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Manufacturing Design Engineer Jobs in California

About the Role We are looking for an incredible Manufacturing Design Engineer to bridge the gap between design intent and the physical product at Hark. You will work with ID and PD, ensuring that ...

About the Role We are looking for an incredible Manufacturing Design Engineer to bridge the gap between design intent and the physical product at Hark. You will work with ID and PD, ensuring that ...

About the role As a Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) , you will work at the intersection of R&D and production, translating product designs into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions.

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Showing results 1-20

Manufacturing Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$85K

$134.2K

How much do manufacturing design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing design engineer in California is $85,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manufacturing design engineer do?

A manufacturing design engineer develops and improves product designs for manufacturability, ensuring they can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. They use CAD software, analyze production processes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs and reduce costs while maintaining quality.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering roles such as senior aerospace engineers, petroleum engineers, and certain specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and work in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What is a Manufacturing Design Engineer?

A Manufacturing Design Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes and equipment to efficiently produce products. They work closely with product designers, engineers, and production teams to ensure that products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. Their role often involves selecting materials, designing tools and fixtures, and troubleshooting production issues. Manufacturing Design Engineers play a key role in improving productivity, reducing waste, and implementing new technologies in the manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Design Engineer, you need expertise in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), familiarity with ERP systems, and certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing are typically beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and innovate within cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing efficient, high-quality production solutions and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

How does a Manufacturing Design Engineer typically collaborate with production and quality teams during a new product launch?

Manufacturing Design Engineers work closely with production and quality teams throughout the new product launch process. They ensure that designs are optimized for manufacturability, facilitate prototype testing, and address any issues that arise on the production floor. Regular meetings and feedback loops help refine processes and resolve design or quality challenges quickly. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for delivering products that meet both performance and quality standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior manufacturing design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and specialized knowledge in automation or robotics can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles often require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and working in industries like aerospace, automotive, or high-tech manufacturing.

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

AspectManufacturing Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning manufacturing processes and equipmentDesigning mechanical components and systems
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsDesign offices, R&D labs, engineering departments
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or related; certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often similar certifications
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial production, automotiveProduct design, machinery, aerospace, automotive

Manufacturing Design Engineers focus on developing manufacturing processes and equipment to optimize production, while Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on creating mechanical parts and systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior manufacturing design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and specialized knowledge in manufacturing processes can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level engineers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or electronics often reach this salary level, especially with leadership roles or additional certifications.
What cities in California are hiring for Manufacturing Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Manufacturing Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,020 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Manufacturing Design Engineer

Manufacturing Design Engineer

Applied Medical

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Applied Medical rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.


Position Description

Join Applied Medical and be at the forefront of precision medical device manufacturing. As a Manufacturing Design Engineer, you’ll merge engineering creativity with hands-on design expertise, developing equipment and automation solutions to support sub-assembly workflows product integration. In this dynamic, production-facing role, you’ll collaborate with PPD teams, machinists, and cross-functional engineers—applying your CAD skills and mechanical intuition to design tooling, prototype components, and support the build and validation of custom equipment that enhances throughput, quality, and manufacturability across the floor.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Equipment & Fixture Design: Design, update, and refine manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures—including custom EOAT components—to support sub-assemblies product integration. Use CAD tools and mechanical design principles to deliver precise, production-ready systems.
  • Prototyping & Testing: Develop functional prototypes and test assemblies, including EOAT configurations and mechanical tooling. Validate concepts through hands-on experimentation and refine designs to optimize production outcomes.
  • Automation & EOAT Integration: Support automation initiatives by designing and integrating EOAT for robotics and automated systems. Collaborate with automation engineers and PPD teams to implement safe, effective handling solutions for molded components and assemblies.
  • CAD Modeling & Documentation: Generate and maintain detailed CAD models, drawings, and design documentation for all equipment and tooling—including EOAT. Ensure compliance with internal standards and support traceability for builds and audits.
  • Design for Manufacturability: Apply precision design techniques such as GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure EOAT and fixture designs meet machining and assembly requirements. Work closely with machinists and production teams to optimize manufacturability and reduce failure modes.

Position Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

  • More than three years of experience in equipment design, automation, or manufacturing engineering

  • Hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD)

  • Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, and sensor integration

  • Exposure to EOAT, fixture design, or custom tooling for manufacturing processes

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

  • Ability to work in both lab and cleanroom environments

  • Familiarity with basic design documentation and specification writing

  • Comfortable handling multiple design projects concurrently with strong execution focus


Preferred
  • Experience designing industrial automation systems or tooling for sub-assemblies
  • Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision machining
  • Familiarity with SAP, PLM, or Product Data Management (PDM) systems
  • Experience with prototype testing, ROI analysis, or risk assessments (FMEA)
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes for medical devices or ISO-regulated industries

If you're passionate about transforming ideas into precision-engineered solutions, the Manufacturing Design Engineer role at Applied Medical offers the perfect stage. In this hands-on position, you'll play a key role in designing equipment, fixtures, and EOAT systems that drive automation, sub-assembly integration, and production efficiency. Working closely with PPD teams, machinists, and cross-functional engineers, you'll help advance medical device manufacturing through innovative design, rigorous testing, and collaborative problem-solving. Step into a role where creativity meets impact—and help shape the future of healthcare.


Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $71,000 - $95,000 / year (California).
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Training and mentorship opportunities.
  • On-campus wellness activities.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
  • Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates. 

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

  • More than three years of experience in equipment design, automation, or manufacturing engineering

  • Hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD)

  • Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, and sensor integration

  • Exposure to EOAT, fixture design, or custom tooling for manufacturing processes

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

  • Ability to work in both lab and cleanroom environments

  • Familiarity with basic design documentation and specification writing

  • Comfortable handling multiple design projects concurrently with strong execution focus

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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