Entry Level Design Engineer Solidworks Jobs in California

This role focuses on electro-mechanical design and packaging engineering for electronics and PCBAs, with an emphasis on creating mechanical assemblies, fixtures, housings, enclosures, and packaging solutions that support advanced electrical test systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to rapidly design, prototype, and release robust fixtures and assemblies for highly engineered electromechanical products in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Design mechanical assemblies and fixtures that support electrical testing of PCBAs and electronic products.
• Develop packaging solutions, housings, enclosures, supports, clamps, jigs, and fixturing around electronic hardware.
• Create robust designs that consider thermal management, manufacturability, durability, and long-term reliability.
• Produce detailed CAD models and engineering drawings using professional mechanical design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Collaborate closely with Electrical Test Engineers to develop next-generation electrical test systems.
• Partner with fabrication teams, suppliers, and machine shops to prototype and build hardware.
• Apply GD&T principles to create manufacturable, high-tolerance designs suitable for production environments.
• Support rapid development cycles within a fast-paced engineering and product development environment.
• Participate in cross-functional design reviews and incorporate engineering feedback into design iterations.
• Integrate designs into PLM systems and support comprehensive product lifecycle documentation.
• Contribute to solving complex technical challenges at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering.
• Support advanced defense-related programs by delivering reliable, production-ready electro-mechanical designs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of electromechanical design engineering experience focused on housings, enclosures, PCBAs, electronic assemblies, or packaged electronics.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar professional mechanical design software.
• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T principles in creating high-tolerance, manufacturable designs.
• Experience collaborating with fabrication, machining, prototyping, or manufacturing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to design for manufacturability, including consideration of production methods and constraints.
• Experience with thermal management and heat transfer in electronics packaging or electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with electromechanical design, mechanical fixture design, and tooling design.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced product development environment and support rapid iteration cycles.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.

• Experience with PCBA packaging or electronics packaging, including enclosure and packaging design for electronic hardware.
• Background in test fixture design for electronic or electromechanical systems.
• Experience with thermal analysis or FEA related to thermal management and structural performance.
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, automotive, consumer electronics, or other fast-paced product development industries.
• Experience integrating designs into PLM systems and maintaining product lifecycle documentation.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required by specific programs.

You will work within an Electrical Test Engineering organization that operates at the intersection of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and product development. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with engineers empowered to move quickly, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute directly to real-world defense systems in development and deployment. You will regularly use professional 3D CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA, apply GD&T principles, and coordinate closely with fabrication shops and manufacturing partners to bring designs from concept to prototype and production. The culture emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, rapid iteration, and delivering robust, reliable electro-mechanical solutions that support advanced test systems and critical programs.

This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.