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Design Engineer Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer About Unto Labs Unto Labs is a team of engineers pushing distributed systems to ... You'll be pivotal in reshaping how people trade and explore novel markets, manage digital wallets ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

... of engineering services, from conceptual design through construction completion of HVAC, Plumbing ... Manage time to meet project schedules and task deadlines * Able to delegate and work effectively ...

You will report to the Manager of Design Acceleration. You have: * 3+ years of software engineering experience with a strong focus on full-stack or backend development, systems architecture, and API ...

Review, track, and manage submittals while generating RFIs as needed * Coordinate closely with ... design engineering experience * Strong understanding of BAS networks, topologies, and controls ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Design Engineer will create, refine, and validate mechanical designs for rope rescue hardware, devices, and related systems. The ideal ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Design Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Zip Code: 92123 Duration: 7 Months Pay Rate: $145k-$170k ... Understands configuration management and design control. * Good verbal and written communication ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineer is the first step in our process of taking an idea or design and ... Provide Project Managers with materials and time cost estimates for fabrication process * Provide ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Valencia, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineer is the first step in our process of taking an idea or design and ... Provide Project Managers with materials and time cost estimates for fabrication process * Provide ...

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer , reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Design Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Overall Purpose: The Design Engineer will independently evaluate, select and apply standard ... Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments and to make ...

Overall Purpose: The Design Engineer will independently evaluate, select and apply standard ... Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments and to make ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 10, 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.

How does a Design Engineer Manager typically 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 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.

What does a design engineering manager do?

A design engineering manager oversees the development and execution of engineering designs, coordinating teams of engineers and designers to ensure projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and deadlines. They often manage budgets, review technical work, and utilize CAD software, while providing leadership and strategic direction for engineering projects.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in California 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:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

Unto Labs

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer
About Unto Labs
Unto Labs is a team of engineers pushing distributed systems to their physical limits, building the next generation of blockchain technology on commodity hardware. We focus on core system primitives and performance-optimized architectures that drive the future of digital assets and markets.
About the Role
We're seeking a Design Engineer who thrives in zero-to-one environments to build and launch products across a range of core and emerging surfaces related to digital assets, markets, and online value interaction. You'll be pivotal in reshaping how people trade and explore novel markets, manage digital wallets & assets, and navigate blockchain data. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, product design, and the future of digital value.
You'll own projects from concept to launch, working with engineering and creative leads to design intuitive interfaces, systems, and experiences. You'll experiment, prototype, and rapidly iterate to translate new and novel concepts into real, usable products impacting how people redefine interaction with value online.
Responsibilities
  • Lead design and implementation of new product surfaces in trading, prediction markets, digital wallets, crypto social media, and blockchain explorers
  • Translate complex technical and social concepts into simple, compelling user experiences
  • Build and iterate zero-to-one products; define requirements, sketch ideas, prototype rapidly, and deliver working prototype concepts from sketch, to design, to working code
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and creative teams
  • Produce technical and product documentation, system diagrams, and assets
  • Balance technological feasibility, delightful UX, and business impact throughout product development
  • Stay current with new design, prototyping, and development tools

Requirements
  • 3+ years designing and building digital products, preferably zero-to-one or early stage
  • Demonstrated programming and coding ability; able to prototype end-to-end experiences
  • Public portfolio or public project history is required; please include links to live projects, repos, or case studies
  • Experience designing in Figma and proficiency with motion design tools
  • Familiarity with or interest in cutting-edge tools (e.g., Paper, Variant)
  • Ability to explain complex flows and systems to both technical and non-technical collaborators
  • Self-motivated with a bias toward experimentation, rapid prototyping, and creative problem-solving

Nice to Have
  • Prior work with crypto, blockchain, or online asset marketplaces
  • Experience building or contributing to crypto wallets, trading apps, social products, or blockchain explorers

Why Join Us?
  • Build industry-defining products at the forefront of digital assets and market infrastructure
  • Take projects from zero to one, helping to define entirely new product experiences
  • Work alongside world-class engineers and creative minds
  • Influence product and design direction as an early team member
  • Flexible, supportive, and ambitious environment with top-tier tools, hardware, and budgets

Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary and significant equity upside
  • Flexible remote work environment
  • Unlimited vacation policy
  • Health insurance
  • Hardware and tooling allowance
  • Conference and learning budget