Manufacturing Design Engineer — SolidWorks + Shop Floor

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

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.