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Part Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Sound is a vital part of our devices and customer experience. Our Audio Product Design (PD) team creates innovations that enhance music enjoyment, optimize communication, and refine sound across ...

AirPods PD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

This role may require international travel (~10%). Minimum Qualifications 3+ years experience in product design, or equivalent BS Mechanical Engineering Demonstrated ability in plastic and metal part ...

In this role, you will play a key part in shaping innovation while fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement within the company. Responsibilities * Design and develop exterior and ...

... and metal part design including material selection - Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, functional ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 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 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 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 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.
Infographic showing various Part Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,007 per year, or $25 per hour.
Product Design Engineer - Retail and Events Product Design

Product Design Engineer - Retail and Events Product Design

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is seeking a product design engineer to join the Retail and Events Product Design (REPD) team. We are a diverse group of engineers who design and develop integrated hardware solutions for retail spaces and special Apple events like new product announcements, developer conferences, and store openings. These solutions are engineered to elevate and showcase Apple products in magical and transformative ways!
We value engineers with a desire to acquire new skills and further their professional development. You will have the opportunity to learn and apply knowledge in many engineering fields, including material selection, machine design, manufacturing processes, stress and failure analyses, PCB integration, and cosmetic finishing. We work best with excellent communicators who are able to collaborate with multi-functional teams within Apple, like the Industrial Design Group, as well as external suppliers. Delivering the best customer experience is our shared goal!
Description
Your responsibilities will span technology development and concept generation to detailed design, analysis, and testing through mass production of complex assemblies. You will also be responsible for the design and engineering of products that meet the requirements of our internal customers, carefully balancing competing needs across design, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and performance.","responsibilities":"Developing initial product architectures and new technology concept investigations
Designing 3D models of mechanisms and drafting 2D documentation of all parts and assemblies
Building and evaluating physical models to evaluate functionality, manufacturability, and performance
Collaborating with operations teams and external vendors to develop manufacturing and assembly processes
Analyzing data generated from lab experiments and vendor builds to inform engineering decisions
Traveling both domestically and internationally to piece part and assembly vendors to realize the physical design and finding root cause for failures
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with consumer electronics products.
Experience working with contract manufacturers.
Demonstrated ability in plastic and metal part design including material selection.
Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, functional dimensioning, and geometric tolerancing.
Experience with component modules (connectors, batteries, electronics packaging, PCBAs).
A passion for functional design and an appreciation for detail.
Flexibility and comfort working in a constantly evolving environment.
Experience working in a collaborative environment with self-motivation to identify and drive resolution on design issues across multiple projects.
The ability to articulate design issues in quantitative terms both verbally and with documentation.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering disciplines.
2+ years demonstrated ability in mechanical design
Strong analytical/problem solving skills.
Experience with 3D CAD modeling systems and workflow.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976