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Design And Release Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Release Engineer

Arcata, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $49.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Merced, CA · On-site

$42.75 - $49/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$43.25 - $49.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Chico, CA · On-site

$41 - $46.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Stockton, CA · On-site

$42.50 - $48.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Fresno, CA · On-site

$40 - $45.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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Showing results 1-20

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 Aug 18, 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 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.

Design Release Engineer, Frame

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$40.75 - $46.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Design Release Engineer, Frame

Garden Grove, CA

About Harbinger

Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.

Design Release Engineer, FrameWhat You'll Do
  • Structural Design & Packaging Ownership: Lead the 3D CAD modeling, packaging, and integration of frame structures (frame rails, crossmembers, mounting brackets, subframes, and bumper assemblies). Ensure optimal structural stiffness, mass efficiency, and packaging clearance for high-voltage battery packs, e-axles, and commercial payloads.
  • Supplier & Manufacturing Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for frame component, stamping, forgings, and weldment suppliers. Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, guide them through DFM (Design for Manufacturing) challenges, and ensure all chassis hardware meets strict automotive quality, structural, and corrosion standards.
  • Engineering Release Ownership: Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of frame hardware. Responsible for creating, tracking, and executing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), while maintaining complex mechanical Bills of Materials (BOM) within our PLM system.
  • Validation & Durability Support: Work closely with CAE/FEA and physical validation teams to review structural analysis and support chassis durability testing (rig testing, track testing, and safety evaluations). Proactively address field or test failures with root-cause analysis and quick design updates.
  • Project Timeline Execution: Develop and drive aggressive, realistic project schedules for long-lead structural tooling (stamping dies, extrusions, weld fixtures). Identify critical path risks, mitigate lead-time delays, and ensure hardware delivers on time to support prototype builds, mule testing, and start of production (SOP).
  • Internal Design Collaboration: Lead cross-functional design reviews with High/Low Voltage Systems, Powertrain, Thermal, and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure seamless chassis integration and optimized assembly ergonomics.
What You'll Need (Qualifications)
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Experience: 3+ years of experience in structural, chassis, or frame engineering design within the automotive, commercial vehicle, or aerospace industries.
  • Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of CATIA V5/V6 and PLM/BOM management tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia, Arena, or similar).
  • Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of structural mechanics, materials (high-strength steel, aluminum), GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and automotive manufacturing processes (stampings, extrusions, castings, MIG/laser welding, structural riveting, and e-coat/paint processes).
  • Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage complex Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier relationships simultaneously, with a track record of holding vendors accountable to tight prototype and tooling timelines.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical trade-offs between cross-functional engineering teams, executive leadership, and shop-floor technicians.
Bonus Points If You Have:
  • Prior experience with commercial vehicles (Class 3-6 truck chassis), cab-chassis platforms, or body-on-frame architectures.
  • Prior experience working in a fast-paced, early-stage electric vehicle or mobility startup environment.
  • Prior experience engineering tactical, defense, or specialized off-highway ground vehicles (e.g., JLTV, FMTV, UGVs, or military prototype platforms). 
  • Experience with electro-mechanical actuators, power-assisted hinges/ramps, or quick-disconnect mounting systems.