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Part Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$78.20K - $106K/yr

Expert-level proficiency in CATIA V5 or V6 (3DEXPERIENCE), specifically within Part Design and Assembly Design workbenches * Proven track record designing for diverse processes, including high ...

Maintain relationships with vendors and initiates part orders for prototypes. * Independently plan ... Compiles and evaluates design and test data, prepares technical specifications, analyzes technical ...

Self-driven in CAD development, Part Design and Generative Shape design. * Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals. * Demonstrate understanding of design process from initial ...

Audio PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$212K - $318.40K/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 ...

AirPods PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$147.40K - $272.10K/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 ...

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be a part of the design and integration process across the Autonomy Systems. This is a position that provides the engineer a chance to interact with many of the ...

Own mechanical architecture, detailed part design, system integration, and documentation * Prototype, test and validate new designs and concepts. * Design for various mid to high volume manufacturing ...

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Part Design information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do part design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

$95.20K - $131.20K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

What We Do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar.  To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform.  We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world.  

 Position Summary 

The successful candidate will thrive in Terabase’s unique operating environment and culture: high-growth, innovative, lean, and values-driven. As such, successful candidates must be highly capable in each of the following dimensions (among others): adaptability, curiosity, resourcefulness, analytical thinking/problem solving, pro-activity, collaboration, technological savvy, operating in a dynamic environment and most importantly dedicated to the mission of accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy by utilizing digital and automation technology to further reduce the cost of utility-scale solar. 

Do you approach the world with curiosity and ask the question “What if?”  Do you enjoy solving interesting engineering problems that no one has solved before through using your creativity to quickly design, build and field test solutions?   If so, this opportunity may be for you. 

We are seeking 2 Mechanical Design Engineers. This is an Onsite role in Davis, CA. There is up to 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast, depending on development activities.

Responsibilities

  • Innovate solutions for improving solar utility power plant installation efficiency.

  • Design, develop, manufacture and install new or modified mechanical components or systems.

  • Iterate designs quickly to find the optimal product configuration.

  • Perform thorough analysis and validation on mechanical designs leveraging both hands-on problem solving as well sound engineering practices.

  • Own all phases of the product development process from concept, through prototyping, field testing, production drawings

  • Contribute to other team members projects through collaborative design reviews

  • Provide guidance and mentorship to other team members

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 10 years of mechanical design and product development and R&D experience related to mass production and manufacturing.

• Demonstrable experience with hands on prototyping and troubleshooting

• Knowledgeable of different manufacturing methods such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and injection molding for efficient part design

• Knowledgeable of motion control systems, pneumatics/electric actuators, and DC/stepper motor sizing

• CAD proficiency including 3D modeling & 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T

• Experience with finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation), for design validation including non-linear behavior

• Ability to work independently and exercise solid decision making

• Self-motivating work ethic with a drive to understand of all aspects of a design project

• Able to work remotely as part of a distributed team with 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast dependent on development activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree

• Experience in robotics and automation for high volume manufacturing

• Working knowledge of solar utility power plant components

• Experience in evaluating structural dynamic behavior (due to wind or transportation loads)

• Hands on experience with automobiles and/or powersports equipment

• Demonstrated experience leading product development activities such as brainstorming sessions, Failure Mode & Effect Analysis, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action problem solving for mechanical components

• Ability to code in Python

• Familiarity with ASCE 7 and SEI is a plus

If all of this piques your interest, we'd love to hear from you! Please apply to the job with an updated resume that includes your present location and contact information!

 Actual compensation is influenced by many factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience related to the job. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities.  We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
 

 We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing related inquires.