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Design Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hill International

Program Director

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

Minimum of 10 years working as a project manager lead, establishing, and managing scope, budget and schedule, tracking performance, and participating in design, contractor bid and award, construction ...

Hill International

Program Director

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

Minimum of 10 years working as a project manager lead, establishing, and managing scope, budget and schedule, tracking performance, and participating in design, contractor bid and award, construction ...

A2e-Technologies

Sr. FPGA Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$132K - $181K/yr

Contract (possible Perm) Duration: Long-Term Contractor/Perm Start Date: ASAP * 10+Years experience: * FPGA/Modem Design * Ultrascale+ & Versal * VHDL & SystemVerilog * Design and Simulate * High ...

A2e-Technologies

Sr. FPGA Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Contract (possible Perm) Duration: Long-Term Contractor/Perm Start Date: ASAP * 10+Years experience: * FPGA/Modem Design * Ultrascale+ & Versal * VHDL & SystemVerilog * Design and Simulate * High ...

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Showing results 21-40

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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 Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Cypress, CA • On-site

Murray Company Mechanical Contractors
See more jobs at Murray Company Mechanical Contractorsexternal

$26/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Come grow with us...

At Murray Company, how we operate is defined by shared values that are 100 years in the making - Safety, Quality, Honesty, Hard Work and Pride of Ownership. These values have led to our company consistently being in the top 15% on ENRs Best Specialty Contractor’s list. Bring your enthusiasm and unique perspective to Murray Company where you will have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. Join a team that cares about helping you thrive and succeed. You'll work alongside talented colleagues while establishing lifelong friendships and making a difference in our company and the specialty contracting community.

Position Summary

Are you a current student looking to expand your knowledge and business acumen with practical hands-on experience and training opportunities? Start your career with a summer internship at Murray Company - one of the nation’s Top 20 Mechanical Contractors and a leader in innovation and excellence. As an intern in our Engineering group, you will work alongside our top-notch team to design complex piping and mechanical systems. This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on Design Engineering experience in support of mechanical projects of various sizes and trades.

Location: Cypress, CA, with anticipated travel to designated project sites in and around the Southern California metropolitan area.

Compensation: $26.00 per hour

Internship Program Schedule & Hours

  • Duration: 40 hours per week for 10-12 consecutive weeks, beginning as early as May 2027.
  • Typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am - 4 pm (subject to change depending on local project requirements).
  • Program participants must be available to work within the required schedule for the duration of the internship.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design and development of mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and piping.
  • Work with senior engineers to create and update CAD drawings, schematics, and specifications.
  • Perform load calculations, equipment selection, and system layouts.
  • Collaborate with the design team to ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

Qualifications

Required

  • Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university program and actively pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office Products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and interact effectively in a team environment.
  • Availability to work 40 hours per week within the required schedule for the duration of the internship (typically 10 weeks).

Preferred

  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with construction software such as Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Procore, ACC Build or other related programs.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
  • Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
  • Must have sufficient visual acuity to view and interpret detailed construction drawings on computer screens and on paper.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven surfaces on project sites and climb stairs to access project site temporary offices.

Contingent Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the Company’s required pre-employment drug screening process. Murray Company is a federal contractor and complies with all applicable federal laws and regulations regarding controlled substances.

Work Authorization

Murray Company is not sponsoring employment-based visas at this time. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing, permanent basis without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.