ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chipton Ross

Design Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$68.51/hr

Job #219363 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Design Engineer for a contract opportunity in Littleton/Waterton, CO. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Experience supporting the technical ...

Chipton Ross

Design Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$79.86/hr

Job #219663 Chipton-Ross is seeking an Design Engineer for a contract opportunity in Orlando, FL. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) Harness design experience using Zuken E3 is a plus.

Santacruzbicycles

Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Team. Product Development's mission is the timely delivery of new products and technologies to market. The DE conceptualizes and ...

Replit

Design Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$180K - $290K/yr

About the role: We're seeking a Design Engineer to bridge the gap between design and engineering at Replit. In this role, you'll help shape our design system implementation, architect front-end ...

Orthofix

Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

JOB PURPOSE As a Design Engineer on our Product Development Team, you'll collaborate with other engineers and work cross-functionally with our Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Quality teams ...

Roblox

Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$163K - $202K/yr

As a Design Engineer on the Design Acceleration team, you'll be an individual contributor focused on evolving the systems and processes which power Roblox's design organization through scalable ...

Cervélo

Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Team. Product Development's mission is the timely delivery of new products and technologies to market. The DE conceptualizes and ...

Purple Hires Inc

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Create 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOM). Support design reviews and implement engineering changes. Work closely with cross-functional teams to support ...

King River Capital Group

Design Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

About the Role We're seeking a Design Engineer to bridge the gap between design and engineering at Replit. In this role, you'll help shape our design system implementation, architect front‑end ...

Trimark Associates, Inc

Design Engineer

El Dorado Hills, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Join our Engineering and Design team as a Project Design Engineer with an emphasis on SCADA to work on exciting renewable energy projects across the US. We are growing our team and seeking a skilled ...

Cervélo Cycles Inc.

Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$82 - $103/hr

The Design Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Team. Product Development's mission is the timely delivery of new products and technologies to market. The DE conceptualizes and ...

Trimark Associates

Design Engineer

El Dorado Hills, CA · On-site

Join our Engineering and Design team as a Project Design Engineer with an emphasis on SCADA to work on exciting renewable energy projects across the US. We are growing our team and seeking a skilled ...

Rillet

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Who We Need We're looking for a Design Engineer to help define what great product craft feels like at Rillet. We're looking for a Design Engineer who sits at the intersection of design and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in California

Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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.
More about Design Engineer jobs

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 jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for 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:

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

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

Design Engineer jobs near you
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, Powertrain

Singer Vehicle Design

Torrance, CA • On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Understand requirements for new components or systems, design to those requirements, and bring those parts to production.

  • Design, release, and implement new parts and assemblies with supporting documentation to improve existing products.

  • Develop concepts for customer requests, including feasibility, costing, design, testing, and release.

Job description

Join Our Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
At Singer Vehicle Design, we believe Everything is Important. That's why every nut, bolt, stitch, and finish matters when we restore and reimagine Porsche 911s into some of the most beautiful and respected cars in the world.
We're looking for a Design Engineer, Powertrain to bring their passion, precision, and problem-solving skills to our team in Torrance, CA. If you share our passion for beautiful cars, thrive on details, and want to be part of something extraordinary, this is your chance.
Why You'll Love This Role:
  • You will be responsible for understanding requirements for new components or systems, designing to those requirements, and bringing those parts to production.
  • You will design, release, and implement new parts and assemblies with supporting documentation to improve existing products in a manner that demonstrates, "Everything is Important."
  • You will develop concepts for unique customer requests and take them from feasibility, costing, design, testing, and release.

What You'll Do:
  • Conceptualize and create mechanical designs using design software Catia V5 for new products used in late model air cooled Porsches.
  • Develop expertise in powertrain systems and components under direct responsibility which can include engine, transmission, air induction, exhaust, A/C systems and cooling systems.
  • Understand and design around packaging environment, mounting strategy and load conditions of automotive components and systems, even with little information Plan and execute part evaluations on vehicle, and component or system validation plans
  • Interface with and manage suppliers to execute project deliverables
  • Collaborate with global Design and Production Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Production teams
  • Plan, execute, and initiate process improvement (such as Lean or Six Sigma)
  • Evaluate existing drawings and 3D models of assemblies and processes
  • Develop testing processes, and perform testing and validation of new designs
  • Create working prototypes for first article fit and function testing
  • Review and approve 3D models and 2D drawings and specifications created by junior engineers
  • Complete part releasing responsibilities following company processes
  • Complete documentation to track project development and design process
  • Ensure projects are on time and within budget
  • Identify indicators for improvement and cost reduction opportunities
  • Create product introduction materials; work instructions, exploded view parts manuals, etc.

Who We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering emphasis required
  • 3-5 years of mechanical design & drafting experience using CAD software such as Catia, or equivalent required
  • Experience in the automotive industry required
  • Experience in engineering development process and design and release of components and systems required
  • Bonus points for Master's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering emphasis
  • Bonus points for experience with surfacing capabilities
  • Bonus points for experience with data management systems
  • Ability to reverse engineer components with limited information
  • Ability to solve complex problems with design constraints and deliver optimized solutions for function, cost, timing and manufacturing
  • Ability to create 2D drawings and 3D models of advanced mechanical components and assemblies
  • Understanding of customer expectations for luxury, high performance vehicles
  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into action plan
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a project through completion and meet deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complicated issues to a wider audience
  • Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines
  • Knowledge of Pareto Analysis, Root Cause, Corrective Action, or related strongly preferred
  • Understanding of design for manufacturability as it applies to DFMEA concepts
  • Proficient working with PowerPoint, Excel, or similar data analysis software
  • Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving the total cost equation
  • Willingness and ability to learn and use new test equipment such as 3D scanners, 3D printers, data acquisition systems
  • Knowledge of air cooled and turbo Porsche vehicles a plus

Location & Schedule:
This is a salaried, exempt position onsite in Torrance, CA. The core hours are Monday - Friday 7:30am-4pm.
What We Offer - Benefits Driven by You:
The starting pay range for this position is between $104,344 - 130,429 per year plus bonus. Actual compensation will be determined by skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Our mantra Everything is Important guides us every day, so naturally we also believe Everyone is Important. Our benefits and perks are thoughtfully curated to invest in the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team both inside and outside the shop.
Health & Wellness
  • 80% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and family
  • Tax-free savings options via HSA and FSA, including employer HSA contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage

Time Off & Flexibility
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 13 paid holidays annually, including the week between Christmas and New Year's

Financial Benefits
  • Annual bonus plan
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Annual merit increases following performance reviews (when eligible)
  • Monthly cell phone reimbursement

Perks & Extras
  • Free snacks! (monthly snack stipend at our mini-mart)
  • "Working Advantage" employee discount program for travel, entertainment, amusement parks, and more
  • Tools provided for technicians
  • Team events and company gatherings throughout the year
  • Employee-led clubs based on interest: books, movies and (of course) cars!
  • Access to exclusive Singer-branded merch!

Growth & Development
  • Annual performance reviews to provide feedback and aid employee development
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • Access to Singer's learning platform (Singer Learn) containing over 115,000 courses on a wide variety of topics - coming soon!
  • Transparent leadership communication through quarterly town halls

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to building a team that includes individuals from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, reflecting the diversity of the communities where we work and live.
Do you want to Reimagine your career? Apply now and join us!

Apply