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Design Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lorven Technologies

Physical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$159K - $164K/yr

San Jose CA Contract We are seeking a Physical Design contractor with strong synthesis and implementation expertise to support large, timing-critical designs at advanced technology nodes. Key ...

7Rays Semiconductors

Physical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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 · 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 ...

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 ...

RTS

Merchandise Product Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

You'll source and manage design contractors, own relationships with vendors (apparel and non-apparel), and negotiate pricing against COGS and vendor quotes. For international events, you'll manage ...

Performance Contracting

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 5:00 AM Company Overview Performance Contracting Group is a ... PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI San Diego 571 operations based in San ...

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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 Sep 13, 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.

What is a design contractor?

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 does a design contractor 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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Design Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Contractor job openings:

Design Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Contractor job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Design Contractor Sr. Planning Specialist

Rialto, CA • On-site

Southern California Edison (SCE)
See more jobs at Southern California Edison (SCE)external

$111K - $167K/yr

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Design Contractor Sr. Planning Specialist at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll support the regulatory requirements of Southern California Edison's electrical distribution system by developing and designing plans, identifying necessary resources, providing cost estimates and options for the construction of distribution facilities. Also, you will interact with a diverse customer base on meeting electrical design needs and be responsible for providing successful outcomes for the customer and SCE on assigned or requested projects.
As a Senior Planning Specialist, 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
  • Conducts long-term grid import planning analyses and transmission interconnection assessments and projects. Manages various large design projects from inception to construction completion with follow- through on policies, procedures, rules, rates, completion dates, and ensuring compliance of electrical designs.
  • Supports the company's electrical distribution system by developing and designing plans, identifying necessary resources and providing cost estimates and options for the construction of distribution facilities.
  • Makes decisions that have a direct impact on project, course, timing, scope, and budget.
  • 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.
  • Assesses the capabilities of the regional distribution system and its compliance with the planning criteria.
  • Conducts power flow studies, builds power flow models, and prepares economic analyses to develop short- and long-term distribution system plans.
  • Ensures the distribution system performance meets reliability targets and that outages are analyzed for cause, trends and duration.
  • Coordinates activities with other internal personnel and/or organizations to ensure compliance and appropriate follow-through of policies, procedures, rules, rates, and completion dates applicable to his/her assigned projects.
  • Stays up to date of current industry practices, standards and customer needs. Interacts with a diverse customer base on meeting electrical design needs and is responsible for providing successful outcomes for the customer and SCE on assigned or requested projects.
  • Provides training and support, assessing and managing the workload when necessary.
  • 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
  • Three 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
  • Proven ability to apply engineering principles, construction standards, and industry practices.
  • Experience determining scope of work, method of service, and OH/UG construction methods.
  • Proficiency with wind/pole loading applications, drafting systems, GIS, or related design systems (e.g., SPIDA Calc, Autodesk AUD, cGIS, SAP, or equivalents).
  • Experience preparing work orders, construction plans, or project packages.
  • Ability to manage multiple technical or customer projects under shifting priorities.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across teams (clients, peers, management, agencies).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Leadership or mentorship experience.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • 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!
  • The primary work location for this position is Rialto Service Center. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time at alternate work location.
  • Position will require up to 20% 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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