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Design Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Healthcare Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$40.13 - $45.22/hr

Oversee contractor and AE deliverables,including approvals, revisions, and change orders ... design andunderstanding of fire codes, building codes, barrier-free codes, system,components ...

Be Seen First

Attend site visits and meetings with clients and contractors to discuss design plans and construction progress. * Simulate structural behavior with software and adjust designs as needed. * Work with ...

New

Review drawings, mock-ups, materials, and finish samples project contractors submit * Use graphic storytelling utilizing interior architectural design concepts to advance the project delivery ...

Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, and design teams to facilitate seamless communication and decision-making. * Collaborate with project managers to integrate design goals ...

Proven experience leading design teams within a design-build contractor, MEP contractor, or EPC environment. * Strong experience designing electrical systems for multifamily residential developments.

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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 Jun 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.

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:

$40.13 - $45.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for a Challenge? Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking a Healthcare Design Engineer under the Temporary Professional Staffing Services contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This project will provide professional staffing services to the Medical and Engineering Department's capabilities at the Long Beach Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (LBVAHCS). Positions will be assigned to specific sections within the department, including Capital Development, Projects & Construction, Business Management, and Maintenance & Operations, and report to the respective Section Supervisor in support of medical center tasks. The position is on-site, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day, based at the LBVAHCS, located at 5901 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822.

I've never heard of Terrestris. What do you do?

At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.

So, what will the Healthcare Design Engineer at Terrestris do?

The Healthcare Design Engineer provides comprehensive engineering planning, design, and project management support for complex construction and maintenance projects. It involves developing technical solutions, overseeing design and construction activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating with stakeholders, and maintaining safety, environmental, and data security standards while delivering efficient, cost-effective outcomes aligned with organizational objectives.

What does a typical day look like for a Healthcare Design Engineer?

You will:

  • Develop engineering designs, specifications, andestimates for complex and diverse projects.
  • Conduct surveys and investigations to establishbaseline data for design development.
  • Analyze data and perform calculations todetermine efficient and cost-effective solutions.
  • Apply innovative approaches to resolve conflictsbetween engineering principles and requirements.
  • Provide technical guidance and review plans,specifications, and design analyses.
  • Advise teams on methodologies for complexstudies and engineering challenges.
  • Manage construction activities, includinginspections, scheduling, and contractor coordination.
  • Prepare cost estimates, reports, schedules, andtechnical documentation for projects.
  • Develop and manage in-house and AE designs,ensuring compliance with codes and standards.
  • Oversee contractor and AE deliverables,including approvals, revisions, and change orders.
  • Implement safety, environmental, and emergencypreparedness programs and compliance measures.
  • Ensure customer service, infection controlpractices, and protection of sensitive data.

What qualifications do you look for?

You might be the professional we're looking for if you have:

  • Authorization to permanently work in the UnitedStates without sponsorship.
  • Minimum 7 years of General Engineer experienceis required.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering OR 8-10 years of related engineeringexperience (in lieu of Bachelor's Degree).
  • Must be familiar with patient-centered careculture in healthcare.
  • Must have knowledge of healthcare design andunderstanding of fire codes, building codes, barrier-free codes, system,components, cleaning and maintenance concepts, ergonomics, and safety criteria.
  • Must have the ability to review and interpretblueprints and specifications.
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel,Word, PowerPoint, Access& Outlook).
  • Must be able to communicate effectively both inwriting and verbally with a variety of contractors, management officials,vendors, Contracting Officers, and Long Beach staff.

We will be extra impressed if you have:

  • Certification as a Professional Engineer.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Project and Revit.
  • Experience with VISTA, the Veterans HealthInformation & Technology Architecture used to access information in theMedical Center Computer System, is beneficial but not required.

What kind of benefits does Terrestris Offer?

We offer outstanding benefits including health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

DILBERT 2018 Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME