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Part Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Honor Plastics & Molding

Product Design Intern

Pomona, CA · On-site

$22 - $22.50/hr

Work with sales team to review customer 3D & 2D part files to assist product development and realization. * Manage new tooling programs including mold layout and detail design. * Work with DFM ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Watch

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Be an integral part of a small and visible team of world-class Mechanical Engineers making Apple's first wearable product line. Define and design the future of WATCH. As a member of the WATCH design ...

Apple

Accessories Product Design Engineer, Beats

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... part design 3-D CAD skills Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, and geometric tolerancing Analytical/problem ...

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA

$114K - $142K/yr

Understanding of composite part design, material properties, allowables and testing. * Proficiency with solid modeling and surfacing in 3D CAD Software (NX preferred). * Proficiency with Geometric ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Watch

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Be an integral part of a small and visible team of world-class Mechanical Engineers making Apple's first wearable product line. Define and design the future of WATCH. As a member of the WATCH design ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPart Design JobsPart Design Jobs in California

Part Design information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do part design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for part design in California is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is part design?

Part design refers to the process of creating and developing the specifications, geometry, and features of individual components used in products or systems. This often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed 2D or 3D models, considering factors such as material selection, manufacturability, and assembly requirements. Effective part design helps ensure that components perform their intended functions, are cost-effective to produce, and fit together properly with other parts in the final product.

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

To thrive as a Part Designer, you need strong proficiency in mechanical design principles, CAD modeling, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD, as well as knowledge of manufacturing processes and industry standards, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with engineering teams and ensure design accuracy. These skills are crucial for creating manufacturable, high-quality parts that meet performance, safety, and cost requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in part design and how can they be addressed?

In Part Design, common challenges include balancing functionality with manufacturability, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring cross-team collaboration with manufacturing and quality assurance. Designers often need to iterate their models based on feedback from prototyping and testing, which requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Building effective communication with engineers and production teams early in the process helps streamline revisions and reduces costly delays. Staying updated with the latest CAD tools and industry standards also contributes to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Part Design vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectPart DesignMechanical Drafter
Primary RoleCreating detailed 3D models and prototypes of individual partsPreparing technical drawings and schematics based on existing designs
Skills & CertificationsCAD software proficiency, engineering knowledge, certifications like SolidWorks or AutoCADDrafting skills, CAD proficiency, understanding of engineering standards
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering departments, manufacturing firmsEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, construction sites
FocusDesign and development of parts from concept to detailed modelsCreating accurate technical drawings for manufacturing and assembly

Part Design involves developing detailed 3D models of individual components, focusing on design and engineering. Mechanical Drafters prepare technical drawings based on these designs, ensuring accurate documentation for manufacturing. While both roles require CAD skills and engineering knowledge, Part Designers focus on creating models, whereas Mechanical Drafters focus on producing detailed drawings for production.

What are popular job titles related to Part Design jobs in California?

For Part Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Design jobs in California are:

Part Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,007 per year, or $25 per hour.

Tool Design Engineer

Precision Personnel

Huntington Beach, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Tool Design Engineer
What You'll Do
  • Work closely with airframe design & manufacturing engineers to provide manufacturing/assembly input during initial design stages.
  • Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as manufacturing aids to help with day-to-day production; this includes conceptualization, material selection, vendor sourcing and final inspection.
  • Create all CAD files and drawings for assembly fixtures using 3D CAD Software (NX experience preferred).
  • Must be proficient with GD&T.
  • Design, set-up, and dimensionally inspect/interrogate assembly fixturing to support locating and bonding & fastening of large, complex, primary structure using laser trackers and dimensional inspection equipment.
  • Create design review presentations and analysis reports to communicate and substantiate tooling designs.
  • Suggest and incorporate changes in design to improve manufacturability, error-proofing, ergonomic handling, efficiency, and production. Interface with manufacturing engineers, design engineers, engineering management, operations, shop floor personnel, and external vendors.

What You Need
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional industry experience. Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication and assembly skills (demonstrated through past work or experience via a student team, internship, or personal project).
  • Previous experience manufacturing/assembling a full vehicle including exposure to integration efforts.
  • Demonstrated exposure to prototype environment with ability to problem solve.
  • Understanding of composite part design, material properties, allowables and testing.
  • Proficiency with solid modeling and surfacing in 3D CAD Software (NX preferred).
  • Proficiency with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). Strong communication and inter-personal skills.

Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience programming and handling laser trackers and other dimensional inspection equipment.
  • Ability to operate composites related equipment, 3d printers, small CNC routers
  • Experience using Fibersim or Composite Workbench Passion for aviation and eVTOLs