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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Showing 4 of 23+ Mechanical Designer jobs
Mechanical Designer - Healthcare
Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add a talented team member to our group of excellent designers. The Mechanical Designer is an entry-level role focused on developing design expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
About HED
We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.
Position Summary
This role introduces the fundamentals of system design, project documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination while emphasizing hands-on learning. Mechanical Designers at this level primarily support more experienced team members and engage in assignments that build foundational technical skills and familiarity with HED processes and tools.
Essential Functions
- Primarily working in Revit, modeling components and systems - for HVAC, plumbing and/or fire protection systems - based on redlines or design guidance from a project lead
- Execute project setups in Revit for mechanical models
- Design, layout and coordination of mechanical equipment and components within a room/plan
- Participate in mentorship relationships with lead engineers to understand the “how” and “why” of mechanical engineering for the built environment
- Able to autonomously implement delegated design tasks
- Developing the Table of Contents for Division 21, 22, 23 specifications
- Learning and completing system sizing calculations - such as ductwork static pressure, waste and vent pipe sizing - under the guidance of the project designer/lead
- Checking own work for graphical issues to resolve prior to deliverable issuance per HED’s Design Standards.
- Collaborate with the QAQC effort per HED’s Design Process.
- Attend client meetings, for observation, alongside the project designer/lead to collaborate on project mechanical requirements
- Attend and actively participate in internal project team meetings.
- Working in different sectors to gain experience as a mechanical generalist
- Engage in staffing process including estimating time required to complete tasks or assigned work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required.
- Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
- Strong organizational skills preferred.
- Revit experience preferred.
- Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
- Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
Work Environment
- We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
- The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Mechanical Designer - Healthcare
Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add a talented team member to our group of excellent designers. The Mechanical Designer is an entry-level role focused on developing design expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
About HED
We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.
Position Summary
This role introduces the fundamentals of system design, project documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination while emphasizing hands-on learning. Mechanical Designers at this level primarily support more experienced team members and engage in assignments that build foundational technical skills and familiarity with HED processes and tools.
Essential Functions
- Primarily working in Revit, modeling components and systems - for HVAC, plumbing and/or fire protection systems - based on redlines or design guidance from a project lead
- Execute project setups in Revit for mechanical models
- Design, layout and coordination of mechanical equipment and components within a room/plan
- Participate in mentorship relationships with lead engineers to understand the “how” and “why” of mechanical engineering for the built environment
- Able to autonomously implement delegated design tasks
- Developing the Table of Contents for Division 21, 22, 23 specifications
- Learning and completing system sizing calculations - such as ductwork static pressure, waste and vent pipe sizing - under the guidance of the project designer/lead
- Checking own work for graphical issues to resolve prior to deliverable issuance per HED’s Design Standards.
- Collaborate with the QAQC effort per HED’s Design Process.
- Attend client meetings, for observation, alongside the project designer/lead to collaborate on project mechanical requirements
- Attend and actively participate in internal project team meetings.
- Working in different sectors to gain experience as a mechanical generalist
- Engage in staffing process including estimating time required to complete tasks or assigned work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required.
- Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
- Strong organizational skills preferred.
- Revit experience preferred.
- Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
- Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
Work Environment
- We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
- The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
See All 23 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
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Staffing & Recruiting
- 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 General Atomics, CRB, and HDR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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?
Irvine, San Diego, 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 56% of mechanical designer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 23 Mechanical Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs