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Entry Level Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Foundry

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Plus, entry-level to 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design. * Prior experience ... Manufacturing and Engineering Departments Physical Requirements: -Use appropriate PPE and follow ...

Sunbelt Controls

Controls Design Engineer I

Azusa, CA · On-site

Production of controls systems design drawings, sequence of operations and submittals for lower ... Participates in the ongoing development program with other entry level engineers. EDUCATION AND ...

Sunbelt Controls

Controls Design Engineer I

Azusa, CA · On-site

Production of controls systems design drawings, sequence of operations and submittals for lower ... Participates in the ongoing development program with other entry level engineers. EDUCATION AND ...

CTI

Audio Visual Design Engineer

Hayward, CA

$93K - $121K/yr

Does experience count? - Audio Visual Engineering Experience: 3 years minimum with designing AV signal flows and AV design diagrams, as this is not an entry-level position, and we need a talented ...

CTI

Audio Visual Design Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Does experience count? - Audio Visual Engineering Experience: 3 years minimum with designing AV signal flows and AV design diagrams, as this is not an entry-level position, and we need a talented ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsEntry Level Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Design Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level design engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level design engineer do?

An Entry Level Design Engineer assists with creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems, often under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draft blueprints, modify existing designs, and perform basic engineering calculations. Their role may also involve collaborating with manufacturing teams, preparing documentation, and ensuring designs meet required standards and specifications. This position provides hands-on experience and learning opportunities for those starting their engineering careers.

What are some common challenges new entry level design engineers face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry Level Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-specific software, understanding project requirements, and effectively communicating design ideas to both technical and non-technical team members. Building strong relationships with mentors, proactively seeking feedback, and dedicating time to learn design tools and standards can help ease the transition. Embracing a growth mindset and actively participating in team discussions can also accelerate learning and confidence in the role.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and deliver accurate designs. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable and innovative engineering solutions that meet project requirements.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Design Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design 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 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

DN LLC

El Cajon, CA • On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Our culture is rooted in a shared vision — to help keep the world’s most precious resource safe — and in the core values that guide us in pursuing this vision and delivering on our mission to clients.

We provide the highest quality liquid storage design and construction services at the best long-term value with an unrivaled customer experience. We have built over 3,500 pre-stressed concrete liquid storage tanks over the past 90 years around the country and world, as a result we have become the leader in the industry when it comes to quality and innovation. 


Are you ready to design and build something that lasts? At DN, we don’t just construct tanks—we engineer resilience, reliability, and innovation into every project in order to protect the world’s most precious resource. We are seeking a Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level) to join our team, bringing expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to our industry-leading water solutions.
 
At DN, we push the boundaries of structural engineering to create durable, long-lasting concrete storage tanks for all water. Our projects span across the country, providing critical infrastructure that supports communities and businesses. We are committed to excellence, teamwork, and forward-thinking solutions.
What You'll Do:
    • Design and analyze environmental concrete tank structures using industry best practices.
    • Conduct structural calculations, modeling, and load analysis to optimize performance and durability.
    • Utilize FEA modeling software to streamline designs
    • Collaborate with construction teams and project managers to ensure design integrity from concept to completion.
    • Engage in problem-solving and troubleshooting during project execution.
    • Stay ahead of industry advancements and integrate new technologies into designs.
Qualifications:
 
Required
    • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis
    • 0–2 years of structural engineering experience (additional experience considered for higher-level positions)
    • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification  
    • Understands steel and concrete behavior and applies engineering principles to real-world design challenges
    • Proficient in SAP 2000/SAFE, MS products, AutoCAD, and structural modeling software
    • Strong communication and critical thinking skills required to thrive in a team-driven environment
 
Preferred
    • Internship or co-op experience in structural engineering
    • Exposure to industrial, water, wastewater, or heavy civil infrastructure projects
    • Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, or BIM workflows
    • Exposure to ACI 350
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license or active pursuit of licensure
Total Rewards
Our Total Rewards offerings are designed to invest in our employees and their families, including:
 
    • Competitive base compensation plus eligibility for DN’s annual incentive bonus program
    • 401(k) retirement plan consisting of a 100% employer match on the first 6% of employee contributions and an additional 3% Safe Harbor company contribution
    • Medical coverage effective on date of hire, with DN covering 80%–85% of premiums depending on plan selection
    • Dental coverage effective on date of hire, with DN covering 75% of premiums
    • Voluntary vision coverage effective on date of hire
    • Flexible Spending Account options for eligible medical, dental and dependent-care expenses
    • Company-paid life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, and long-term disability coverage
    • Paid time off starting at 16 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 9 paid holidays each year
    • Half-day Fridays between July 4 and Labor Day
    • Paid parental leave for birth mothers and spouses or committed partners
    • Employee Assistance Program available at no cost to employees and household members for work/life support
    • Tuition reimbursement 
    • Gym reimbursement
    • Employee referral incentive program 
    • Career growth, internal mobility and professional development opportunities within a stable, purpose-driven company
This is our good faith estimate of the base salary compensation range for this opportunity. Individual pay decisions will vary based upon the experience and qualifications of the applicant. This range is based on market rates and determined by considering many factors such as external market salary survey data, internal data for comparable roles, and the operational and budgetary objectives of the company.

At DN, we're building careers—not just filling positions. If this role excites you but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the listed qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. We consider candidates across multiple engineering levels and are committed to placing great people where they can make the biggest impact and continue to grow.


DN is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.