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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

Mentor's junior engineers. * Provides design solutions to manufacturing problems. Identifies creative ways to overcome obstacles and meet schedule deadlines. * Performs or verifies engineering ...

Pacific Fusion

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Mentor and support junior engineers on design and integration challenges Qualifications: * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field, or equivalent ...

TetraMem Inc

CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $250K/yr

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. * Participate in design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

Mentor's junior engineers. * Provides design solutions to manufacturing problems. Identifies creative ways to overcome obstacles and meet schedule deadlines. * Performs or verifies engineering ...

AEVEX

Design Engineer 3

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$133.90 - $147.90/hr

Mentor's junior engineers. * Provides design solutions to manufacturing problems. Identifies creative ways to overcome obstacles and meet schedule deadlines. * Performs or verifies engineering ...

Stellant Systems

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$87K - $160K/yr

EPC Design Engineer Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $87,000-$160,000/yr DOE and Level Stellant is ... Mentor, develop and train junior engineers. * Actively seek out innovative technologies and oversee ...

Stellant Systems

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$87K/yr

EPC Design Engineer Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $87,000-$160,000/yr DOE and Level Stellant is ... Mentor, develop and train junior engineers. * Actively seek out innovative technologies and oversee ...

Stellant Systems

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$87K - $160K/yr

EPC Design Engineer Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $87,000-$160,000/yr DOE and Level Stellant is ... Mentor, develop and train junior engineers. * Actively seek out innovative technologies and oversee ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsJunior Design Engineer JobsJunior Design Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior design engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by junior design engineers during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to company-specific design processes, managing multiple project deadlines, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Building strong communication with senior engineers and actively seeking feedback can help address these hurdles. Participating in team meetings and collaborating closely with other departments, such as manufacturing or quality assurance, also enhances understanding and ensures smoother project execution. Embracing continuous learning and leveraging available training resources will further boost confidence and technical growth in the role.

Are Junior Design Engineers well paid?

Junior Design Engineers typically earn entry-level salaries that vary by industry and location but generally range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Compensation can increase with experience, additional skills such as CAD proficiency, and relevant certifications. Entry-level roles often include opportunities for professional development and skill-building in design software and engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior design engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you excel in team settings and adapt to project needs. These skills ensure accurate design work, efficient project collaboration, and successful development of innovative engineering solutions.

What is the role of a junior design engineer?

A junior design engineer assists in developing and modifying engineering designs, often using CAD software, under the supervision of senior engineers. They support project planning, perform calculations, and help ensure designs meet technical specifications and safety standards.

What is the difference between Junior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectJunior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships or entry-level certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; professional certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDesign departments, R&D labs, manufacturing industries
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in engineering firms, manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceMid to senior-level roles in similar industries, often with more project responsibility

The main difference is that a Junior Design Engineer is an entry-level position focusing on learning and supporting design tasks, while a Mechanical Design Engineer typically has more experience and responsibility in designing mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Mechanical Design Engineer usually has more advanced skills and project ownership.

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 Junior Design Engineer jobs in California? For Junior Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Design Engineer job openings:
Junior Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Design Engineer Transmission & Substation (T&S)

Valueprosite

Carmel By The Sea, CA • On-site

$116K - $157K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the role

The Senior Design Engineer owns the technical design package for substation and transmission facilities — air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS) substations across 60 kV–500 kV. The role is hands-on design: producing and reviewing the diagrams, layouts, calculations, and specifications that define how a substation is built, and safeguarding design integrity and constructability throughout.

Beyond producing designs, the Senior Design Engineer conducts design reviews and QA/QC of work prepared by staff design engineers and outside consultants. The position is hybrid, combining a remote office with an assigned PG&E work location and periodic field visits.

Key responsibilities

•     Lead development of single-line and three-line diagrams, general arrangement / layout drawings, elevations, and sections for substation design packages.

•     Design grounding grids, raceway/conduit systems, AC and DC schematics, control-house layouts, and station-service systems.

•     Perform design calculations — bus and cable sizing, DC/station-service loading, grounding, lighting, and conduit-fill.

•     Develop equipment specifications (transformers, circuit breakers, switches, relays, switchgear) and bills of material (BOMs).

•     Conduct technical, cost-savings, and constructability reviews of design packages from internal engineering, subcontractors, and equipment factories.

•     Review and QA/QC design deliverables produced by staff design engineers and consultants for accuracy and standards conformance.

•     Support brownfield projects with on-site assessment of existing equipment, structures, and foundations, and resolve design conflicts and ambiguities.

•     Provide design support during construction and commissioning; incorporate field changes and maintain configuration control and as-built documentation.

•     Ensure compliance with the NEC, NESC, IEEE/ANSI, CPUC GO 95/128, and PG&E design standards (proper clearances, ratings, and protection).

•     Coordinate with CAD/drafting and adjacent disciplines (civil, structural, protection & control), and mentor junior design engineers.

Required qualifications

•     Education: BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent).

•     Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in high-voltage substation and transmission electrical design.

•     Licensure: Active California PE (Electrical), or ability to obtain by comity within an agreed timeframe.

•     Design proficiency: Demonstrated ability to produce and check substation design deliverables and calculations independently.

•     Tools: Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; familiarity with design/analysis toolchains.

•     Equipment & specs: Experience writing equipment specifications and BOMs; AIS and GIS substations.

•     Standards: Strong working knowledge of NEC, NESC, IEEE/ANSI, and applicable CPUC General Orders.

•     Communication: Clear technical documentation and effective coordination across disciplines.

Preferred qualifications

•     MS in Electrical Engineering.

•     Direct experience with PG&E (or comparable IOU) design standards and numbered design criteria.

•     Protection & control design familiarity — one-line/three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, panel and wiring diagrams.

•     Grounding analysis experience (e.g., CDEGS) and seismic-design awareness for California sites.

•     Significant brownfield / retrofit design experience.

Technical skills & tools

Candidates should be proficient across the following; depth will vary by background.

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