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Design And Release Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Release Engineer - Exterior

Newark, CA

$45.25 - $51.75/hr

Design and release Exterior vehicle system components and assemblies (Fascia, Grille, Exterior ... Coordinate engineering designs and systems with purchasing, suppliers, testing team, manufacturing ...

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and release of mechanical components across Waev's low‑speed and industrial electric vehicle portfolio ...

Design and release Exterior vehicle system components and assemblies (Fascia, Grille, Exterior ... Coordinate engineering designs and systems with purchasing, suppliers, testing team, manufacturing ...

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and release of mechanical components across Waev's low-speed and industrial electric vehicle portfolio ...

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and release of mechanical components across Waev's low-speed and industrial electric vehicle portfolio ...

JOB SUMMARYThe Senior Design Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and release of mechanical components across Waev's low-speed and industrial electric vehicle portfolio ...

Design Release Engineer

Arcata, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $49.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$43.25 - $49.50/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$46 - $52.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$43.25 - $49.50/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

Arcata, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $49.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$42.75 - $48.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$41 - $46.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

Design Release Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$43.75 - $50/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

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Design And Release Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$42

$62

How much do design and release engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for design and release engineer in California is $42.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.17 and $43.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design and release engineer do?

A Design and Release Engineer is responsible for developing, designing, and managing the release of components or systems, typically within industries like automotive or manufacturing. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet all design specifications, safety standards, and project timelines. Their duties include creating technical drawings, managing design changes, overseeing prototype builds, and supporting the launch of products into production. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

How does a design and release engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Design and Release Engineer, you will work closely with teams such as manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and suppliers throughout the product development lifecycle. Your role involves ensuring that design specifications meet both engineering and manufacturability requirements, often requiring you to facilitate design reviews, address feedback, and ensure components are released on schedule. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as you will coordinate technical information, resolve issues rapidly, and help bridge gaps between design intent and production realities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design and release engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design and Release Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, product design, and typically a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related engineering field. Proficiency in CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), PLM systems, and understanding of manufacturing processes is essential, along with familiarity with industry standards and possible certifications like Six Sigma. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure design intent is met. These abilities are crucial for delivering robust, manufacturable products on time and within cost targets, supporting seamless product launches.

What is the difference between Design And Release Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign And Release EngineerMechanical Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, development, and release of products and componentsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing industries, often in cross-functional teamsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, engineering firms
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure optional

Design And Release Engineers focus on developing and releasing products, ensuring they meet specifications and quality standards. Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and analyzing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, Design And Release Engineers typically have more involvement in product launch processes, whereas Mechanical Engineers may work more on design and analysis tasks.

How much do design and release engineers make?

Design and release engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Design And Release Engineer jobs in California?

For Design And Release Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design And Release Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design And Release Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design And Release Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design And Release Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Design And Release Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,378 per year, or $42 per hour.

Lighting Design release Engineer:

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group

Irvine, CA • On-site

$43.25 - $49.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Lighting Design Release Engineer (Lighting DRE)

Location: Irvine, CA

Job Description

We are seeking a Lighting Design Release Engineer (Lighting DRE) with 6 months to 3+ years of experience in automotive exterior lighting design and release.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the design, development, and release of automotive exterior lighting components and assemblies.
  • Work on headlamps, tail lamps, center light panels, and other exterior lighting systems.
  • Perform design and feasibility studies in collaboration with Styling and cross-functional teams.
  • Create and release lighting components using CATIA V6.
  • Review A-class surfaces, craftsmanship, manufacturability, and design feasibility.
  • Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers on component design, cost, mass, joining methods, molding, and testing.
  • Support design validation and implement simulation recommendations.
  • Ensure lighting components meet quality, functionality, manufacturing, and program requirements.

Required Skills

  • 6 months to 3+ years of experience as a Lighting DRE.
  • Experience in automotive exterior lighting systems.
  • Strong hands-on experience with CATIA V6.
  • Knowledge of headlamps, tail lamps, and other automotive lighting components.
  • Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, molding, joining, and testing.
  • Experience working with Styling teams and Tier-1 suppliers.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.