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Design Engineer Salary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SRAM LLC

Associate Design Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Exceptional communication, teamwork, and relationship skills FURTHER INFORMATION Our Associate Design Engineer salary range is $71,000 - $80,000 depending upon experience. This position is also ...

Haas Automation, Inc.

Sr Mech Design Eng (51845)

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$91K - $173K/yr

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Salary Range: $91,000 - $173,000/ Yr. As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world-class talent in all of our departments. And we're not just ...

Haas Automation Inc.

Sr Mech Design Eng (51845)

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$91K - $173K/yr

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Salary Range: $91,000 - $173,000/ Yr. As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world-class talent in all of our departments. And we're not just ...

Haas Automation Inc.

Sr Mech Design Eng (51479)

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$91K - $173K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Salary Range: $91,000 - $173,000/ Yr. As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world-class talent in all of our departments. And we're not ...

Ristich, LLC

Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

RISTICH is looking for an Design Engineer istich is a Los Angeles-based product and packaging ... Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience) Performance Incentives: Bonuses tied to ...

New

Higher Talent Group LLC

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Design Engineer - Irvine, California About our Client : Our Client is a global provider within a ... Salary Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good-faith estimate only. At the ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor:Engineering Manager Classification:Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego ... Benefits: * Competitive salaries * Health/vision/dental insurance * 401(k) plan with 6% match

Orthofix Holdings, Inc.

Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$78 - $90/hr

Job Purpose As a Design Engineer on our Product Development Team, you'll collaborate with other ... Salary and Benefits Anticipated salary for this position for an employee located in California is ...

New

Module X Solutions LLC

Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Competitive salary * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Opportunity for advancement * Paid time ... We design, engineer, and manufacture products to our customers' specifications. We are a proud ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor: Engineering Manager Classification: Full-time, exempt Location: San ... Benefits: * Competitive salaries * Health/vision/dental insurance * 401(k) plan with 6% match

Cal Solar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor: Engineering Manager Classification: Full-time, exempt Location: San ... Benefits: * Competitive salaries * Health/vision/dental insurance * 401(k) plan with 6% match

Internetwork Expert

Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$73 - $95/hr

We're looking for a Design Engineer with a couple years of experience in civil infrastructure ... The typical base salary range for this position is $73,000.00 - $95,000.00, annualized depending ...

New

Browserbase

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role We are excited to hire a Design Engineer to architect the surfaces and interfaces ... Competitive salary + meaningful early-stage equity * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision ...

Browserbase

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

About the Role We are excited to hire a Design Engineer to architect the surfaces and interfaces ... Competitive salary + meaningful early‑stage equity * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision ...

Winchester Interconnect

Design Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Design Engineer responsible for the full lifecycle of new product design ... Base Salary Range: $ $90,000 - $130,000 annually, 5% Annual Incentive Program * Benefits & Perks:

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Design Engineer Salary information

What is the average salary for a design engineer?

The average salary for a Design Engineer varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. In the United States, the average annual salary typically ranges from $65,000 to $90,000, with entry-level positions starting around $60,000 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $100,000. Salaries may also include bonuses or other benefits, and engineers working in high-demand industries or regions may earn more.

What are some typical challenges design engineers face in balancing creativity with practical constraints on the job?

Design Engineers often encounter the challenge of merging innovative ideas with real-world limitations such as budget, manufacturability, safety standards, and project timelines. While creativity is essential for developing effective solutions, these must be balanced with client requirements, available materials, and technical feasibility. Successful Design Engineers regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management—to ensure their designs are practical and aligned with broader organizational goals. Navigating these constraints effectively is key to advancing in the role.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications like FE or PE, is often required. Creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make a Design Engineer stand out. These competencies are vital for developing innovative and manufacturable solutions that meet technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer Salary vs Mechanical Engineer Salary?

AspectDesign Engineer SalaryMechanical Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsManufacturing plants, design offices
Industry UsageProduct design, automotive, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, aerospace
Common Search IntentSalary comparison, job prospectsSalary comparison, job prospects

Both Design Engineers and Mechanical Engineers typically hold similar qualifications and work in related environments within engineering industries. While salaries can vary based on experience and location, they generally have comparable earning potential, especially in sectors like automotive and aerospace.

Are design engineers well paid?

Design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. They often receive additional benefits and may need skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence their compensation levels.

Is a design engineer a well-paying job?

Design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often require skills in CAD software and engineering principles, and salaries tend to increase with specialization and certifications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design Engineer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Salary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Design Engineer

SRAM LLC

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a curious, hands-on engineer to join our development team in San Luis Obispo (SLO), California. As an Associate Design Engineer, you'll work on front drivetrain components used by elite cyclists and weekend warriors alike. You'll contribute to new product launches, learn alongside experienced engineers, and help push the limits of what bikes can do.
Our office in San Luis Obispo is located on California's Central Coast, just minutes from singletrack and surf. With more than 300 sunny days a year and mild temperatures, SLO makes it easy to get outside, whether that means a morning ride, a lunch hike, or a beach weekend.
This is an ideal role for an early career mechanical engineer who's passionate about bikes and innovative product design. Bonus points if you thrive in a hands-on environment and enjoy figuring out how things work (and how to make them better!).
At SRAM, we believe in expanding the potential of cycling, and that starts with you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Contribute to a highly innovative team by designing and developing high-quality products for the front drivetrain of a bicycle
  • Design and develop high-quality, robust products that achieve project goals
  • Apply SRAM engineering best practices and standard procedures to how work is accomplished
  • Effectively document design specifications using standard documentation practices
  • Regularly communicate, collaborate, and consult with other engineers and team members
  • Facilitate problem resolution within the design team and at factories and suppliers
  • Mitigate risks through proactive design analysis
  • Provide input for development of manufacturing processes and equipment
  • May perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred), or equivalent
  • Knowledge of a variety of materials and manufacturing processes such as forging, CNC machining, injection molding, and stamping
  • A solid understanding of electromechanical (mechatronics) principles desired - bonus points if you have this!
  • CAD experience required; Creo Parametric preferred
  • Familiarity with a variety of engineering tools such as statistics, GD&T, FEA, FMEA, and tolerance analysis
  • Exceptional communication, teamwork, and relationship skills

FURTHER INFORMATION
Our Associate Design Engineer salary range is $71,000 - $80,000 depending upon experience. This position is also eligible for an annual corporate bonus based on company and individual performance.
If you are an experienced Design Engineer with more than 3 years of experience and would like to be considered, our Design Engineer salaries start at $75,000 with the potential to go up to 40% higher based on experience and skills.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off.
Travel Requirements: Ability to travel domestically and internationally multiple times per year for one to two weeks at a time.
Working Conditions: Open floor plan working environment; meetings and calls scheduled across alternative time zones (AM/PM coordination with other locations).
This role is onsite in San Luis Obispo, CA and non-local candidates will be expected to relocate.
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About SRAM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Retail

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1987

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