Tool Engineer Jobs in California
Tool Engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor fabrication, medical device manufacturing, and advanced automotive systems, with openings at every level from entry-level manufacturing support through senior process and tooling leadership. The highest volumes of hiring are in the Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego metros, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Edwards Lifesciences maintain large engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties are precision machining, fixture design, and CNC programming. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Responsibilities
Designs industrial machinery and equipment, tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments required for production or experimental use, considering such factors as accessibility, economy, mobility, and performance requirements.
Candidate should have a professional engineering (PE) certificate, and have the ability to perform stress analysis as well as stamp it.
Pay: $70.00 - $75.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
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Find Tool Engineer JobsTool Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tool Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tool engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD for tool design
- Proficiency in GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation per ASME Y14.5 standards
- Experience with CNC machining, fixture design, or tooling development in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and process improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma
- Strong understanding of materials science, including metals, composites, and plastics used in California's aerospace and medical device sectors
Tool Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tool engineer in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering as the foundation for a tool engineer role. California does not have a state-issued license specific to tool engineers, but Professional Engineer registration through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists is recognized in senior and lead roles, particularly in aerospace and defense. Candidates who build hands-on CNC, fixture design, or CAD portfolios through internships or community college manufacturing programs gain a strong competitive edge.
Which companies hire tool engineers in California?
Employers hiring tool engineers in California right now include Northrop Grumman, Anduril, and ASTROLAB, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor equipment makers, and medical device manufacturers means tool engineer demand is spread across a wide range of industries rather than a single sector.
Which California cities have the most tool engineer jobs?
Palmdale, Santa Clara, and Hawthorne have the most tool engineer openings in California. The distribution reflects the state's major industrial clusters: the Los Angeles area is anchored by aerospace and defense contractors, San Jose draws heavily from semiconductor and precision equipment firms in Silicon Valley, and San Diego's concentration of biotech and medical device companies drives consistent tooling and manufacturing engineering demand.
Are there remote tool engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Tool engineering is fundamentally hands-on work tied to production floors, machining centers, and prototype labs, so most roles require on-site presence. About 50% of tool engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve CAD design review, tooling documentation, or program management rather than direct fabrication work.
How can I get hired as a tool engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a manufacturing engineering associate or tooling technician role, which large California employers use as a direct pipeline into full tool engineer positions. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Edwards Lifesciences run new-grad and co-op programs through California State University campuses and community college workforce partnerships. Building a portfolio through CAD coursework, machining lab projects, or a NIMS credential in precision machining demonstrates hands-on readiness when formal experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to tool engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to tool engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, and manufacturing sectors. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listings.
See All 8 Tool Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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