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Mold Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essilor

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Interprets mold component drawings for form, fit and function ... Designs and builds jigs and fixtures as needed. * Designs fixture clamping and holding tools.

EssilorLuxottica

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Interprets mold component drawings for form, fit and function ... Designs and builds jigs and fixtures as needed. * Designs fixture clamping and holding tools.

Studex

Plastic Injection Mold Maker

Harbor City, CA · On-site

$17.81 - $25/hr

... work with designers, technicians, engineers, and production personnel. Responsible for the ... Design/Build/Repair molds, tools, and tooling keeping costs in-line with requirements. * Repair ...

Professional Search Group - Orange County

Be Seen First

Injection Mold Shop Lead - 3rd Shift

Tustin, CA · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

This energetic leadership role is designed for a proactive, detail-oriented professional eager to oversee and optimize our plastics injection molding operations. As the key leader on the night shift ...

Everything HR

Industrial Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Must possess some knowledge of manufacture engineering, including molding techniques (injection ... Ability to thoughtfully communicate your designs, receive feedback gracefully, and contribute to ...

Everything HR

Industrial Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Must possess some knowledge of manufacture engineering, including molding techniques (injection ... Ability to thoughtfully communicate your designs, receive feedback gracefully, and contribute to ...

Everything HR

Industrial Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Must possess some knowledge of manufacture engineering, including molding techniques (injection ... Ability to thoughtfully communicate your designs, receive feedback gracefully, and contribute to ...

medplast

Tool Maker

Fremont, CA · On-site

$29 - $37.50/hr

Work with engineering teams to optimize mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and ejection systems. * Machine with Accuracy: Operate CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM machines to produce mold ...

medplast

Tool Maker

Fremont, CA · On-site

$29 - $37.50/hr

Work with engineering teams to optimize mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and ejection systems. * Machine with Accuracy: Operate CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM machines to produce mold ...

medplast

Tool Maker

Fremont, CA

$29 - $37.50/hr

Work with engineering teams to optimize mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and ejection systems. * Machine with Accuracy: Operate CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM machines to produce mold ...

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All JobsMold Designer JobsMold Designer Jobs in California

Mold Designer information

See California salary details

$18

$33

$45

How much do mold designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mold designer in California is $33.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $41.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mold designer do?

As a mold designer, you use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plastic molds for manufacturing processes. Your job duties include designing molds, using CAD software and programs like Pro-E, Unigraphics Drawing, Solidworks, and AutoCAD, and visiting manufacturing facilities to make sure your mold designs work correctly. You can fulfill the majority of your responsibilities in the office, but a good mold designer frequents the manufacturing floor to inspect their product. The qualifications to start a career as a mold designer are an associate degree in plastics engineering technology or tool and manufacturing technology, and five to eight years of experience in the field. You need excellent problem-solving skills for this job as well.

Is mold making a good career?

Mold designing is a skilled trade that offers steady employment opportunities in manufacturing and industrial sectors. It requires knowledge of CAD software, machining, and materials, and often involves working in a factory environment with regular hours. The profession can be financially rewarding and offers potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mold designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mold Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, CAD software proficiency, and a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, often supported by an engineering degree or technical certification. Expertise in tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and mold flow analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with production teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure the creation of precise, efficient molds that meet production and quality standards.

What is the difference between Mold Designer vs Mold Engineer?

AspectMold DesignerMold Engineer
ResponsibilitiesDesigns mold components and layouts based on product specifications.Develops and improves mold processes, troubleshooting, and testing.
Required SkillsCAD proficiency, understanding of materials, design principles.In-depth engineering knowledge, testing, and process optimization skills.
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labs, manufacturing facilities.Manufacturing plants, testing labs, R&D departments.
CertificationsCAD certifications, technical diplomas.Engineering degrees, certifications in manufacturing or plastics.

While Mold Designers focus on creating detailed mold designs, Mold Engineers oversee the entire mold development process, including testing and optimization. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate closely, but Mold Engineers typically have a broader scope involving process improvements and troubleshooting.

What are some common challenges faced by mold designers, and how can they be addressed?

Mold Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing complex part geometries with manufacturability, minimizing cycle times, and ensuring tool longevity. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with engineers and manufacturing teams to refine part designs, selecting appropriate materials, and leveraging simulation software to predict and resolve potential issues before production. Proactive communication and staying updated with the latest CAD and CAE tools can help Mold Designers overcome these challenges efficiently.

What is a mold designer?

Mold designers are professionals who create detailed plans and blueprints for molds used in manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or casting. Their work involves designing molds that shape raw materials into finished products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and precision in production. Mold designers use specialized software like CAD to develop and test their designs before they are manufactured. They often collaborate closely with engineers, machinists, and production teams to optimize mold functionality and manufacturability.
More about Mold Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mold Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Mold Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Mold Designer jobs in California? For Mold Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mold Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mold Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mold Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mold Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mold Designer jobs in CA? For Mold Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mold Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mold Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,576 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Mold designer

M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp

Brea, CA • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description


M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp. for 37 years has specialized in tight-tolerance, flash less LSR, rubber and plastic prototype, production, and micro injection molds for medical and dental applications, including implantables, masks, and hearing aid products. Other industries served include aerospace, consumer products, and fluid handling. We are currently looking for an experienced Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Mold Designer in the Orange County area.
Responsibilities:
  • Controlled revision changes per Engineering Change Orders
  • Ability to create simple/ and often complex 3D models using Creo
  • Create Bill of materials, Detail and Assy drawings per ANSI Y14.5 using primarily Creo and occasionally AutoCAD.
  • Works with engineering and the sales team to determine part design and/or modifications
  • Evaluates design based on design function, materials, manufacturing methods, production cost and customer specifications
  • Can read and understand customer supplied part drawings with emphasis on material callouts, dimensions and associated tolerances.
  • Ability to interface with customers, suppliers and vendors via email and /or by phone.
  • Assist team members with miscellaneous duties as required
  • Responsible for completing tasks according to engineering schedule
  • Training is available for recent graduates that possess exceptional skills.
Qualifications:
  • Strong knowledge of Solidworks or Creo for designing parts/assemblies
  • Must demonstrate strong ability to create drawings for both parts and assemblies in Solidworks or Creo
  • Working knowledge of Solidworks/Pro E tools such as standard features, as well as sheet metal, weldments, mold tools, and piping, 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Mechanically oriented, or hands on capable.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • 80% paid medical insurance
  • Dental and Vision offered
  • 10% match for employee 401K
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation.