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Senior Cad Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Senior CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$123K - $169K/yr

Senior CAD Engineer As an Astranis Senior CAD Engineer you will be a leader in the design and configuration of our spacecraft and the documentation and processes used to transfer from design to ...

Reveille Technologies

CAD Administrator

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

Morgan Hill, CA (5 Days Onsite) As a Senior CAD/PLM Systems Administrator or CAD Engineering Manager with deep expertise in PTC Creo and Windchill (or equivalent PLM platforms) who can own the global ...

Astranis

Senior CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Senior CAD Engineer As an Astranis Senior CAD Engineer you will be a leader in the design and configuration of our spacecraft and the documentation and processes used to transfer from design to ...

Chipton Ross

Senior CAD Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71.05/hr

Job #217879 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Senior CAD Design Engineer for a contract opportunity in Long Beach, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * 5+ years of relevant CAD/Design ...

Onsite Personnel LLC

CAD Engineer

Arvin, CA · On-site

Responsibilities: CAD Engineer: * Develop CAD/CAM models using Revit files and construction documents. * Produce shop drawings, material takeoffs, bills of materials (BOMs), cut lists, and ...

Onsite Personnel LLC

CAD Engineer

Arvin, CA

Job Summary: CAD Engineer: We are seeking an experienced CAD Engineer to model structures and building components for Plant projects utilizing our next-generation Plant Building System (PBS ...

TetraMem, Inc.

CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $250K/yr

Collaborate with design engineer, verification engineer, IT, and EDA vendor to optimize EDA license usage * Drive innovation by researching and implementing advanced CAD methodologies that either ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

CAD Engineer As an Astranis CAD Engineer you will design, develop, configure, and maintain spacecraft components and assemblies like bracketry, harnesses, propulsion manifolds, and waveguides. You ...

RSS, LLC.

Senior CAD Specialist

Mather, CA

$37.62 - $58.77/hr

Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to translate concepts, sketches, and ... The Senior CAD Specialist spends most of their time in an office environment, but may occasionally ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA · On-site

$74K - $76K/yr

Works alongside and under the guidance of a Construction Engineer and/or Senior CAD Designer to produce drawings including tolerances, dimensions, materials, and technical project data based on ...

Protingent

Senior Staff CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Senior Staff CAD Engineer Position Description : Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Senior Staff CAD Engineer with our client located in San Jose, CA. * We are looking for a senior IC EDA ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA

$76K/yr

Works alongside and under the guidance of a Construction Engineer and/or Senior CAD Designer to produce drawings including tolerances, dimensions, materials, and technical project data based on ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

CAD Designer

Concord, CA

$76K/yr

Works alongside and under the guidance of a Construction Engineer and/or Senior CAD Designer to produce drawings including tolerances, dimensions, materials, and technical project data based on ...

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All JobsCad Engineer JobsSenior Cad Engineer JobsSenior Cad Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Cad Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior cad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cad engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior CAD engineer?

Senior CAD Engineers are experienced professionals who use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for products, systems, or structures. They often lead design projects, mentor junior team members, and ensure that designs meet industry standards and project requirements. Their work is crucial in fields such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, where precise and efficient design is essential. Senior CAD Engineers typically collaborate with other engineers, architects, and project managers to bring concepts to life and solve complex design challenges.

What are some common challenges senior CAD engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Senior CAD Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. One of the main challenges is ensuring that complex design models are compatible across different software platforms and meet the specific requirements of each discipline. Effective communication and coordination are essential to avoid design conflicts, manage revisions, and maintain project timelines. Adapting to evolving project specifications and integrating feedback efficiently are also key aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Senior CAD Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in computer-aided design, a strong background in engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or electrical engineering. Expertise with CAD software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, as well as knowledge of industry standards and possibly certifications like Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP), is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering precise, innovative designs and ensuring project success in competitive engineering environments.

What is the difference between Senior Cad Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Cad EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsCAD certifications, engineering degreeEngineering degree, CAD proficiency
Work EnvironmentDesign departments, engineering firmsProduct development, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction, manufacturingAutomotive, aerospace, consumer products

While both roles require CAD skills and engineering knowledge, a Senior Cad Engineer typically focuses on leading design projects and CAD management, whereas a Mechanical Design Engineer concentrates on creating and developing mechanical components and systems. The Senior Cad Engineer often supervises CAD workflows, while the Mechanical Design Engineer emphasizes product innovation and detailed design work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cad Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Cad Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Cad Engineer job openings:

Senior Cad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cad 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 $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Astranis
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Astranisexternal

$123K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Senior CAD Engineer

As an Astranis Senior CAD Engineer you will be a leader in the design and configuration of our spacecraft and the documentation and processes used to transfer from design to production.  You will develop, maintain and teach others about design methods and best practices, perform spacecraft-level design tasks such as waveguide routing and panel configuration, and manage spacecraft bills of material and change orders in conjunction with the vehicle engineering, production and supply chain teams.  You must have strong CAD design experience in complex systems.  Experience with spacecraft is a benefit but is not required.

Role

  • Manage configuration of top-level spacecraft assemblies in CAD and create and maintain bills of material for assemblies to transfer to production
  • Develop and document best practices for design
  • Teach and mentor others in design and drawing best practices
  • Manage the programs and procedures that govern how CAD interacts with PLM.
  • Model and draw components and systems, especially system-wide assemblies such as waveguide routes, propulsion systems and harnessing.
  • Check engineering drawings for components and systems
  • Assist in recruiting, interviewing and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in a design role and expertise in mechanical CAD
  • Experience with design and production of complex assemblies
  • Robust knowledge of SolidWorks
  • Working knowledge and experience in PDM Administration
  • Mastery of GD+T and engineering drawings
  • A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment including hands-on development

Bonus

  • Expertise of SolidWorks
  • Experience in design of spaceflight components and/or vacuum compatible systems
  • Experience designing and routing harnesses, waveguides and/or pipes
  • Experience with surface modeling
  • Experience with Arena
 

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