Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

$120000 - $160000 per year | Santa Ana, CA | On-site | Permanent

Mechanical Design Engineer — Production Tooling, Fixtures & NPI Support — $125k to $165k Base + Bonus — Santa Ana, CA / Onsite — Nationally Recognized Aerospace, Space & Defense Company

A bit about us:

Our client is a vertically integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing partner to leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Our work spans three core markets — space and launch systems, defense aviation and airborne systems, and C5ISR and precision strike — and we build hardware that has to survive extreme operating environments. Across a nationwide footprint of advanced manufacturing facilities, we support rapid prototyping, new product development, large-scale production, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.

Why join us?

• Base salary $125k–$160k+
• Medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k)
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Full-lifecycle ownership: you define the tooling, validate it, and fix it when production finds the edge cases
• Decades of manufacturing heritage with a balanced mix of next-gen development programs and long-running production work
• Clear technical growth path — mechanical design into broader manufacturing engineering leadership

Job Details

You'll design the production tooling, fixtures, and processing aids that support aerospace manufacturing across multiple product families — machining, assembly, test, and inspection — working from concepts, sketches, models, or verbal input from engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production.

Create detailed tooling, fixture, and processing aid designs using 3D CAD, GD&T, and tolerance analysis

Generate derivative and secondary models, reference geometry, and tooling datasets for NC programming, inspection, assembly, and test

Validate tooling and design intent through engineering analysis, producibility reviews, and shop floor application

Support design and modification of test equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions using structured methods (8D, RCCA, DMAIC), and own configuration management, revision control, and technical accuracy of models and drawings

Looking for:

• Strong 3D CAD skills — SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX; multi-body design, surfacing, large assemblies, and detailed drawings
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5; familiarity with model-based definition (MBD) workflows
• Strong communicator who works well cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and production

Experience in any of the following areas welcomed:

• Machine shop / CNC manufacturing environments
• Composites manufacturing
• Hydraulic and pneumatic test equipment
• Assembly, test, machining, and inspection tooling
• Lean design, ergonomics, and cost-out / cycle-time reduction projects
• NPI and new product development support

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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