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Design Engineer Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Tooling Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA

$114K - $142K/yr

Interface with manufacturing engineers, design engineers, engineering management, operations, shop floor personnel, and external vendors. What You Need: * Minimum of 7 years of professional industry ...

Roblox

Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$176K - $214K/yr

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 ...

Serval

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As the first Design Engineer, you will collaborate with design and engineering teams to create high ... Serval provides an AI-native IT service management platform that automates routine tasks and ...

Orthofix

Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Update and write documentation/design history files to support designs in accordance with Design Control and Risk Management procedures * Work with Engineering Services team to generate and analyze ...

Northland Controls

Regional Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

This role works closely with project managers, application engineers, CAD teams, and clients to ensure security solutions meet both customer requirements and Northland design standards. The Design ...

Northland Controls

Regional Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

This role works closely with project managers, application engineers, CAD teams, and clients to ensure security solutions meet both customer requirements and Northland design standards. The Design ...

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... and project management. We're seeking someone who thrives in a collaborative environment ... Knowledge of LED lighting design, wiring and programming * Highly creative, detailed oriented, and ...

Midi Health

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $175K/yr

The Design Engineer will also own the setup and evolution of AI-enabled design workflows ... Set up and manage Figma MCP + Claude workflows * Enable code-first prototyping from design inputs

One Hat One Hand

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA

... and project management. We're seeking someone who thrives in a collaborative environment ... Knowledge of LED lighting design, wiring and programming * Highly creative, detailed oriented, and ...

Sandis

Design Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

... management, and utility plans. * Design of utility systems including water, sanitary, and storm ... Engineering support during construction, including review of material submittals, answering ...

Sandis

Design Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

... management, and utility plans. * Design of utility systems including water, sanitary, and storm ... Engineering support during construction, including review of material submittals, answering ...

TAE

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Cooperate and communicate well with engineering, physics/science, project management and procurement groups About You * 2-4 years in progressively relevant work experience in design positions * At ...

Essel

Senior Design Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of design ... Leads a design team to perform or manage the preparation of site plans, including preparing grading ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Manager JobsDesign Engineer Manager Jobs in California

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 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 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.
Tooling Design Engineer

Tooling Design Engineer

Archer

Huntington Beach, CA

$114K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

What You'll Do:
  • Work closely with airframe design & manufacturing engineers to provide manufacturing/assembly input during initial design stages.
  • Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as manufacturing aids to help with day-to-day production; this includes conceptualization, material selection, vendor sourcing and final inspection.
  • Create all CAD files and drawings for assembly fixtures using 3D CAD Software (NX experience preferred). Must be proficient with GD&T.
  • Design, set-up, and dimensionally inspect/interrogate assembly fixturing to support locating and bonding & fastening of large, complex, primary structure using laser trackers and dimensional inspection equipment.
  • Create design review presentations and analysis reports to communicate and substantiate tooling designs.
  • Suggest and incorporate changes in design to improve manufacturability, error-proofing, ergonomic handling, efficiency, and production.
  • Interface with manufacturing engineers, design engineers, engineering management, operations, shop floor personnel, and external vendors.
What You Need:
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional industry experience.
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication and assembly skills (demonstrated through past work or experience via a student team, internship, or personal project).
  • Previous experience manufacturing/assembling a full vehicle including exposure to integration efforts.
  • Demonstrated exposure to prototype environment with ability to problem solve
  • Understanding of composite part design, material properties, allowables and testing.
  • Proficiency with solid modeling and surfacing in 3D CAD Software (NX preferred).
  • Proficiency with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Strong communication and inter-personal skills.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience programming and handling laser trackers and other dimensional inspection equipment.
  • Ability to operate composites related equipment, 3d printers, small CNC routers
  • Experience using Fibersim or Composite Workbench
  • Passion for aviation and eVTOLs

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $114,000 - $142,000/annually. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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