ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mold Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Be Seen First

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

Brea, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Associate Injection Mold Designer to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers ...

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.

Essilor

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA

$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 ...

MatrixCare

Senior Moulding Engineer (Onsite)

Calabasas, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

Reviews mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and moldability; defines and evaluates tool qualification requirements. Automation & equipment: Sets up and troubleshoots injection molding machines ...

ResMed

Senior Moulding Engineer (Onsite)

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Reviews mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and moldability; defines and evaluates tool qualification requirements. Automation & equipment: Sets up and troubleshoots injection molding machines ...

ResMed, Inc.

Senior Moulding Engineer (Onsite)

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Reviews mold designs for gating, venting, cooling, and moldability; defines and evaluates tool qualification requirements. Automation & equipment: Sets up and troubleshoots injection molding machines ...

WET Design

Injection Mold Operator

CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Injection Mold Operator WET (Design) Sun Valley, California Welcome to WET , the pioneering force behind groundbreaking fountain designs and engineering marvels worldwide, from the Fountains of ...

WET Design

$20 - $24/hr

Injection Mold Operator WET (Design) Sun Valley, California Welcome to WET , the pioneering force behind groundbreaking fountain designs and engineering marvels worldwide, from the Fountains of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 31, 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

How much do mold designers make?

Mold designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in CAD software and manufacturing processes can earn higher salaries.

Is mold making a good career?

Mold designing is a skilled profession involving the creation of molds for manufacturing products, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and materials. It offers steady employment opportunities in manufacturing industries, with potential for specialization and advancement. The field typically requires technical training or apprenticeships and can provide a stable career path for those with relevant skills.
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 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,576 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Brea, CA • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Associate Injection Mold Designer to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers and engineers to translate product concepts into functional, manufacturable injection mold designs. This position is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate with a foundational background in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to launch a career in the plastic injection molding industry and gain hands-on, practical engineering experience.

Key Responsibilities

• CAD Drafting & Modeling: Utilize 3D CAD software to create precise technical drawings, detailed mold assemblies, and component designs based on engineering specifications.

• Collaboration & Support: Assist senior mold designers with modifying existing mold designs, updating engineering change notices (ECNs), and troubleshooting design challenges.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Learn and apply foundational principles of injection molding, including core/cavity separation, draft angles, gating, runner systems, and cooling line layouts.

• Documentation Management: Maintain accurate project files, organize engineering documentation, and prepare bill of materials (BOM) lists for tool room fabrication.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Interface with the tool room, production team, and quality department to review design feasibility and support the successful build and sampling of new molds.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a 2-year Associate Degree or technical certificate focusing on CAD Design, Mechanical Drafting, Manufacturing Technology, or a closely related field.

• Technical Skills: Foundational proficiency in mainstream 3D modeling software (such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, or NX) acquired through coursework or internships.

• Blueprints & Geometric Dimensioning: Solid understanding of technical drawing standards, blueprint reading, and a basic familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Core Competencies: Strong spatial reasoning, mathematical aptitude, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Soft Skills: Eagerness to learn, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications

• Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment. • Basic understanding of plastic materials, metallurgy, or manufacturing processes.

• Exposure to mold simulation software (e.g., Moldflow)

What We Offer

• Competitive entry-level salary and comprehensive benefits package (Medical, 401k).

• Opportunities for continuing education and advanced training in injection molding technologies.

• A clear path for career progression within our growing engineering


Company Description

M.R. Mold is known globally for its experience and expertise in the mold building industry. We have been building LSR and plastic injection molds since 1985. The company pays 75% of the employee's medical insurance and matching 401K donations at 10%. We value investing in our employees and helping them succeed and grow both personally and professionally. We'd love to have you join the M.R. Mold team.