ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Seat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO INC

Seat Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

The Seat Design Engineer is a member of the engineering team who is responsible for the design, development, and certification of helicopter seats which meet safety, weight, and cost objectives. This ...

Jobtailor

Seat Trim Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Partner closely with design/styling, seat engineers, manufacturing teams, and program managers. * Continuous Improvement: Proactively suggest and help implement changes that make builds faster ...

Ford Motor Company

Seat Trim Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Partner closely with design/styling, seat engineers, manufacturing teams, and program managers. Be the voice of practical reality in meetings while enthusiastically supporting new concepts from the ...

Ford Motor Company

Seat Trim Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$138K - $232K/yr

Partner closely with design/styling, seat engineers, manufacturing teams, and program managers. Be the voice of practical reality in meetings while enthusiastically supporting new concepts from the ...

VDart Inc

Restraint Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Irvine, CA (Onsite) o 5+ years of recent relevant experience o Work experience on Automotive Occupant safety components [Airbag, Occupant Sensor, ODS and Seat belt] o Mechanical Design Engineer with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSeat Engineer JobsSeat Engineer Jobs in California

Seat Engineer information

See California salary details

$12

$55

$79

How much do seat engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for seat engineer in California is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seat engineer?

Seat engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test seating systems for vehicles, primarily in the automotive industry. Their work focuses on ensuring seats meet safety, comfort, ergonomic, and aesthetic standards while integrating with other vehicle components. They collaborate with teams in design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to produce seats that comply with regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Seat engineers also address challenges like weight reduction, cost optimization, and new technology integration in seating systems.

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

To thrive as a Seat Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and ergonomics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), knowledge of manufacturing processes, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the design, safety, and comfort of seating systems, directly impacting product quality and user satisfaction.

What are common challenges faced by seat engineers when working on new vehicle models?

Seat Engineers often face the challenge of balancing ergonomics, safety standards, and cost constraints while designing seats for new vehicle models. They must collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and safety teams to ensure that seats meet regulatory requirements, provide comfort, and can be efficiently produced. Additionally, integrating new technologies such as heating, ventilation, and electronic adjustments can add complexity to the design and testing process. Effective communication and adaptability are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver high-quality seating solutions.

What is the difference between Seat Engineer vs Seat Designer?

AspectSeat EngineerSeat Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, certifications in CAD softwareBachelor's in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering, proficiency in CAD tools
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automotive or aerospace industriesDesign studios, automotive or aerospace companies
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, transportation sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, furniture industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Seat Engineers focus on the technical aspects, testing, and manufacturing of seats, ensuring safety and functionality. Seat Designers concentrate on the aesthetic, ergonomic, and conceptual aspects of seat design, creating visual and functional prototypes. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their focus areas within the seat development process.

What are popular job titles related to Seat Engineer jobs in California?

For Seat Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seat Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Seat Engineer jobs in California are:

Seat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seat Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,938 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Seat Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc.
See more jobs at Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc.external

$105K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Robinson Helicopter Company is a leading manufacturer of civil rotorcraft with a 50-year history of providing affordable helicopters for a wide range of applications. Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.
The Seat Design Engineer is a member of the engineering team who is responsible for the design, development, and certification of helicopter seats which meet safety, weight, and cost objectives. This role requires technical expertise in structures, dynamics, manufacturing, and human factors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead the design and development of seating solutions including seat structures, functional mechanisms, foam, and covers from concept through detailed engineering and production release.
  • Ensure human factors requirements are met including defining the H-point and eye point, and evaluation of kinematics, reach envelopes, ergonomics, and usability.
  • Design and optimize Energy Attenuation (EA) systems to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 27.562.
  • Conduct numerical simulations to predict structural integrity, restraint geometry, and head strike (LS-DYNA, MADYMO).
  • Conduct user evaluations of proposed seat designs.
  • Create detail, assembly, and installation design definitions using CAD software.
  • Oversee the development and manufacturing of prototype articles.
  • Develop requirements, specifications, and processes including material selection.
  • Identify, plan, and lead tests for components and assemblies in the laboratory, ground, and flight test environment as necessary to include test planning, conformity, instrumentation, test conduct, data analysis, and issue resolution.
  • Validate that designs meet customer expectations, design objectives, and the requirements of 14 CFR Part 27.
  • Interface with suppliers to identify solutions to design problems, establish requirements, and ensure requirements are satisfied.
  • Report on project status, schedules, and risks.
  • Develop processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or equivalent work experience.
  • Direct experience designing seating including human factors consideration.
  • Direct experience with computer aided design and modeling with a focus on design for manufacturing and the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (Solidworks or CATIA).
  • Strong understanding of structures, loads, and mechanical systems.
  • Must be a proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with seat design, fabrication, integration, development, and testing for aircraft applications.
  • Deep understanding of aircraft certification requirements in 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29.
  • Direct experience with non-linear crash simulation (LS-DYNA) and multi-body simulation (MADYMO).

Pay Range: $105,000 - $150,000 annually

Apply