CAE Engineer Jobs in California
CAE Engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing sectors, with openings ranging from entry-level analyst roles through principal and senior engineer positions. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Tesla maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in California include structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and finite element analysis for high-performance systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the execution of structural analysis tasks using CAE tools.
- Support the development of CAE models and simulations to evaluate structural components.
- Help analyze simulation results and provide recommendations for design improvements.
- Contribute to the creation of test plans and assist in the validation process of vehicle structures.
- Communicate analysis results to team members and contribute to discussions about structural design solutions.
Technical and Behavioral Expectations:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
- 2+ years experience in automotive safety or another relevant field
- Basic understanding of structural analysis principles and CAE software.
- Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills related to automotive structural analysis.
- Ability to follow guidance from senior engineers and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
- Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to engage with cross-functional teams.
- Expected to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, contributing to the overall success of the team.
- Works under close guidance but is expected to contribute positively to the team and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
- Ability to travel to vehicle and component launch locations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the execution of structural analysis tasks using CAE tools.
- Support the development of CAE models and simulations to evaluate structural components.
- Help analyze simulation results and provide recommendations for design improvements.
- Contribute to the creation of test plans and assist in the validation process of vehicle structures.
- Communicate analysis results to team members and contribute to discussions about structural design solutions.
Technical and Behavioral Expectations:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
- 2+ years experience in automotive safety or another relevant field
- Basic understanding of structural analysis principles and CAE software.
- Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills related to automotive structural analysis.
- Ability to follow guidance from senior engineers and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
- Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to engage with cross-functional teams.
- Expected to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, contributing to the overall success of the team.
- Works under close guidance but is expected to contribute positively to the team and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
- Ability to travel to vehicle and component launch locations.
See All 16 CAE Engineer Jobs in California
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Find CAE Engineer JobsCAE Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAE Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAE engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering required
- Proficiency in FEA or CFD software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran
- Experience with CAD platforms including CATIA, SolidWorks, or Siemens NX
- Familiarity with aerospace or automotive industry standards and design processes
- Strong background in structural, thermal, or dynamic simulation and analysis
- Ability to obtain or hold security clearance for defense-sector roles in California
CAE Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cae engineer in California?
Most cae engineer roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering from an accredited program. California does not mandate a state-specific license for most cae engineers in private industry, though engineers who sign off on public safety work may pursue licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Building simulation software proficiency and completing internships with California's aerospace or automotive employers strengthens a candidate's path considerably.
How much do CAE engineers make in California?
CAE engineers in California earn a median of about $130,900 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,070 for the lowest 10% to over $203,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cae engineers in California?
Employers hiring cae engineers in California right now include Rivian, Tesla, and Ford Motor Company, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, defense contractors, and electric vehicle manufacturers means demand is distributed across both established legacy employers and fast-growing technology companies.
Which California cities have the most cae engineer jobs?
The California cities with the most cae engineer openings are Irvine, Foster City, and Fremont. The distribution reflects Los Angeles and its surrounding defense and aerospace corridor, San Diego's strong military and engineering presence, and the Bay Area's concentration of automotive technology and semiconductor companies that rely heavily on simulation engineering.
Are there remote cae engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused fields, since much cae engineer work involves collaborating on proprietary models and interfacing with physical hardware and lab teams. About 43% of cae engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements more prevalent than fully remote. Pre-processing, post-processing, and report-writing tasks are the portions of the role most frequently performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a cae engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a structured internship or new-graduate program at one of California's large aerospace or automotive employers, where structured rotations expose candidates to simulation workflows under experienced engineers. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Tesla run formal new-grad hiring cycles that accept candidates with strong academic simulation projects in lieu of industry experience. A portfolio demonstrating hands-on work in ANSYS or Abaqus, even from coursework or personal projects, gives candidates a clear advantage over applicants with no simulation output to show.
Where can I find and apply to cae engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cae engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 16 CAE Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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