Mechanical Designer Jobs in California
Mechanical Designer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor equipment, clean energy systems, and advanced manufacturing across a range of experience levels from entry-level drafters through senior design leads. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where established employers such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Applied Materials maintain significant engineering workforces. The most in-demand specialties are SolidWorks and CATIA-based 3D modeling, sheet metal design, and electromechanical packaging. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Us
At Terrasat Communications, Inc., we design and manufacture next-generation satellite communications ground segment technologies. From high-power Block Upconverters (BUCs) to intelligent Redundant Control Systems (1:1 and 1:2), our hardware powers mission-critical uplink networks worldwide across C-band, X-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies. Join our Morgan Hill engineering team and help build the physical systems behind global satellite connectivity.
Role Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Mechanical Designer to join our Engineering department. In this role, you will take mechanical enclosures and cable assemblies from initial concept through manufacturing, collaborating closely with our RF engineers to bring complex electronic packaging to life.
What You’ll Do
- End-to-End Mechanical Design: Design mechanical enclosures and cable assemblies from initial concept through to production and manufacturing.
- Detailed CAD Drafting: Create comprehensive fabrication, assembly, installation, modification, outline, and reference drawings for machined, sheet metal, and casting parts.
- Component & System Documentation: Develop model number matrices, cable drawings, wiring diagrams, and designs for fan assemblies, machined housings, thermal heatsinks, sheet metal chassis, brackets, shields, and labels.
- Lifecycle & Data Management: Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) within our ERP system.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with RF engineers to integrate delicate electronic components into rugged, reliable mechanical structures.
What We Are Looking For
- Education: Associate degree (AA/AS) or technical school certification in drafting, mechanical design, or a related field.
- Experience: 0 – 4 years of mechanical design or drafting experience. Experience in an RF/microwave or electronics packaging environment is a strong plus.
- Technical Proficiency: Recent, proven hands-on proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
- Software Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
- Mindset: Strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and enthusiasm for learning complex hardware manufacturing processes.
- Physical & Work Environment: Ability to work on-site in a lab and manufacturing environment, including occasionally lifting or moving hardware components up to 25 lbs.
What We Offer
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary of $61,300 – $89,600 per year, plus eligibility for discretionary performance bonuses.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement Security: 401(k) retirement program featuring Safe Harbor contributions and Profit Sharing.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
- Growth Environment: Hands-on mentorship alongside seasoned RF and mechanical engineering professionals in an established, industry-leading company.
Terrasat Communications, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $61,300.00 - $89,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Experience:
- Mechanical design: 1 year (Required)
- Drafting: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
About Us
At Terrasat Communications, Inc., we design and manufacture next-generation satellite communications ground segment technologies. From high-power Block Upconverters (BUCs) to intelligent Redundant Control Systems (1:1 and 1:2), our hardware powers mission-critical uplink networks worldwide across C-band, X-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies. Join our Morgan Hill engineering team and help build the physical systems behind global satellite connectivity.
Role Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Mechanical Designer to join our Engineering department. In this role, you will take mechanical enclosures and cable assemblies from initial concept through manufacturing, collaborating closely with our RF engineers to bring complex electronic packaging to life.
What You’ll Do
- End-to-End Mechanical Design: Design mechanical enclosures and cable assemblies from initial concept through to production and manufacturing.
- Detailed CAD Drafting: Create comprehensive fabrication, assembly, installation, modification, outline, and reference drawings for machined, sheet metal, and casting parts.
- Component & System Documentation: Develop model number matrices, cable drawings, wiring diagrams, and designs for fan assemblies, machined housings, thermal heatsinks, sheet metal chassis, brackets, shields, and labels.
- Lifecycle & Data Management: Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) within our ERP system.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with RF engineers to integrate delicate electronic components into rugged, reliable mechanical structures.
What We Are Looking For
- Education: Associate degree (AA/AS) or technical school certification in drafting, mechanical design, or a related field.
- Experience: 0 – 4 years of mechanical design or drafting experience. Experience in an RF/microwave or electronics packaging environment is a strong plus.
- Technical Proficiency: Recent, proven hands-on proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
- Software Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
- Mindset: Strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and enthusiasm for learning complex hardware manufacturing processes.
- Physical & Work Environment: Ability to work on-site in a lab and manufacturing environment, including occasionally lifting or moving hardware components up to 25 lbs.
What We Offer
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary of $61,300 – $89,600 per year, plus eligibility for discretionary performance bonuses.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement Security: 401(k) retirement program featuring Safe Harbor contributions and Profit Sharing.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
- Growth Environment: Hands-on mentorship alongside seasoned RF and mechanical engineering professionals in an established, industry-leading company.
Terrasat Communications, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $61,300.00 - $89,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Experience:
- Mechanical design: 1 year (Required)
- Drafting: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 31 Mechanical Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsMechanical Designer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Designer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical designer jobs across California.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo required
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field
- Experience creating detailed drawings and GD&T tolerancing per ASME Y14.5 standards
- Familiarity with aerospace or defense manufacturing processes common in California contracts
- Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, or electromechanical assemblies
- Strong collaboration skills for cross-functional teams across engineering and manufacturing departments
Mechanical Designer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical designer in California?
Most mechanical designers in California enter the field with an associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology, drafting and design, or a closely related discipline from a California community college or university. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for mechanical designers, but professionals who advance into engineering sign-off roles often pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Building a strong CAD portfolio and earning a CSWA or CSWP certification in SolidWorks significantly improves hiring prospects with California employers.
Which companies hire mechanical designers in California?
Employers hiring mechanical designers in California right now include Valar Atomics, CRB, and HDR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor equipment manufacturers, and clean-tech companies means steady, broad demand for mechanical design talent across both large corporations and specialized engineering firms.
Which California cities have the most mechanical designer jobs?
Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Fremont account for the largest share of mechanical designer openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego draw high volume from aerospace and defense contractors, while San Jose sits at the center of Silicon Valley's semiconductor and hardware engineering ecosystem, where companies designing precision mechanical systems and electromechanical assemblies are heavily concentrated.
Are there remote mechanical designer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Mechanical design work typically requires access to physical prototypes, lab equipment, and on-site manufacturing teams, making full remote arrangements uncommon. About 36% of mechanical designer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The tasks most likely to be performed remotely are CAD modeling and drawing reviews, while hands-on prototype testing and manufacturing coordination almost always require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical designer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an engineering technology or drafting program at a California community college such as De Anza, El Camino, or Pasadena City College, which have direct pipelines into local aerospace and manufacturing employers. Large California defense contractors including Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin run structured internship and new-graduate programs specifically for candidates without full professional experience. Applying for titles such as junior designer, design drafter, or CAD technician opens the door, and holding a CSWA certification or building a portfolio of solid 3D models and detailed drawings gives you a measurable edge over candidates without one.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 31 Mechanical Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs