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Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

RISTICH is looking for an Design Engineer istich is a Los Angeles-based product and packaging development firm partnering with premium brands across beauty, wellness, lifestyle, CPG, hospitality, and ...

Drive OVM/UVM design verification and support FPGA engineers for early prototyping. * Execute RTL-to-GDS development flow, including synthesis, schematics design, and supervising custom layout.

Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Drive OVM/UVM design verification and support FPGA engineers for early prototyping. * Execute RTL-to-GDS development flow, including synthesis, schematics design, and supervising custom layout.

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

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

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

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

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

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

We design, engineer, and manufacture products to our customers' specifications. We are a proud Shreveport-based company working to support our employees and our community. Check us out at www.

Design Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Design Engineer Come join our growing team where you will make a difference daily by continuing to help build our reputation for quality, responsiveness, and the ability to handle complex products.

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

About the role We're looking for a Design Engineer who lives at the intersection of design and code. You will prototype, build, and polish the experiences that make CodeRabbit feel like a trusted ...

Design Engineer

Newbury Park, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Design Engineer Come join our growing team where you will make a difference daily by continuing to help build our reputation for quality, responsiveness, and the ability to handle complex products.

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

About the role We're looking for a Design Engineer who lives at the intersection of design and code. You will prototype, build, and polish the experiences that make CodeRabbit feel like a trusted ...

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Design Engineer - Irvine, California About our Client : Our Client is a global provider within a wide range of areas, including but not limited to aerospace and defense platforms, automation and ...

This position is responsible for the delivery of engineering services, from conceptual design through construction completion of HVAC, Plumbing, and other contract services offered by the business.

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Design Engineer Our mission at New Gen is to bend the internet to you. We envision a future where interfaces are personalized and powered by LLMs. We believe all websites and interfaces will ...

About the Role We are excited to hire a Design Engineer to architect the surfaces and interfaces that our developers touch every day. This is a hands-on, high-impact role that blends creative design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

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, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.

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 cities in California are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Design Engineer/Sr. Design Engineer

Ampam-Parks-Mechanical

Carson, CA โ€ข On-site

$70 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

FULL TIME Carson, CA, US

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually

Who We Are

AMPAM is a leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractor serving large-scale multifamily and commercial projects across California. With 1,500 employees across multiple business units, we are committed to delivering quality, safety, and excellence in every project.

Job Summary

The Design Engineer/Sr. Design Engineer (Design Engineer I / II / III) supports, develops, and leads the engineering and design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for multi-family new construction projects. Depending on experience and level hired, this position may perform work under the guidance of senior engineers, independently manage assigned projects, or lead complex engineering efforts while mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities include preparing engineering calculations, construction documents, AutoCAD and Revit models, coordinating with project teams, ensuring compliance with applicable building codes and engineering standards, and supporting successful project delivery from concept through construction.

Placement at the Design Engineer I, II, or III level will be determined based on the selected candidate's education, experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated capabilities.

Key Responsibilities Include

But not limited to the following

  • Develop plumbing, HVAC, and electrical designs from concept through construction documents for multi-family residential buildings.
  • Perform engineering calculations, including heating/cooling loads, ventilation rates, equipment selection, duct/pipe sizing, and electrical load analysis.
  • Prepare and review technical drawings, schedules, and specifications using AutoCAD and Revit.
  • Apply relevant codes and standards (CPC, CMC, NEC, ASHRAE, ASPE, IECC, NFPA, ADA, and local building codes).
  • Review and coordinate designs with architectural, structural, and other engineering disciplines.
Project Coordination
  • Serve as the primary design contact for assigned projects, coordinating with project managers, clients, and contractors.
  • Participate in design and coordination meetings to resolve technical issues and ensure design intent is maintained.
  • Support construction administration, including reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and performing field observations.
Quality & Mentorship
  • Conduct QA/QC reviews of drawings and documents prepared by junior staff or technicians.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Design Engineer I and Design Technician team members.
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of company design standards, processes, and templates.
Qualifications Education & Experience
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Architectural Engineering from an accredited program.
  • Experience requirements vary based on level hired:
    • Design Engineer I: 0โ€“3 years of MEP design or building systems engineering experience (internships or co-op experience acceptable).
    • Design Engineer II: Approximately 3+ years of relevant MEP design experience for multi-family or commercial building systems.
    • Design Engineer III: Approximately 6+ years of progressively responsible MEP design experience for multi-family or commercial building systems.

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred for Design Engineer I, required for Design Engineer II, and Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure preferred for Design Engineer III.

  • 3โ€“6 years of relevant experience in MEP design for building systems (multi-family or mixed-use projects preferred).
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit required; familiarity with Navisworks, Bluebeam, or BIM 360 preferred.
  • Strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system design, including energy efficiency and sustainability considerations.
  • Ability to perform and review engineering calculations with accuracy and sound judgment.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple project stakeholders.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without future employment sponsorship

Compensation

Compensation for this position ranges from $34.00 per hour ($70,000 annually) to $130,000+ annually, depending on the position level, qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills. Design Engineer I positions are classified as non-exempt (hourly).Design Engineer II and Design Engineer III positions are classified as exempt (salaried).

Final job level, compensation, and classification will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, and overall qualifications.

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