1

Communication Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Communicate design intent and changes effectively through clear verbal updates, written documentation, and visual design artifacts. Essential Skills * At least 6+ years of hands‑on harness design ...

Digital Design Director

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$178K - $218K/yr

Communicate and present complex concepts and strategies to partners, executives, and stakeholders, using strong storytelling skills and seeking feedback to contribute to Ford's broader design culture.

... communicate the quality and ambition of our company behind it. As Orchard's Founding Design ... Engineer, you will establish the design function and own design across product, brand, marketing ...

New

CAD Drafter

Fresno, CA

$22.25 - $30/hr

CAD Drafter Aeronot Design is an architecture firm specializing in imaginative, custom buildings ... Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with architects ...

You communicate design decisions with clarity to cross-functional partners across Engineering, Product Marketing, and Senior Management. You distill highly complex systems into clean, focused ...

Work closely with the Detailing Department and other team members to communicate design requirements effectively and ensure seamless project execution. * Oversight: Review and check structural ...

Structural Design Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$84K - $103K/yr

Work closely with the Detailing Department and other team members to communicate design requirements effectively and ensure seamless project execution. * Oversight: Review and check structural ...

Ensure consistency of message, voice and visual standards; optimize communication channels, delivery, and measurement. Balances strong design expertise with disciplined project management to plan ...

Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the biggest impact through visual storytelling. They ... The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design and experience applying practical and ...

Ensure consistency of message, voice and visual standards; optimize communication channels, delivery, and measurement. Balances strong design expertise with disciplined project management to plan ...

Showing results 41-60

Communication Design information

See California salary details

$25

$33

$39

How much do communication design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for communication design in California is $33.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is communication design?

Communication design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on how media and visuals are used to convey information, messages, or ideas effectively. It involves creating visual solutions—such as graphics, branding, digital interfaces, advertisements, and more—to solve communication problems. Communication designers combine creativity, technical skills, and understanding of human behavior to craft compelling and accessible messages for various audiences across different platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communication designer?

To thrive as a Communication Designer, you need strong visual design skills, proficiency in typography, color theory, and a relevant degree in graphic or communication design. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and knowledge of digital platforms are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. Mastery of these abilities ensures impactful visual messaging, brand consistency, and successful project delivery across various media.

How does a communication designer typically collaborate with marketing and product teams in a company?

Communication Designers frequently work alongside marketing and product teams to ensure visual messaging aligns with brand strategy and user experience goals. This involves participating in brainstorming sessions, translating marketing objectives into compelling visuals, and iterating on designs based on feedback from cross-functional partners. Open communication and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift quickly in response to market trends or campaign performance. Collaboration tools, regular meetings, and shared project management platforms help streamline the workflow and keep everyone aligned.

What is the difference between Communication Design vs Graphic Design?

AspectCommunication DesignGraphic Design
FocusCreating visual messages for communication and brandingDesigning visual content primarily for print and digital media
SkillsTypography, branding, user experience, storytellingLayout, color theory, illustration, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, corporate branding, multimedia projectsPrint shops, marketing firms, digital media
CredentialsDegree in communication design, visual arts, or related fieldsDegree or diploma in graphic design or visual communication

Communication Design and Graphic Design share overlapping skills but differ in scope. Communication Design emphasizes conveying messages and storytelling across various media, while Graphic Design focuses on visual aesthetics for specific media. Both roles are vital in branding and marketing, often working together to achieve cohesive visual communication.

How to become a communication designer?

To become a communication designer, typically a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field is required. Developing skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, building a strong portfolio, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work are important steps. Some roles may also value certifications or specialized training in areas like branding or digital media.

What do communication design majors do?

Communication design majors typically work as graphic designers, visual communicators, or branding specialists, creating visual content for print, digital media, and advertising. They use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and develop skills in layout, typography, and visual storytelling to convey messages effectively across various platforms.

What jobs can you do with communication design?

Communication design graduates can pursue roles such as graphic designer, visual communicator, user experience (UX) designer, branding specialist, advertising art director, and digital media designer. These jobs typically require skills in visual storytelling, proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and an understanding of branding and marketing principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Communication Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Communication Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Communication Design jobs in California?

For Communication Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Communication Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Communication Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Communication Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,830 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Harness Design Engineer

Actalent

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$90 - $97/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Harness Design EngineerJob Description

The Harness Design Engineer will play a key role in developing next‑generation energy storage systems by owning the design and integration of electrical harnesses across complex electro‑mechanical assemblies. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who excels in 3D CAD routing, collaborates effectively with cross‑functional teams, and proactively drives design decisions in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment.

Responsibilities
  • Create 3D harness routing models using CAD tools, with a primary focus on the SolidWorks Harness Routing Module.
  • Develop 2D harness layout drawings using appropriate electrical design and drafting tools.
  • Design mounting strategies, routing paths, and interface points throughout the energy storage system to ensure robust integration and serviceability.
  • Create simple mechanical parts such as brackets, clamps, strain‑relief features, and other installation hardware required for harness implementation.
  • Generate and maintain detailed documentation, including connector and terminal specifications, harness drawings and schematics, bills of materials (BOM), installation drawings, and cable and harness construction details.
  • Maintain and update component libraries for harness and electrical design as needed, ensuring accuracy and consistency across projects.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, test, and systems engineering teams to ensure harness designs integrate seamlessly across the full battery pack system.
  • Drive and participate in design reviews, clearly presenting harness concepts, resolving interface challenges, and incorporating feedback from cross‑functional stakeholders.
  • Identify design gaps and integration risks early, proactively engaging relevant team members to align on solutions and drive design progression.
  • Take end‑to‑end ownership of harness routing and mechanical integration tasks with minimal oversight, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Communicate design intent and changes effectively through clear verbal updates, written documentation, and visual design artifacts.
Essential Skills
  • At least 6+ years of hands‑on harness design experience in electro‑mechanical systems.
  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, particularly the Harness Routing Module for 3D routing and harness modeling.
  • Deep understanding of mechanical integration principles, including packaging, routing constraints, and interface management in complex assemblies.
  • Proven experience designing brackets, routing supports, clamps, and other simple mechanical components that support harness installation.
  • Ability to develop and interpret electrical schematics and harness drawings for system‑level integration.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present designs clearly to engineering stakeholders and cross‑functional partners.
  • Autonomous and proactive working style, capable of driving work forward independently and taking ownership of deliverables.
  • Strong electrical‑focused harness engineering expertise across electro‑mechanical systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience with PCBA design and system‑level electrical schematics.
  • Background in PCB layout and electrical design for complex systems.
  • Familiarity with maintaining and updating component libraries for harness and electrical design.
  • Experience working closely with electrical engineers on harness design for PCBA and system‑level integration.
  • Comfort working in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment such as a rapidly scaling startup.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, test, and systems engineering disciplines.
Work Environment

This role is based in a highly collaborative engineering environment with multiple stakeholders across disciplines, focused on developing advanced energy storage systems. Full‑time onsite work at a Bay Area location is ideal, with onsite presence strongly preferred to support close collaboration and hands‑on integration work. Flexible arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, may be considered for strong candidates, with the expectation of periodic onsite visits for design reviews, integration activities, and team collaboration. The work involves extensive use of SolidWorks and other CAD and electrical design tools, as well as regular interaction with mechanical, electrical, test, and systems engineering teams in a fast‑paced, startup‑like culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Berkeley, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $97.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Berkeley,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

Social media