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Design Engineer Salary Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

Substation Physical Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Raleigh office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ ... Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary ...

Kimley-Horn

Substation Physical Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Raleigh office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ ... Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary ...

GFT.

Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$90K - $200K/yr

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a ... The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and ...

Nvidia

Senior ASIC Design Engineer - GPU

Durham, NC · Hybrid

As a Senior Design Engineer at NVIDIA, you will be responsible for the development and micro ... The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for ...

Nvidia

ASIC Design Efficiency Engineer

Durham, NC

We are now looking for an ASIC Design Efficiency Engineer! NVIDIA is seeking extraordinary ... Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in ...

Tecan

Design Engineering Manager

Morrisville, NC

$130K - $150K/yr

Proficiency with CAD and Product Lifecycle Management software, including Creo, Pro/Engineer (Pro/E ... Salary Range: $130K-$150K (Salary will be determined based on education, experience, knowledge ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer Salary JobsDesign Engineer Salary Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Design Engineer Salary information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$39.4K

$85.7K

$154.1K

How much do design engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $85,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $95,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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. According to industry data, the median annual salary for a design engineer ranges from $65,000 to $85,000, with higher earnings possible for those with specialized skills or advanced certifications. The role often requires proficiency in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence compensation levels.

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.

Is a design engineer a good career?

A design engineer is a valuable role in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, involving creating and developing product designs using CAD software. The career offers competitive salaries, opportunities for specialization, and requires technical skills, problem-solving, and often a bachelor's degree in engineering. Job stability and growth potential depend on industry demand and individual expertise.

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 are popular job titles related to Design Engineer Salary jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Design Engineer Salary jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer Salary jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer Salary jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Design Engineer Salary jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Design Engineer Salary job openings:
Design Engineer Salary jobs near you

Substation Physical Design Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 441 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Raleigh office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with protection and control, civil, structural, and electrical disciplines. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in substation design standards and industry practices, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities
  • Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
  • Perform engineering studies and calculations.
  • Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
  • Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
  • Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
  • Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
  • Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to physical design as required.
  • Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.
  • Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the team.
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation and inventor.
  • Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
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What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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