Manufacturing Design Engineer

Astforge; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Company-Sponsored Life Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Job summary

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) in Oxnard, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer focused on SolidWorks to model parts, generate drawings, and translate customer requirements into manufacturable designs. Entry-level role with hands-on shop exposure and a path to a higher design/engineer track.

You will work on 3D/2D models, support tooling layouts, and collaborate across manufacturing and sales to optimize forms and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field — recent grads and upcoming grads welcome to apply.
• Strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD, e.g. Fusion 360) developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
• 0–2 years of professional experience — we weigh substantial hands-on project experience (senior design, robotics or competition teams, research projects, personal builds) the same as an internship.
• A track record of taking ownership: leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
• Genuine curiosity about how things are manufactured, not just how they’re designed — familiarity with hand and shop tools (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift daily.
• Clear communicator, equally comfortable talking with engineers, machinists, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3D models and 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
• Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs.
• Maintain accurate, organized engineering records, CAD files, and revision histories.
• Spend regular time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to see how your designs translate into finished parts, and support tooling development and process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction

Skills

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Shop tools familiarity

Clear communicator

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks (CAD)

Fusion 360

Job description

We’re looking for a Manufacturing Design Engineer who will spend the majority of their time in SolidWorks — modeling parts and tooling, generating drawings, and turning customer requirements into manufacturable designs. This is a design-focused, entry-level role for someone early in their career who wants to build real CAD and drafting skill on hardware that ships to real customers.

Alongside the design work, you’ll get regular, structured time on the machine shop floor — enough to see how your designs actually get made and to design smarter because of it. If you’re happiest at the CAD station but want your models grounded in how parts are actually built, this role is built for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop 3D models and 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
• Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs.
• Maintain accurate, organized engineering records, CAD files, and revision histories.
• Spend regular time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to see how your designs translate into finished parts, and support tooling development and process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field — recent grads and upcoming grads welcome to apply.
• Strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD, e.g. Fusion 360) developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
• 0–2 years of professional experience — we weigh substantial hands-on project experience (senior design, robotics or competition teams, research projects, personal builds) the same as an internship.
• A track record of taking ownership: leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
• Genuine curiosity about how things are manufactured, not just how they’re designed — familiarity with hand and shop tools (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift daily.
• Clear communicator, equally comfortable talking with engineers, machinists, and customers.

HOW YOU’LL GROW

This role is built as a development track, not a static job description.

• Structured mentorship from senior design and manufacturing engineers.
• Regular, guided exposure to the shop — seeing your own drawings become parts.
• Increasing ownership of projects and customer interfaces as you demonstrate capability.
• A clear path toward a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role as your skills develop.

WHY JOIN AST?

We believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

JOB DETAILS

Job Type Full-Time, In-Person

Pay Range $75,000 – $90,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

Schedule Monday – Friday, 8-hour shift (40 hours per week)

Location Oxnard, California

If you’re a motivated, detail-oriented engineer who wants to build real CAD and design skill while staying connected to how parts are actually made, we encourage you to apply. AST is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful workplace for all employees.

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is a leading manufacturer specializing in forged, spin/flow formed, and machined products for the space, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a strong reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing.

Located in Oxnard, California, AST operates out of a cutting-edge facility spanning over 250,000 sq. ft., including our newest expansion completed in 2024. AST employs approximately 170 skilled professionals across multi-shift operations, ensuring efficiency, precision, and timely delivery for mission-critical industries.