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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

TetraMem - Accelerate The World

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

$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 ...

Pacific Fusion

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Mentor and support junior engineers on design and integration challenges * Interact with suppliers of vacuum systems components and electrical testing components for purchasing What You Bring

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Scotts Valley, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering growth and collaboration ... Advanced proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) and PDM systems. Strong expertise in ...

Stellant Systems

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA

$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 ...

People Culture Talent

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Our team is hiring at multiple levels and encourages candidates ranging from junior to senior to ... Engineers here are responsible for writing their own feature documentation, participating in ...

Stellant Systems group

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$87 - $160/hr

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 ...

New

Stellant Systems

EPC Design Engineer

Torrance, CA

$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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 specifications and standards. This role typically requires basic engineering knowledge, attention to detail, and good communication skills.

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 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Pacific Fusion

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Why This Role Matters

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will help with the design, development, and integration and validation of mechanical components and systems integral to our advanced fusion energy systems. This role requires a top-tier combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. 

Responsibilities:

  • Design and analyze large, high-performance vacuum seals for water-to-air, air-to-high-vacuum, and water-to-high-vacuum transitions

  • Lead experimental design and testing in collaboration with internal teams, external vendors, and academic partners

  • Conduct research into novel sealing techniques; define, execute, and evaluate test campaigns

  • Perform FMEA and tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure seal reliability and system safety

  • Design test assemblies and risk-reduction

  • Review and present technical work across multidisciplinary teams; contribute to system-level integration discussions

  • Provide subject-matter expertise in sealing strategies and help guide the integration of systems in the target area

  • Document sealing processes, validation data, and lessons learned

  • 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 experience

  • 5+ years of mechanical design experience with a focus on vacuum seals and systems, including rough, high, and ultra-high vacuum environments

  • Strong proficiency in CAD, FEM, and engineering analysis tools

  • Proven expertise in tolerance analysis, FMEA, seal design, and mechanical integration

Apply