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Design Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

7Rays Semiconductors

Physical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$159K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Physical Design contractor with strong synthesis and implementation expertise to support large, timing-critical designs at advanced technology nodes. Key Responsibilities: * Perform ...

PM2CM

Senior Project Manager - Hybrid

Pomona, CA · On-site

Responsible for technical design, contractor oversight, construction support, and ensuring projects meet schedule, cost and quality targets. Works closely with field crews, vendors, regulators and ...

PM2CM

Senior Project Manager - Hybrid

Pomona, CA · On-site

Responsible for technical design, contractor oversight, construction support, and ensuring projects meet schedule, cost and quality targets. Works closely with field crews, vendors, regulators and ...

PM2CM

Senior Project Manager - Hybrid

Pomona, CA · Hybrid

Responsible for technical design, contractor oversight, construction support, and ensuring projects meet schedule, cost and quality targets. Works closely with field crews, vendors, regulators and ...

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All JobsDesign Contractor JobsDesign Contractor Jobs in California

Design Contractor information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do design contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design contractor in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI tools are increasingly used in design to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not replace the need for human designers. Design contractors rely on creativity, problem-solving, and understanding client needs, which AI cannot fully replicate. AI serves as a complement to enhance productivity and support decision-making in the design process.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often senior roles such as Creative Director or Design Director, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually in large organizations. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also command high compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Contractor, you need strong design fundamentals, portfolio-quality experience, and often a relevant degree or certification in graphic, interior, or industrial design. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp is typically expected. Excellent communication, time management, and client collaboration skills set standout contractors apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering creative solutions on time and meeting client expectations in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are Design Contractors?

Design contractors are professionals or firms hired on a temporary or project basis to provide design services, such as graphic design, interior design, web design, or architectural planning. Unlike full-time employees, design contractors typically work independently or through an agency, managing their own schedules and clients. They collaborate with businesses or individuals to deliver creative solutions tailored to project needs. Their responsibilities may include conceptualizing ideas, creating drafts, and refining designs based on client feedback.

What types of projects do Design Contractors typically work on, and how do they collaborate with clients and other team members?

Design Contractors often work on a diverse range of projects, including branding, web design, product packaging, or interior layouts, depending on their area of expertise. They usually collaborate closely with clients to understand project goals and requirements, and may also coordinate with other professionals such as copywriters, developers, or project managers to ensure a cohesive outcome. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project scopes and client preferences can change during the process. Design Contractors typically juggle multiple projects at once, making time management and organization essential skills for success.

What is the difference between Design Contractor vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign ContractorInterior Designer
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredTypically requires certification or degree in interior design
Work EnvironmentOn-site construction projects, renovation sitesResidential and commercial interior spaces, client consultations
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, independent contractorsDesign firms, independent interior designers

While both roles involve design work, a Design Contractor primarily manages construction and implementation, whereas an Interior Designer focuses on aesthetic and functional interior spaces. The roles often overlap but serve different project phases and client needs.

What do contract designers do?

Contract designers create visual concepts and designs for clients on a temporary basis, often working on projects such as branding, advertising, or product design. They use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaborate with clients to meet specific project goals within deadlines. Their work typically involves understanding client needs, producing prototypes, and revising designs based on feedback.

What design jobs are in demand right now?

Currently, in-demand design jobs include user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers, graphic designers, and product designers. Skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and proficiency in web and mobile app design are highly valued, often requiring a strong portfolio and knowledge of user-centered design principles.
What cities in California are hiring for Design Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Contractor job openings:
Design Contractor jobs near you

Design Contractor Planning Advisor

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Pomona, CA • On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Design Contractor Planning Advisor at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be responsible for overseeing and preparing complex electrical designs for several internal organizations. Also, you'll work with our design contract partners and mentor Planners and Designers.
As a Design Contractor Planning Advisor, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Supports the company's electrical Transmission, Sub Transmission, and Distribution system by developing and designing plans, identifying necessary resources and providing cost estimates and options for the construction of said facilities.
  • Coordinates tasks with other internal staff to ensure projects were completed correctly and on time, while meeting industry design standards and safety regulations.
  • Oversees the environmental permitting and planning efforts of government, internal, and privately owned infrastructure projects.
  • Provides direction and support, assessing and managing the workload and performance of the team, providing training when necessary. Reviews design contractor job packets and also checks peer designs.
  • Identifies system and field risks and evaluates risk reduction benefit of proposed mitigation projects. Provides design engineering, cost estimates, and project management activities for overhead and underground, transmission, sub- transmission, and distribution systems. Manages these elements from project inception to project closing. Ensures project operating dates and/or compliance due dates are actively monitored and met. Monitors, forecasts, schedules and stays within allocated division budget.
  • Leads the review of planning and system performance studies for compliance with prevailing standards and criteria.
  • Leads environmental planning and permitting work with a multi-disciplinary team throughout the life cycle of a project. Serves as the single point of contact for Operations through the Construction phase of your projects. Provides support to Operations for maintenance related projects.
  • Creates and maintains integral system circuit mapping for both overhead and underground facilities
  • Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the planning and development review process and to verify that planning development projects comply with approved plans. Manages the digital and geospacial records of our Transmission, Sub Transmission, and Distribution assets to ensure accuracy and timely reporting to other internal groups and outside agencies.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience in Electrical Utility Distribution/Transmission/Telecommunication Design, Distribution/Transmission/Telecommunication Line Construction, or Engineering discipline.
  • Possess a valid Class C Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, construction standards, and industry practices.
  • Experience designing and leading complex technical projects and making strategic decisions related to scope, impacts, policy, and implementation.
  • Proficiency with advanced design and planning tools (e.g., AUD, SPIDA, AutoCAD, Design Manager).
  • Experience providing technical oversight, reviewing complex designs, and ensuring quality and accuracy.
  • Experience managing multiple or sensitive projects under tight timelines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to independently handle difficult stakeholder issues.
  • Strong cross-functional coordination skills (Operations, Engineering, Environmental, etc.).
  • Experience managing customer or stakeholder interactions in a technical, construction, or utility environment, including providing clear information, addressing inquiries, and coordinating solutions.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is hybrid. The employee will report to an SCE facility for a set number of days with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. Unless otherwise noted, employees are required to work and reside in the state of California. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Pomona, CA. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time at alternate work locations.
  • Position will require up to 30% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • This position has an option for a 9/80 Alternate Work Schedule or 40hrs/5 days a week.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • This position requires testing and applicants who are identified to continue through the selection process will be invited to test via email. Reference our Information Guides for the following tests: EEI TECH (Test #5107). Candidates who have previously passed these assessment(s), in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.
  • As of July 1, 2025, this position falls within the representation of ESC Local 20. As the company and the union work towards a collective bargaining agreement, please note that the conditions of employment listed on this job posting may be impacted depending on the results of bargaining.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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