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Model Based Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Model-Based Engineer The Opportunity: Create, integrate, and apply interdisciplinary digital models ... Experience analyzing and translating system requirements into design * Knowledge of Systems ...

Model Based Systems Engineer II

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $141K/yr

Develop,maintain, and update Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) artifacts to support system requirements, design, analysis, and verification activities. * Apply Systems Modeling Language (SysML ...

Model Based Systems Engineer III

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $195K/yr

Develop, maintain, and update Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models and related engineering artifacts to support system requirements, design, analysis, integration, and verification ...

Model Based Systems Engineer III

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $195K/yr

Develop, maintain, and update Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models and related engineering artifacts to support system requirements, design, analysis, integration, and verification ...

Model Based Systems Engineer - Anduril --- The Model Based Systems Engineer will develop system ... We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design ...

Design Data Integrity Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

Familiarity with model-based definition (MBD) and digital thread practices * Knowledge of design ... Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers and drafters on drawing standards * Hands-on ...

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Model Based Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$23K

$98.3K

$157.7K

How much do model based design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for model based design engineer in California is $98,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,442.00 and $122,403.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a model based design engineer?

Model Based Design Engineers are professionals who use mathematical and visual modeling techniques to design, simulate, and validate complex engineering systems. They typically work with tools like MATLAB/Simulink to create virtual prototypes, test control algorithms, and reduce the need for physical prototypes. This approach helps speed up the development process, improve accuracy, and lower costs, especially in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

What are some common challenges model based design engineers face when integrating models into existing embedded systems?

Model Based Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating simulation models into legacy embedded systems, as these systems may have hardware or software constraints not accounted for in the initial model. Ensuring model fidelity while optimizing for real-time performance and memory usage requires careful design and iterative testing. Collaboration with firmware and hardware teams is crucial to address compatibility issues and streamline deployment. Adopting standardized modeling practices and maintaining clear documentation can help mitigate integration risks and facilitate smoother handoffs between teams.

What is the difference between Model Based Design Engineer vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectModel Based Design EngineerSimulation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in MATLAB/SimulinkBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, experience with simulation tools
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, software development, automotive/ aerospace industriesResearch labs, testing environments, aerospace/automotive sectors
Industry UsageDevelops models for control systems, embedded softwareCreates simulations to test systems, validate designs

The main difference is that Model Based Design Engineers focus on creating and implementing models for system development, often using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, while Simulation Engineers primarily develop and run simulations to validate and test these models or systems. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

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

To thrive as a Model Based Design Engineer, you need a strong background in control theory, embedded systems, and proficiency in modeling and simulation, typically supported by an engineering degree. Expertise with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and experience with software version control systems are commonly required, along with relevant certifications like MATLAB certification. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in translating real-world requirements into accurate models and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure efficient development and validation of complex systems, minimizing errors and reducing development time.
What are popular job titles related to Model Based Design Engineer jobs in California? For Model Based Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Model Based Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Model Based Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Model Based Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Model Based Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Model Based Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,273 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Senior Application Engineer - Model-Based Design

The Mathworks

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$138K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
MathWorks has a hybrid work model that enables staff members to split their time between office and home. The hybrid model provides the advantage of having both in-person time with colleagues and flexible at-home life optimizations. Learn More: https://www.mathworks.com/company/jobs/resources/applying-and-interviewing.html#onboarding.
Are you passionate about shaping how next-generation control systems are designed and delivered? Join us to work at the forefront of engineering innovation-helping leading companies bring complex, high-performance systems to market faster and with greater confidence.
As a Senior Application Engineer, you will build trusted partnerships with industry leaders across control systems applications in aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, and semiconductors. You will guide customers in applying MATLABยฎ and Simulinkยฎ to design, verify, and deploy advanced control systems, while pioneering the use of Agentic AI to automate engineering tasks and elevate productivity.
You will provide technical leadership across control design, model-based development, and embedded implementation-bringing deep insight into customer workflows, challenges, and aspirations. In this role, you will also lead the adoption of Agentic AI within Model-Based Design (MBD), helping customers reimagine how intelligent agents can accelerate control model development, verification, and system integration.
By translating technical challenges into strategic solutions, you will position MathWorks technologies to shorten development cycles, improve control system performance, and scale modern engineering workflows. You will establish yourself as a trusted advisor-shaping both technology direction and long-term customer success.
Join us in accelerating the pace of engineering innovation with MathWorks.
This non-commissioned role is based in Santa Clara, CA, with up to 30% travel (primarily in the Bay Area), generally during the workweek.
MathWorks nurtures growth, appreciates inclusivity, encourages initiative, values teamwork, shares success, and rewards excellence.
Responsibilities
In this role you will:
  • Work with prospective customers to understand their workflow.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations, demonstrations, and application examples during customer meetings and public events.
  • Assist customers in evaluating and adopting our solutions.Establish rapport and credibility with our customers across multiple hierarchy levels. Build champion users and supporters of our solutions.
  • Actively collaborate and contribute to cross-functional teams (Application Engineering, Sales, and Marketing) to develop strategies to grow adoption of MathWorks tools.
  • Advocate for customer needs to help influence MathWorks products directions.

Minimum Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree and 6 years of professional work experience (or a master's degree and 3 years of professional work experience, or a PhD degree, or equivalent experience) is required.
  • Candidates for this position must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without restriction.
  • Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.

Additional Qualifications
  • US Citizenship or US Permanent Resident (i.e., Green Card holder) is required due to the nature of the work
  • Curious, proactive learner who enjoys staying current with evolving tools and workflows.
  • Comfortable working across cross-functional teams and balancing multiple priorities.
  • Able to translate technical concepts into clear, practical guidance for customers.
  • Strong engineering skills in developing and testing control systems
  • Ability to perform modeling, simulation, verification and code generation tasks
  • Working experience with a broad set of MathWorks products, including Simulink, Stateflow, MATLAB Coder, and Simulink Coder
  • Experience in internal and/or external customer facing activities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in the delivery of presentations

Plusses:
  • Experience with C programming
  • Understanding of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies
  • Knowledge of CI/CD workflows and tools
  • Experience with Agentic AI workflows
  • Experience with software development processes for critical systems (e.g. DO 178, IEC 61508, ISO 26262)