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Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer Jobs in California

Gumloop

Design Engineer Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About Us Gumloop is the piece of AI infrastructure companies roll out to let everyone build agents ... This role sits at the intersection of product, design, and engineering. You'll contribute to key ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer information

What does an entry level roller coaster design engineer do?

An Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer assists in the design, development, and testing of roller coasters and other amusement park rides. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to tasks such as creating CAD drawings, analyzing structural integrity, and ensuring safety standards are met. Entry-level engineers may also help with prototyping, simulations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring exciting ride concepts to life. This role requires a solid foundation in mechanical or structural engineering, creativity, and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level roller coaster design engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or structural engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools such as MATLAB or SolidWorks, and safety standards like ASTM F24 is essential. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the safe, innovative, and efficient design of roller coasters that meet regulatory requirements and deliver memorable guest experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level roller coaster design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level roller coaster design engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative ideas with strict safety regulations, meeting tight project timelines, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams including architects and construction specialists. Navigating complex simulation software and quickly adapting to changing client requirements can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, it’s helpful to seek mentorship from experienced engineers, stay organized through detailed documentation, and actively participate in team meetings to ensure clear communication throughout the design and build process.

What is the difference between Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Roller Coaster Design EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering; knowledge of CAD softwareBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; familiarity with CAD and simulation tools
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, design studios, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing plants, engineering firms, product development labs
Industry UsageAmusement parks, entertainment industryAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer and Entry Level Mechanical Engineer share similar educational backgrounds and CAD skills. However, the roller coaster role focuses specifically on amusement park attractions and entertainment industry applications, while the mechanical engineer works across various manufacturing sectors. Both roles require a strong foundation in engineering principles, but their work environments and industry focus differ significantly.

How do I become an entry level roller coaster design engineer?

To become an entry-level roller coaster design engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, or structural engineering. Gaining experience with CAD software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, and understanding physics and safety standards are also important for entry-level roles in amusement ride design.

How hard is it to get a job as an entry level roller coaster design engineer?

Securing an entry-level roller coaster design engineer position can be competitive, often requiring a degree in mechanical, civil, or structural engineering, along with knowledge of CAD software and safety standards. Relevant internships or project experience can improve chances, but the specialized nature of the field means opportunities may be limited and require strong technical skills. Persistence and a solid portfolio are important for breaking into this niche industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Roller Coaster Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA

DN LLC
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about DN LLCexternal

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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.