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Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ControlsJobs

BAS Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

BAS Design Engineer - San Jose, CA - $85,000 to $140,000 + Excellent Benefits + Office-Based RoleAbout the Opportunity: A long-standing, stable Building Automation contractor is seeking a skilled BAS ...

Belcan

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$145K - $170K/yr

Design Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Zip Code: 92123 Duration: 7 Months Pay Rate: $145k-$170k DOE Keyword's: #SanDiegojobs; #DesignEngineerjobs ; Start Date: Immediate We provide a competitive pay ...

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 ...

Infotech Sourcing

Design Engineer V

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Core Engineering - Design Engineer V Duration:6 months with possible extension Location: US - CA - Sunnyvale Hybrid Role: ASIC Power Engineer DUTIES ASIC Power Engineer to perform power analysis and ...

Hydraflow

Design Engineer

Fullerton, CA

$130K/yr

The Design Engineer will independently evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures to design mechanical/fluid components and assemblies that meet the requested ...

Hydraflow

Design Engineer

Fullerton, CA

$130K/yr

The Design Engineer will independently evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures to design mechanical/fluid components and assemblies that meet the requested ...

Console Systems, Inc

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

The Role As a Design Engineer at Console, you'll be responsible for the touches that make our product feel like magic. You will work closely with the product and design, and build out the front-end ...

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 ...

Serval Inc

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $300K/yr

As Serval's first Design Engineer, you are first and foremost a great frontend engineer - someone who's exceptional at React, ships fast, and genuinely cares about UI quality and design craft. You ...

Roblox

Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$176K - $214K/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 ...

Alphatec Spine

Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Assists Project Engineers with providing technical expertise to Marketing and Sales as to intent of design function. * Assists Project Engineers with providing technical expertise to Regulatory ...

TAE

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or ...

Wasco Switches & Sensors

Design Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$87K - $102K/yr

Essential Functions: • Engineering Design & Development Performs system evaluation, mechanical design, equipment modification, and process development to support product and operational ...

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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 Jun 14, 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 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.

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 does a design engineer do?

A design engineer develops and modifies product designs, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to meet project specifications and safety standards. They analyze requirements, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functional and efficient products.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.

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 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or later, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field through relevant education, certifications, and practical experience, making age less of a barrier than skill development and adaptability.
More about Design Engineer jobs
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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

BAS Design Engineer

ControlsJobs

San Jose, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

BAS Design Engineer - San Jose, CA - $85,000 to $140,000 + Excellent Benefits + Office-Based RoleAbout the Opportunity:

A long-standing, stable Building Automation contractor is seeking a skilled BAS Design Engineer to join their engineering team in San Jose, CA. This role is ideal for mid-level to senior-level professionals with strong design capabilities in HVAC and Building Automation Systems. The position is primarily office-based with minimal fieldwork (10-15% for job walks or site visits).

Position Details:
  • Title: BAS Design Engineer
  • Location: San Jose, CA
  • Travel: 10-15% (job walks, site visits, and occasional internal events)
  • Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000 DOE (Mid-Senior Level)
  • Status: Full-Time | Office-Based
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design network architecture, wiring schematics, and control panel layouts for DDC systems
  • Develop floor plan graphics and distributed control/network architecture
  • Write, revise, and interpret Sequences of Operation (SOPs)
  • Redline and design controls drawings using AutoCAD or MS Visio
  • Review, track, and manage submittals while generating RFIs as needed
  • Coordinate closely with project managers, subcontractors, and equipment vendors
  • Support integration efforts using BACnet, Modbus, and related communication protocols
  • Optional: Experience with Tridium platforms (N4, AX, R2) is highly beneficial
Ideal Candidate:
  • 3+ years of BAS or Controls design engineering experience
  • Strong understanding of BAS networks, topologies, and controls layouts
  • Proficient in generating graphics, wiring diagrams, and system architecture packages
  • Highly organized with strong communication and coordination skills
Company Overview:
  • 40+ years of industry experience
  • Specializes in design-build construction and customized BAS/controls solutions
  • In-house engineering, programming, and installation teams for full lifecycle support
  • Strong focus on cybersecurity and advanced IT-driven system environments
  • Develops proprietary analytics platforms utilizing data science and AI
What's Offered:
  • Competitive Salary: $85,000 - $140,000 DOE
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage
  • PTO, Sick Leave, Holidays, Bereavement
  • Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability

Join a forward-thinking engineering team focused on quality, innovation, and cutting-edge automation. Apply today to take the next step in your BAS design career!

Apply