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Design Build Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Design Build information

See California salary details

$55.8K

$111.2K

$166.8K

How much do design build jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design build in California is $111,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in design?

In the design industry, senior roles such as Design Director or Creative Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, typically within advertising, branding, or digital design firms.

What is the difference between Design Build vs Construction Manager?

AspectDesign BuildConstruction Manager
CredentialsArchitects, engineers, or licensed contractorsConstruction management certifications (e.g., CCM, PMP)
Work EnvironmentIntegrated team handling design and constructionOversees multiple contractors, manages construction process
Industry UsageDesign firms, general contractors, project ownersConstruction firms, project owners, developers

Design Build involves a single entity responsible for both design and construction, streamlining communication and project delivery. Construction Managers oversee the construction process, coordinating multiple contractors without directly handling design. Both roles are vital in construction projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is homebuilding a good career?

A career in homebuilding as a construction or project manager involves overseeing residential construction projects, coordinating trades, and ensuring quality standards. It offers opportunities for steady employment, skill development, and advancement, especially for those with technical skills and certifications in construction management or related fields.

What does a design builder do?

A design builder is a professional or firm responsible for both designing and constructing a project, integrating design and construction processes to improve efficiency and coordination. They often collaborate with clients, architects, and engineers, and may use project management tools to deliver projects on time and within budget.

How does a Design Build professional typically collaborate with clients and contractors throughout a project?

In a Design Build role, professionals act as the main point of contact for both clients and contractors, ensuring that communication is streamlined and project goals are clearly understood by all parties. They participate in client meetings to gather requirements and feedback, coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction teams, and oversee project timelines and budgets. Regular site visits and status meetings are common to address any challenges promptly and maintain alignment. This collaborative approach helps reduce project delays, control costs, and deliver results that meet or exceed client expectations.

What is a design and build job?

A design and build job involves managing both the design and construction phases of a project, often by a single company or team. It requires coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver a completed project efficiently. Professionals in this role need skills in project management, communication, and familiarity with construction tools and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design-Build Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design-Build Project Manager, you need a solid background in architecture, engineering, or construction management, often supported by a relevant degree and professional certifications like PMP or DBIA. Familiarity with project management software (like Procore, AutoCAD, or Revit), budgeting tools, and scheduling systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships. These competencies are crucial for delivering projects efficiently, on time, and within budget while ensuring high-quality outcomes.

What are Design Build professionals?

Design Build professionals are experts who manage both the design and construction phases of a building project under a single contract. Unlike the traditional method where design and construction are handled separately, the Design Build approach streamlines communication, reduces project timelines, and often lowers costs by integrating all aspects of the project. These professionals can include architects, engineers, and contractors who work together as a unified team. This method is popular in commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects for its efficiency and collaborative nature.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Build jobs in California? The most popular types of Design Build jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Build jobs in California? For Design Build jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Build jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Build jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Build jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Build job openings:
Design Build jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Build job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,212 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Senior Project Manager (Water Design-Build)

AECOM

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 78 rated construction

Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
The Water Division of AECOM is actively seeking a creative, Water Design-Build Senior Project Manager. This position will be part of an exciting team employing the latest technologies to solve critical water supply, treatment, and infrastructure projects such as water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and conveyance systems throughout the United States. This is an opportunity to work on some of our nation's most pressing water infrastructure problems and contributing to AECOM's success as an industry leader in engineering and construction.
Frequent short-term travel up to 50% of the time may be required depending on project workload.
Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be charged with responsibility to actively direct the performance of ongoing Design Build water and wastewater projects as well as take a leadership role in the development and capture of upcoming design build pursuits.
It is desirable that the DB Senior Project Manager is capable of performing in both conceptual and detailed engineering and construction project management capacities.As a DB Senior Project Manager the primary responsibilities will include managing the activities of a multi-discipline design through AECOM's design centers, as well as overall project management for procurement of process equipment and subcontractors, scheduling, VE or constructability reviews, familiarity with job cost reporting, and budget control activities through the life of the project, including EAC analysis during on-site construction as prime contracting entity. Demonstration of strong commercial and construction contract experience
Those Project managers with either Design Build project management experience will be considered especially those with water/wastewater industry experience or those with experience in industrial (process) oriented construction fields.
Fiscal Experience - Proven project management skills to delivery projects at or under budget and on schedule. Working knowledge of job accounting and reporting methods such as earned value and estimates to complete.
Team Oriented - This position requires the skill set to directly oversee and manage detailed engineering and construction teams working collaboratively together to deliver the project.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil, Environmental, Sanitary, Chemical Engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
  • Valid Driver's license that allows you to drive during the course of your employment; subject to motor vehicle records review

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 20+ years' experience in delivering engineering and construction projects in the water/wastewater industry delivered using progressive design-build, lump sum design-build, or CMAR project delivery methods
  • Good understanding of project delivery and ability to facilitate technical discussions when needed
  • Proven project management experience with ability to manage a diverse team
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate, influence and manage risk
  • Demonstration of strong commercial and construction contract experience
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Travel to other offices/sites will be required
  • Experience managing D/B projects that are $30 Million or more
  • A DBIA certificate is preferred but not required
  • P.E. license preferred
  • Experience in working with local and state regulatory agencies
  • Experience in managing both engineering and construction subcontractors
  • Proven ability to conduct competitive assessments and price to win analysis.

Additional Information
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position

About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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