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Part Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple, Inc.

Product Design Engineer - Audio Fit

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

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 ...

TFX Inc.

Cad Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

This role is for someone who is truly strong in CAD-not just basic part modeling, but advanced surface modeling, complex geometry, and designing with real-world manufacturing in mind. We build a wide ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Audio Fit

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

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 ...

IDEO

Mechanical Engineering Design Lead

San Francisco, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Injection Molded Plastic Part Design: Having a general knowledge of tooling approaches to aid in part design, including awareness of techniques like overmolding. * Design for Manufacturing and ...

IDEO

Mechanical Engineering Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Injection Molded Plastic Part Design: Having a general knowledge of tooling approaches to aid in part design, including awareness of techniques like overmolding. * Design for Manufacturing and ...

SLAM

Mechanical Engineering Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Injection Molded Plastic Part Design: having a general knowledge of tooling approaches to aid in part design, including awareness of techniques like overmolding. * Design for Manufacturing and ...

New

Joby Aviation

Design Engineer, Actuators

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$121K - $206K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Certification experience to FAR Part 23/25/27/29 * Experience with the following: * Designing and certifying precision rotating electromechanical systems * Dassault Systems CATIA Part Design and ...

TFX Inc.

Cad Engineer

Oxnard, CA

$90K/yr

This role is for someone who is truly strong in CAD--not just basic part modeling, but advanced surface modeling, complex geometry, and designing with real-world manufacturing in mind. We build a ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Core Systems

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Experience in mechanical design (preferably internships or working experience in consumer electronics) Demonstrated ability in plastic and metal part design including material ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Product Design Engineer - Audio Fit

Apple, Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we strive to invent the next generation of world-class consumer electronics. 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 Apple's wearable audio product line.
The Audio Fit PD team works to ensure optimal comfort, fit, stability, and performance across the population for our AirPods products. We specialize in mechanical design, analysis, and prototyping, collaborating closely with teams such as Industrial Design, Human Factors, Biomechanics, Human Engineering, Soft Goods, and Acoustics. Our attention to detail directly influences products loved by millions.
Description
As a member of the Audio Fit PD team, you will contribute throughout the product development cycle, including:
*Early concept ideation, prototyping, and testing to enhance AirPods ergonomics
*Designing, executing, and analyzing user studies to inform product specifications for ergonomics-related efforts
*Design development and CAD modeling
*Detailed design, drafting, and statistical experiments
*You will work with research, design, and engineering teams to create architectures that meet product goals while delivering exceptional user comfort. Occasional domestic and international travel (10%+) is required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or Biomedical Engineering
3+ years of product design experience or equivalent
Proven experience in cross-functional, technical team environments
Experience in at least one area related to human factors (biomechanics, anthropometry, ergonomics, wearables, prosthetics, humanoid robotics, etc)
Proficiency in 3D CAD software
Proficiency in rapid prototyping and assembly of prototypes for early-stage testing
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including mechanical engineering theory and statistical tools
Familiarity with formal experimental design (DOE)
Understanding of engineering materials and manufacturing processes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Adaptable to fast-paced, dynamic environments
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (10%+)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wearables or ergonomically-sensitive products
Experience with ear and head anatomy, and anthropometric data analysis
Hands on use of rapid prototyping and 3d scanning for fit, comfort, and usability evaluations
Direct experience designing, conducting, and analyzing user studies or simulations
Experience in consumer electronics, including industrial design, sensors, acoustics, PCBs, silicon, antennas, batteries, and thermal systems
Expertise in plastic and metal part design
Has taken at least one product from concept to completion as a PD / mechanical engineer
Familiarity with DFM, DFA, statistical tolerance analysis, GD&T, and FEA analysis
Familiarity working with overseas manufacturers
Knowledge of audio component modules and designing audio subsystems
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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

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