CAD Engineer Jobs in California
CAD Engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, medical device development, and architecture and civil infrastructure, with openings at every level from entry-level drafters to senior design engineers. The most active hiring metros are the Los Angeles basin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Medtronic maintain major California operations. The most sought-after specialties in California listings are mechanical CAD for aerospace assemblies, PCB and chip-level layout, and building information modeling for large infrastructure projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company Overview
North State Electrical Contractors, Inc. is a dynamic commercial electrical company serving the greater Sacramento area. We are committed to delivering high-quality electrical solutions and innovative system designs for a diverse range of projects.
Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CAD Electrical Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating precise electrical system designs, developing detailed schematics, and producing comprehensive CAD documentation using advanced electrical CAD software. Your expertise will support our construction projects by ensuring electrical systems are accurately modeled and compliant with industry standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop electrical system designs and layouts using CAD software
- Create detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings aligned with building codes including NEC and NFPA 70 compliance.
- Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools to produce 3D models of electrical systems for construction and coordination purposes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to integrate electrical designs with architectural and structural plans.
- Prepare CAD documentation for construction, fabrication, and installation processes, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Review and revise electrical drawings based on project updates or client feedback to maintain project integrity.
- Assist in electrical system layout design, wiring schematics, and system integration for various building projects.
Experience
- Proven experience in electrical engineering design within the construction or industrial sectors.
- Proficiency in CAD software including AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, Creo, NavisWorks, and Bluebeam.
- Strong understanding of electrical building codes such as NEC and NFPA 70 standards.
- Hands-on experience with electrical drafting, schematic development, and CAD documentation processes.
- Familiarity with electrical systems design including wiring layouts, system modeling, PCB design, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and electrical wiring practices.
- Experience working on construction projects involving layout design, BIM tools, 3D modeling software, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of electrical engineering principles related to building information modeling (BIM), system design, and technical specifications.
Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in electrical system design! Your expertise will help shape innovative solutions that power our clients’ projects while advancing your career in a vibrant environment that values collaboration and precision.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Company Overview
North State Electrical Contractors, Inc. is a dynamic commercial electrical company serving the greater Sacramento area. We are committed to delivering high-quality electrical solutions and innovative system designs for a diverse range of projects.
Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CAD Electrical Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating precise electrical system designs, developing detailed schematics, and producing comprehensive CAD documentation using advanced electrical CAD software. Your expertise will support our construction projects by ensuring electrical systems are accurately modeled and compliant with industry standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop electrical system designs and layouts using CAD software
- Create detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings aligned with building codes including NEC and NFPA 70 compliance.
- Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools to produce 3D models of electrical systems for construction and coordination purposes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to integrate electrical designs with architectural and structural plans.
- Prepare CAD documentation for construction, fabrication, and installation processes, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Review and revise electrical drawings based on project updates or client feedback to maintain project integrity.
- Assist in electrical system layout design, wiring schematics, and system integration for various building projects.
Experience
- Proven experience in electrical engineering design within the construction or industrial sectors.
- Proficiency in CAD software including AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, Creo, NavisWorks, and Bluebeam.
- Strong understanding of electrical building codes such as NEC and NFPA 70 standards.
- Hands-on experience with electrical drafting, schematic development, and CAD documentation processes.
- Familiarity with electrical systems design including wiring layouts, system modeling, PCB design, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and electrical wiring practices.
- Experience working on construction projects involving layout design, BIM tools, 3D modeling software, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of electrical engineering principles related to building information modeling (BIM), system design, and technical specifications.
Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in electrical system design! Your expertise will help shape innovative solutions that power our clients’ projects while advancing your career in a vibrant environment that values collaboration and precision.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 38 CAD Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Engineer JobsCAD Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software10
- Electronics & Hardware10
- Telecommunications2
- Retail1
- Agriculture & Farming1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD engineer jobs across California.
- Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, drafting technology, or a related field
- Experience producing engineering drawings to GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards
- Familiarity with PDM or PLM systems such as Windchill, Teamcenter, or Vault
- Ability to read and interpret complex assembly and manufacturing drawings independently
- Strong collaboration skills for working across engineering, manufacturing, and design teams
CAD Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad engineer in California?
Most California employers hire cad engineers with an associate degree in drafting and design technology or a bachelor's degree in mechanical or civil engineering. California does not require a state license specifically for cad engineers, but earning a Certified SolidWorks Associate credential or an Autodesk certification strengthens candidacy significantly. Community colleges across the state, including those in the California Community Colleges system, offer accredited CAD technology programs that lead directly into entry-level roles.
How much do CAD engineers make in California?
CAD engineers in California earn a median of about $130,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,950 for the lowest 10% to over $212,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cad engineers in California?
Employers hiring cad engineers in California right now include Apple, NVIDIA, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, medical device manufacturers, and semiconductor equipment firms means consistent demand across a range of industries throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most cad engineer jobs?
The cities with the most cad engineer openings in California are Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. The distribution reflects California's major industrial clusters: the Los Angeles basin anchors aerospace and defense work with large contractors nearby, the Bay Area drives semiconductor and tech hardware demand, and San Diego's life sciences and defense corridor generates steady openings for both mechanical and electrical CAD roles.
Are there remote cad engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're limited. CAD engineering often requires access to physical prototypes, lab equipment, or secure on-site systems, which keeps most roles on-site or hybrid. About 22% of cad engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are those focused on 2D documentation, standards writing, or design review rather than hands-on model development or manufacturing support.
How can I get hired as a cad engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a CAD drafting or engineering technology program at a California Community College and building a project portfolio before applying. Large California defense and aerospace employers often post associate or junior drafter roles that accept new graduates, and some run structured engineering rotation programs. Transitioning from a CNC machinist, manufacturing technician, or architecture intern role is also common. Earning a software-specific certification such as a Certified SolidWorks Associate credential gives candidates without work history a concrete credential to lead with.
Where can I find and apply to cad engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cad engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, medical devices, semiconductors, civil infrastructure, and more. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the employer through each listing.
See All 38 CAD Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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