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Design Engineer Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flux

Aviation Design Engineer/Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Overview We are seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to join one of our clients in San Francisco, CA , embedded with staff at the San Francisco International Airport. This is a Full-time ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Engineering Manager Classification:Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego, CA. Office The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy ...

Cal Solar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Engineering Manager Classification: Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego, CA. Office The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Engineering Manager Classification: Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego, CA. Office The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy ...

Micron

Principal CAD Engineer/Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$177K - $301K/yr

Join Micron as a Principal CAD Engineer/Manager in Boise, ID, and play a pivotal role in crafting the future of memory and semiconductor technologies! This outstanding opportunity lets you lead and ...

ACCO Engineered Systems

Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Manage field engineering tasks including site surveys, trade coordination, and technical problem-solving. * Coordinate design and installation efforts across project management, construction, and ...

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Design Engineer Manager information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$132.7K

$204.8K

How much do design engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer manager in California is $132,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design engineer manager do?

A Design Engineer Manager leads a team of design engineers in developing, testing, and refining products or systems. They oversee project timelines, coordinate with other departments, and ensure that design solutions meet technical, quality, and budget requirements. Additionally, they provide technical guidance, mentor their team, and often contribute to the hiring and training processes. Their role is crucial for bridging the gap between engineering and management, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently and meet organizational goals.

How does a design engineer manager balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

As a Design Engineer Manager, balancing technical tasks and team leadership is essential. You are often responsible for overseeing project timelines, ensuring design quality, and addressing technical challenges, while also mentoring team members, conducting performance reviews, and fostering collaboration. Effective delegation, regular team meetings, and clear communication help manage these dual responsibilities. Many Design Engineer Managers find success by setting aside dedicated time for both technical reviews and one-on-one sessions with their team, ensuring neither aspect is neglected.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Engineer Manager, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and leadership, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and relevant management experience. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are typically valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help you motivate and guide multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure effective project execution, innovation, and the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Design Engineer Manager vs Design Engineer?

AspectDesign Engineer ManagerDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDesigns products, develops prototypes, technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveSame industries, focused on technical design work

The main difference is that a Design Engineer Manager leads teams and manages projects, while a Design Engineer focuses on technical design and development tasks. The manager role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role emphasizes hands-on design work.

What does a design engineer manager get paid?

A design engineer manager's salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee engineering teams, coordinate design projects, and require strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

Which design engineer manager has the highest salary?

Design engineering managers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma tend to have the highest salaries. Salaries also vary based on industry, company size, and geographic location, with those in technology and aerospace sectors often earning the most. Senior managers overseeing large teams or complex projects typically command higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer Manager jobs in California?

For Design Engineer Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Engineer Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Engineer Manager job openings:

Design Engineer Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Aviation Design Engineer/Manager

Flux

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
We are seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to join one of our clients in San Francisco, CA, embedded with staff at the San Francisco International Airport. This is a Full-time Direct hire opportunity paying in the $130,000-$216,000 range.
Your role
  • Performs airfield or landside project design oversight, reviews sketches, and design concepts developed by engineers, subconsultants, CAD designers or technicians.
  • Plans and reviews the production of engineering drawings and specifications with an expertise in airside and landside projects.
  • Interfaces with clients and regulatory agencies with little to no oversight, including representing multidisciplinary capabilities to airport clients, assisting the client in their development and execution of airport capital improvement program projects, from project conceptual planning, grant application support, preliminary and final design of project bidding plans and specifications, construction administration, and overseeing project inspection and quality assurance testing.
  • Coordinates work with lead technical engineers, and guides and mentors' junior professionals and technical personnel on the design and drafting of preliminary and final plans and specifications.
  • Develops, communicates, and manages project quality assurance, administrative procedures, communication guidelines, project deliverable formats and specifications, and progress reporting requirements.
  • Monitors schedules, billings, and reports; ensures appropriate charging of manhours, costs, and expenses to projects; assists in obtaining payment from clients; resolves client disputes and adjusts billing records as required; communicates project progress/status to senior management and alerts them of project production, quality control or financial performance problems.
  • Coordinates communication between internal and external associates and client, and between firm and regulatory agencies. Maintains frequent contact with clients and regulatory agency personnel to determine their respective needs and requirements and serves as expert witness at project hearings and judicial proceedings if necessary.
  • Supervises other technical professionals and other design staff including managing weekly project workload and manpower forecasting.
  • Monitors and reports financial status of projects to technical managers.
  • Performs such other duties as the supervisor may from time to time deem necessary.
About you
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in field(s) of practice - preferably an Engineering Degree. Graduate degree preferred. Management coursework and/or MBA a plus.
  • Requires 10 years' experience in project production and technical professional activities.
  • Airfield element design or construction experience preferred.
  • Proven interpersonal skills, public speaking and persuasive ability; strong project financial management and team management skills; knowledge of production support systems and personal computer proficiency.
  • Professional Registration in field(s) of practice required, such as a PE (Professional Engineer) License.

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