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Model Builder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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AI Builder

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$189K - $231K/yr

We're hiring an AI builder who looks at every internal workflow and asks: how could an agent help ... Experience with open source LLM models * Strong opinions about developer experience and a track ...

Socket.dev

AI Engagement Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

AI, Imbue, Stanford, and University of Pennsylvania to build a fair and ethical platform for AI developers to collaborate with domain experts to train bespoke AI models. About The Role Pareto is ...

New

Nvidia

Product Manager - Open Models

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

Collaborating with community model builders to ensure seamless model support, early access collaboration, and go-to-market alignment. * Tracking emerging trends in the open model space and assess ...

PACMIN STUDIOS

Model Fabricator

Fullerton, CA

$19 - $24.75/hr

Ability to read and build from standard 2D shop drawings * Ability to be resourceful and work from ... Build/Fabricate scale models and displays based on drawings and/or photos * Composite lamination ...

OpenAI

Model Policy

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$207K - $295K/yr

Build policy artifacts that support model training, evaluation, and deployment.Partner with safety researchers, engineers, product teams, and other stakeholders to operationalize policy into scalable ...

PACMIN STUDIOS

Model Fabricator

Fullerton, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Ability to read and build from standard 2D shop drawings * Ability to be resourceful and work from ... Build/Fabricate scale models and displays based on drawings and/or photos * Composite lamination ...

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All JobsModel Builder JobsModel Builder Jobs in California

Model Builder information

See California salary details

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How much do model builder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for model builder in California is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Model Builder vs Data Analyst?

AspectModel BuilderData Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications in modeling or simulation are a plusUsually requires a degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields; certifications in data analysis or visualization are common
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in engineering, manufacturing, or simulation labs; often involves working with CAD or simulation softwareIn offices or remote settings; involves working with data visualization tools and statistical software
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms for creating models and simulationsUsed across industries including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology for analyzing data and generating insights

Model Builders focus on creating physical or digital models and simulations, often requiring engineering or technical backgrounds. Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions, requiring strong analytical skills. While both roles involve working with data and models, their tools, environments, and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a model builder?

To thrive as a Model Builder, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and experience with scale modeling techniques, often supported by a background in design, architecture, or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as CAD software, 3D printers, hand tools, and materials like wood, plastic, or foam is typically required. Creativity, patience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting client requirements and solving construction challenges. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of accurate, visually compelling, and functional models that meet project specifications and client expectations.

What is a model builder?

Model Builders are professionals who design, construct, and assemble scale models for various purposes such as architecture, engineering, film, or product design. They use materials like plastic, wood, metal, or foam to create detailed physical representations of objects or structures. Model Builders often work from blueprints or digital plans and require strong attention to detail and craftsmanship. Their work helps clients visualize projects, test designs, or create props for entertainment and marketing. Model building can be both a technical and artistic role, depending on the industry.

What are typical collaboration practices for model builders working on large architectural projects?

Model Builders frequently collaborate with architects, engineers, and design teams to ensure that physical models accurately represent project specifications. Communication is key, as Model Builders must interpret technical drawings and provide feedback on constructability within the model. They also coordinate closely with other fabrication specialists, often participating in regular project meetings to address design changes or challenges. This collaborative approach helps ensure the final model meets both aesthetic and functional requirements, while also adhering to project timelines.
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Model Builder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Model Builder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,391 per year, or $31 per hour.

Staff Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA

$177K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Staff Systems Engineer based out of San Diego, CA. As a Staff Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

What You'll get to Do:

  • Collaborate with program IPT counterparts to develop supporting systems engineering and design artifacts.
  • Work with both technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature architecture content of large programs design.
  • Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model.
  • Develop systems architecture using Cameo Enterprise Architecture (behavioral, structural, analytical).
  • Contribute to system requirements development, management, and analysis.
  • Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, and processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration).
  • Coach team members on developing the requirements, architecture, design, and implementation in the model

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 12 years of experience, or 9 years of experience with a Masters (MS) degree; or 6 years with a STEM PhD
  • Subject matter expert in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience serving as an Enterprise MBSE Lead, providing guidance and leadership on system engineering applications and methodologies
  • Proven ability to deliver MBSE direction and support to system engineering teams
  • Strong communication and coordination skills, enabling effective cross-organizational technical discussions to enhance system architectures
  • Demonstrated ability to define processes aimed at implementing MBSE and mission engineering principles
  • Proven experience presenting system architectures to customers and stakeholders
  • Strong experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo Enterprise Architecture to model large systems with multiple developers
  • Experience exporting documentation out of a model-based environment
  • Experience leading MBSE trainings and workshops for other systems engineers
  • CLEARANCE: A current/active U.S Government Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leveraging MBSE to achieve strategic and operational outcomes in high-stakes environments
  • Experience with implementing System of Systems MBSE methodologies across multiple system models
  • Experience implementing MBSE system models across security enclaves
  • Experience as a manager for Systems and/or Cyber Systems engineers
  • Experience with NC3 systems and architectures
  • OCSMP certifications - Model Builder Fundamental and Model Builder Intermediate
  • INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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