1

Design Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER

Aiea, HI · On-site

Work with engineering software to develop and prepare preliminary and detailed design drawings and reports. * Provide and perform engineering assistance, technical support, and troubleshooting for ...

The role will conduct structural analysis and design for various building components, utilizing software tools and engineering principles. The role will include performing thorough investigations of ...

The role will conduct structural analysis and design for various building components, utilizing software tools and engineering principles. The role will include performing thorough investigations of ...

Mechanical Engineer II

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

Mechanical Engineer II Application Deadline: 8 July 2026 Department: Mechanical Engineering ... In this role, you will design, analyze, maintain, and improve complex mechanical systems that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer information

See Hawaii salary details

$42.1K

$91.6K

$164.7K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Hawaii is $91,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $102,300.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii? For Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Hawaii as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,584 per year, or $44 per hour.

Supervisor / Supervising Engineer, T&D Engineering - Oahu

hawaiianel

Honolulu, HI

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company.

Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

Applications will be screened based on the information provided; in order to assist us in determining qualifications, please upload a current resume and take some time to update your employment information, certifications, etc. The information will flow over to your profile.

Posting End Date: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.  

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:

The P TD TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING Department of the H ENGINEERING Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional Supervisor)

This posting seeks to fill at either the Supervising Engineer, T&D Engineering or Supervisor, T&D Engineering level; whichever level is most suited to the qualifications of the applying candidate.

SUPERVISING ENGINEER, T&D ENGINEERING

JOB FUNCTION:

Supervises, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages the overall operations of an engineering section to provide design engineering, project management, standards development and general engineering duties in support of the capital construction projects and program, customer service requests and reliable operations of the island power system of Hawaiian Electric. Provides technical knowledge, expertise and guidance to the section, and to the Engineering Division. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Supervises, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the operations of an engineering section to provide design engineering, project management and standards development in support of the Energy Delivery capital construction programs, customer service requests and the reliable operations of the Hawaiian Electric island power system.  Promotes and manages process improvements, efficiency improvements, innovative designs, etc. of the section, department, and division. 
  • Initiates, assigns, oversees, reviews and approves design, materials, contracts, equipment and construction specifications and standards. Conducts, reviews and approves engineering and economic studies. Manages capital expenditures of the section, as well as the capital program budget of the section. Manages and executes and/or provides direction regarding obtaining consultant resources (master agreements, contracts, new consultants, on-site engineer resources, negotiation of terms, etc.) Meets, discusses, coordinates and negotiates with parties inside and outside the Company to maintain/expedite progress on projects and programs. Serves as a technical consultant to the Section, Department, Division, Process Area, and other divisions in Hawaiian Electric. 
  • Develops performance and productivity measurement criteria. Measures and evaluates progress and performance of the engineering section staff and the results obtained, and implements actions necessary to achieve/maintain project and program scope, schedule and budget. Develops engineers to be technically competent, independent, and to have a clear understanding on the financial aspects of their projects. 
  • Manages and administers all personnel matters of an engineering section, including performance appraisals and interviews; recognition of employee achievements; and disciplinary actions. Develops training and progression plan for engineers. Ensures the safety and coordinates the training of all personnel under supervision
  • Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.
  • Ensures section members are aware of the Company's Policies, Mission, Vision, Values, and are following the culture dimensions to ensure the success of the company and member.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited engineering school in the relevant discipline (Electrical = T&D/Substn/Stds, Civil/Structural = CSS).
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of power engineering design, project engineering, project management, program management, project/budget planning and forecasting, standards development and construction methods associated with electric utility facilities and systems normally acquired through extensive professional engineering experience.
  • Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and procedures as related to specific division and/or department activities.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, project management, presentations, and ability to learn additional software tools to perform work.
  • Working knowledge of Company budgeting and forecasting systems and procedures.
  • Working knowledge of business writing, accounting, economics, business law and finance are desirable
  • Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
  • Working knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and best practices to achieve operational excellence.
  • Working knowledge of SafeStart principles and best practices to achieve a safe workplace environment.

Skills Requirements

  • Demonstrated supervision and leadership skills, including effective written, oral, listening, presentation and interpersonal skills, in order to work effectively with all levels of the company and with outside contractors, consultants, governmental agencies, community groups and customers.
  • Strong analytical, organizational and conceptual skills to manage simultaneously a variety of projects, programs and assignments.
  • Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment, and to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
  • Ability to develop, guide, and prepare engineers and designers to be knowledgeable, proficient, independent, and to gain the leadership qualities necessary to move up to higher positions and become future leaders of the company.  
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to handle confrontational, difficult and/or sensitive issues. Ability to handle such issues with professionalism while using tact, courtesy and discretion.
  • Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver's license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.

