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Engine Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

chrisad, inc.

SEO Specialist

San Rafael, CA · On-site

Manages SEO/Social Media for all chrisad clients (email marketing, Google analytics, AdWords, Yelp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media) with assistance from Graphic Designers and Development ...

Chrisad, Inc.

SEO Specialist

San Rafael, CA · On-site

Manages SEO/Social Media for all chrisad clients (email marketing, Google analytics, AdWords, Yelp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media) with assistance from Graphic Designers and Development ...

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All JobsEngine Designer JobsEngine Designer Jobs in California

Engine Designer information

See California salary details

$79.8K

$90.4K

$98.9K

How much do engine designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for engine designer in California is $90,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an engine designer do?

An engine designer is responsible for creating and developing engines for vehicles, machinery, or other equipment. They use engineering principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software to design new engine components and systems, focusing on performance, efficiency, and safety. Engine designers work closely with other engineers and technicians to test prototypes, solve technical challenges, and ensure designs meet regulatory standards. Their work is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engine designer?

To thrive as an Engine Designer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or CATIA), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure innovative, efficient, and reliable engine designs that meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by engine designers when working on new projects?

Engine designers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance requirements with regulatory and environmental standards, working within tight project deadlines, and coordinating closely with teams from other engineering disciplines. They must also deal with complex simulations and testing to ensure reliability and efficiency while managing cost constraints. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project specifications and priorities can change based on client feedback or technological advancements.

What is the difference between Engine Designer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngine DesignerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, specialized knowledge in engine systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, broader engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, aerospace or automotive industriesManufacturing, product design, research facilities across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectorsWide-ranging industries including manufacturing, energy, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonEngine Designer vs Mechanical Engineer

Engine Designers focus specifically on creating and optimizing engine components and systems, often within aerospace or automotive sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, Engine Designers typically need specialized knowledge in engine technology, making their roles more specialized compared to general Mechanical Engineers.

How do you become an engine designer?

To become an engine designer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level engineering roles, developing skills in CAD software and thermodynamics, and obtaining professional engineering licensure can also enhance career prospects.

How much do engine designers make?

Engine designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized engine designers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Engine Designer jobs in California?

For Engine Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engine Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Engine Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Engine Designer jobs in CA?

For Engine Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Engine Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,370 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Turbine Engine Designer

Volund Manufacturing

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Volund is building propulsion for America’s next industrial revolution.
We design propulsion systems for cost, agility, and scale, combining advanced automation, precision manufacturing, and rapid iteration to move from prototype to production at unprecedented speed.
Intelligent manufacturing is engineering at scale.
At Volund, engineers operate across the full stack, from concept and simulation to process code and machine execution, ensuring that what is designed can be built and what is built can be scaled.
Volund is looking for engineers to develop small gas turbine engines.  Our goal is to provide energy dense designs that deliver performance according to program inputs.  There are multiple engineering positions available.  We are looking for those who want to contribute to the team and take ownership in getting the job done.  Specifically, for the Design Engineer role, we are looking for an experienced turbomachinery designer who will own the mechanical engine designs from clean sheet to production, support test rig designs and who will work closely with our manufacturing team.  Experts in the field who can wear multiple hats in our dynamic development environment are desired.  If you are interested in a challenging and exciting project and have experience in the areas described below, please feel free to apply.  At this time, we do not have any new grad or intern level roles open but check back in the future. U.S. persons only please.
Responsibilities:
  • Support engine development from cradle to grave.
  • Join a world class team to deliver propulsion at scale.
  • Creation of 3D geometry and entire rotating assemblies for engine components.
  • Optimize designs for thrust to weight ratio and for DFx.
  • Conduct structural analysis, fatigue modeling and life estimation as needed.
  • Iterate with other engineers and the manufacturing team to optimize systems.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in gas turbine design, jet engine. development, or high-speed rotating machinery.
  • Experience in rotating assembly and static structure design.
  • Experience with the relevant materials, alloys, and manufacturing methods to produce turbomachinery designs.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, CREO, CATIA, Onshape, Fusion 360 or Polyworks. NX is prefered.
  • Familiarity and experience working in Teamcenter or Windchill is strongly desired.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment is a must.
Preferred Experience:
  • Working specially with jet turbines, UAS and directly relevant programs.
  • Hands on experience with cold and hot gassing of experimental turbomachinery designs.
  • Experience with turbomachinery test rig development.
Salary Range
$150,000 - $180,000 USD
The salary range above is an estimate only with final amount being dependent on a wide variety of factors.  All roles include a generous equity package and the following benefits:
  • Platinum Healthcare Benefits with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at no cost to you.
  • 100% covered Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Lunch and fully stocked kitchen
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
  • 401k Savings Plan
Volund Manufacturing, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a federal contractor committed to compliance with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws, including those enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a government contractor, we also take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.
Please note that employment with Volund Manufacturing, Inc. is subject to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Due to the nature of our work, all candidates must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at 714-488-7393.
 

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