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Tooling Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Tooling Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Provide technical leadership in tooling design, process optimization, and problem-solving. Support new product introduction (NPI) by coordinating tooling tasks and resources across projects, applying ...

Vast

Tooling Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$112K - $159K/yr

Own the design, activation, and implementation, and support fabrication, of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling. * Work with Integration and Manufacturing to ...

Belcan

Tooling Engineer

Lake View Terrace, CA

Provide technical leadership in tooling design, process optimization, and problem-solving. Support new product introduction (NPI) by coordinating tooling tasks and resources across projects, applying ...

Vast

Tooling Engineer I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Own the design, activation, and implementation, and support fabrication, of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 assembly, lifting, and handling. * Work with Integration and Manufacturing to ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Plastics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Lead Apple suppliers to design and produce world-class plastic tooling. Lead tool design and build, tool and process development and tool qualifications at the supplier. Collaborate with supply ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Plastics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Lead Apple suppliers to design and produce world-class plastic tooling. Lead tool design and build, tool and process development and tool qualifications at the supplier. Collaborate with supply ...

General Matter

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $175K/yr

You will design, source, operate, and maintain custom tooling and fixtures that enable safe, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with engineering and production ...

General Matter

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $175K/yr

You will design, source, operate, and maintain custom tooling and fixtures that enable safe, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with engineering and production ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

Hermeus

Tooling Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

Own the design, fabrication, and implementation of advanced tooling, fixtures, and integration aids to support R&D, prototype builds, and test campaigns. * Partner with structures, manufacturing, and ...

pelican

Tooling Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

Design, develop, and optimize injection molds and tooling systems for new and existing products. * Review product designs and engineering specifications to ensure manufacturability and alignment with ...

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Tooling Design information

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$23

$37

$50

How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling design in California is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.82 and $43.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tooling Designer, you need strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and experience with manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure the creation of efficient, precise tooling that supports safe and cost-effective production.

What is tooling design?

Tooling design is the process of creating and developing tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures required to manufacture parts and products efficiently and accurately. Tooling designers work closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure that the tools meet production needs, maintain quality, and optimize processes. This field is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods where custom tools are needed to mass-produce components. Effective tooling design can reduce production costs, improve product quality, and speed up manufacturing cycles.

What does a tooling design do?

A tooling designer creates and develops tools, dies, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to produce parts efficiently and accurately. They use CAD software and have knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and engineering standards to ensure tools meet production requirements. The role often involves collaboration with engineers and machinists to optimize tool performance and durability.

What are some common challenges faced by tooling designers when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tooling designers often encounter challenges such as balancing design specifications with manufacturability and cost constraints. Effective communication with manufacturing teams is crucial to ensure that tooling designs are practical and align with production capabilities. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate last-minute changes or resolving unforeseen production issues requires flexibility and problem-solving skills. Building strong working relationships with engineers and machinists helps streamline the design-to-production process.

What is the difference between Tooling Design vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectTooling DesignManufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning and developing manufacturing tools and equipmentPlanning and optimizing manufacturing processes
Required SkillsCAD, mechanical design, materials knowledgeProcess analysis, production workflows, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, machine shopsFactory floors, production lines
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, mechanical engineering degreesSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing certifications

Tooling Design focuses on creating the tools and equipment used in manufacturing, while Manufacturing Engineering oversees the entire production process. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate to improve manufacturing efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Design jobs in California?

For Tooling Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tooling Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling Design jobs in California are:

Tooling Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,207 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Tooling Design & Automation Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
TOOLING DESIGN AND AUTOMATION ENGINEER (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
One key component of SpaceX's success so far is our commitment to keeping all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision making, and speedy deliverables. Tooling Design and Automation Engineers at our Hawthorne site are hyper-focused on designing and developing full factory solutions for consumer electronics in the tens of millions that are both technically sophisticated and easy to use. As a member of this team, you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, develop, and manage factory design projects - this includes initial factory ideation, cradle-to-grave machine ownership, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
  • Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization for in-house machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
  • Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
  • Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
  • Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or science discipline
  • Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
  • 1+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
  • 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
  • Proficient in 3D CAD and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferably Siemens NX and Teamcenter
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Exposure to motion system sizing and implementation including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection, integration, safety keep-outs, etc.
  • Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment including motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Willing to learn how to design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
  • Willing to learn how to architect, write, and debug PLC code
  • Willing to learn how to generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
  • Willing to travel a minimum of 10% of the time, and up to 50% of the time to support business needs

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level 1: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level 2: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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