into actionable design and process improvements to strengthen product validation and production readiness.
You may be a good fit if you have
  • Experience supporting L6โ€“L11 data center compute platforms, high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and complex industrial products.
  • Familiarity with high-density server packaging constraints, including airflow management, serviceability, blind-mate connector systems, and rack-level integration requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive cost reduction without compromising quality or performance.
  • Strong understanding of server architecture constraints including SI/PI (signal and power integrity), thermalโ€‘mechanical reliability, and highโ€‘speed interface requirements.
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage
    • $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits
  • Housing subsidy of $2k per month for those living within walking distance of the office
  • Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row)
  • Various wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and more
  • Daily lunch + dinner in our office
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