Experience Requirements

  • Extensive (8+ years) of relevant engineering experience in the design, project engineering, project management, standards development and construction methods for additions, modifications, extensions, upgrades and arrangements of company generation, transmission, substation, and communication and control systems and facilities, and five (5) years design experience must be in a specific area of expertise. 
  • Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
  • State of Hawaii Professional Engineer License in relevant discipline.

SUPERVISOR, T&D ENGINEERING

JOB FUNCTION:

Supervises, plans, organizes, coordinates and manages the operations of the T&D engineering section to provide design engineering, project engineering, project management, program management, and general engineering duties in support of customer service requests, 3rd party telecommunication attachment requests and the capital construction projects and programs of Hawaiian Electric.  Provides technical knowledge, expertise and guidance to the section and to the Engineering Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Supervises, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the operations of a T&D engineering section to provide design engineering, project engineering, project management, and program management in support of customer service requests, 3rd party telecommunications attachment requests and the Energy Delivery capital construction programs of the of Hawaiian Electric island power system. Promotes and manages process improvements, efficiency improvements, innovative designs, etc. of the section, department, and division.
  • Initiates, assigns, oversees, reviews and approves design, materials, contracts, equipment and construction specifications and standards.  Conducts, reviews and approves engineering and economic studies.  Manages capital expenditures of section, as well as the capital program budget of the section.  Manages and executes and/or provides direction regarding obtaining consultant resources (master agreements, contracts, new consultants, on-site engineer resources, negotiation of terms, etc.)  Meets, discusses, coordinates and negotiates with parties inside and outside the Company to maintain/expedite progress on projects and programs. 
  • Develops performance and productivity measurement criteria.  Measures and evaluates progress, performance, and productivity of an engineering section staff and the results obtained and implements actions necessary to achieve/maintain project and program scope, schedule and budget.  Develops staff to be technically competent, independent, and to have a clear understanding on the financial aspects of their projects.
  • Manages and administers all personnel matters of an engineering section, including performance appraisals and interviews; recognition of employee achievements; and disciplinary actions.  Develops training and progression plan for engineers.  Ensures the safety and coordinates the training of all personnel under supervision.
  • Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.
  • Ensures section members are aware of the Company's Policies, Mission, Vision, Values, and are following the culture dimensions to ensure the success of the company and member.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge Requirements

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of power engineering design, project engineering, project management, program management, project/budget planning and forecasting, standards development and construction methods associated with electric utility facilities and systems normally acquired through extensive professional engineering experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of the application of the Company's Tariff, Electric Service Installation Manual, EUSERC, NESC and process/agreements governing 3rd party telecommunication attachments
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, project management, presentations, and the ability to learn additional software tools to perform work.
  • Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and procedures as related to specific division and/or department activities.
  • Working knowledge of Company budgeting and forecasting systems and procedures.
  • Working knowledge of business writing, accounting, economics, business law and finance are desirable.
  • Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
  • Working knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and best practices to achieve operational excellence.
  • Working knowledge of SafeStart principles and best practices to achieve a safe workplace environment.

Skills Requirements

  • Demonstrated supervision and leadership skills, including professional written, oral, listening communication skills, conflict resolution skills, the ability to work with a variety of individuals, and the willingness and ability to train others.
  • Strong analytical, organizational and conceptual skills to manage simultaneously a variety of projects, programs and assignments.
  • Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment, and to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
  • Ability to develop, guide, and prepare engineers and designers to be knowledgeable, proficient, independent, and to gain the leadership qualities necessary to move up to higher positions and become future leaders of the company
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to handle confrontational, difficult and/or sensitive issues.  Ability to handle such issues with professionalism while using tact, courtesy and discretion.
  • Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver's license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.

Experience Requirements

  • Extensive (13-15 years) experience of relevant engineering experience in the design, project engineering, project management, standards development and construction methods for additions, modifications, extensions, upgrades and arrangements of company generation, transmission, substation, and communication and control systems and facilities, and five (5) years design experience must be in a specific area of expertise
  • Supervisory experience highly desirable
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited engineering school in Electrical Engineering or equivalent may be substituted for eight (8) years of experience.

Role: Professional Supervisor 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Honolulu - Oahu

Hiring Range:  The hiring range for the Supervisor / Supervising Engineer, T&D Engineering [Req ID 10440] position is $109,900.00 to $142,600.00. The person selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications.

About Hawaiian Electric Companies
Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contribu...