Careers at Western Valve

Join Western Valve’s engineering team and help drive real-world manufacturing solutions. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and directly connected to production. Ideal for someone who enjoys designing with purpose and seeing their work come to life on the shop floor.

Manufacturing Design Engineer (SolidWorks / Tooling & Workholding Engineering)

About the Company

Western Valve is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-performance valves and precision-machined components for demanding industrial applications. Since 1991, we have built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality solutions across a range of industries. Operating out of a vertically integrated facility in Bakersfield, CA, we handle the full manufacturing process in-house including CNC machining, elastomer-to-metal bonding, coating, assembly, and hydrostatic testing. Our team works closely across engineering and production to deliver valve solutions built to perform in critical environments.

Job Brief

We are seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer with strong SolidWorks experience to support production, tooling, and product development efforts. This role owns the design process from concept through production, including creating new components and assemblies, as well as modifying, repairing, and improving existing designs. The position is highly hands-on and focused on solving real manufacturing challenges by working directly with machinists, operators, and production teams. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, practical, and driven to improve efficiency and manufacturability across the shop floor.

Responsibilities

  • Design and modify mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks
  • Develop tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions to support manufacturing
  • Collaborate with production teams to improve manufacturability and efficiency
  • Support troubleshooting and problem-solving on the shop floor
  • Create and maintain detailed drawings and documentation
  • Assist in continuous improvement initiatives across production processes

Job Qualifications

  • Background in mechanical design within a manufacturing environment
  • Understanding of machining processes (CNC and/or manual)
  • Ability to interpret and create detailed engineering drawings
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Experience designing fixtures, tooling, or workholding (preferred)
  • Exposure to G-code or CNC programming concepts (preferred)
  • Experience with CAM software (e.g., Mastercam) (preferred)
  • Hands-on machining experience (manual or CNC) (preferred)
  • General shop-floor experience (preferred)

Minimum Requirements

  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (parts, assemblies, and drawings)
  • Experience working in a manufacturing or machine shop environment
  • Familiarity with machining operations, tolerancing, and materials
  • Ability to work on-site in Bakersfield, CA
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in a manufacturing/shop environment
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility as needed
  • Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs occasionally
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screening
  • Must be able to comply with all safety requirements and policies

Benefits

This is a full-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM). Western Valve offers competitive compensation based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, and 401(k) options. We provide a stable, team-oriented environment where employees have the opportunity to grow and contribute directly to real-world manufacturing operations.