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Design Engineer Jobs in Chico, CA (NOW HIRING)

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Registered Professional Engineer in California * 10+ years of industry experience in a related discipline (as a design engineer, field engineer, construction engineer, project engineer, engineering ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Registered Professional Engineer in California * 10+ years of industry experience in a related discipline (as a design engineer, field engineer, construction engineer, project engineer, engineering ...

Stellantis

Design Release Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$41 - $46.75/hr

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring ...

City of Chico

Assistant Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Researches project design requirements performs complex calculations and prepare estimates of time ... Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures as applied to public works ...

City of Chico

Associate Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$102K - $137K/yr

Prepares plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a ... Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures; Principles and practices of ...

NV5

Staff Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

In this role, you will work under the direction of a Senior Engineer, contributing to the design, analysis, and implementation of multi-disciplinary engineering solutions in drafting. You'll have the ...

City of Chico, CA

Assistant Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Researches project design requirements performs complex calculations and prepare estimates of time ... Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures as applied to public works ...

BKF

Senior Project Engineer - Roadway Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Lead or support the planning, design, and delivery of a wide range of roadway and transportation infrastructure projects * Prepare engineering plans, specifications, estimates, and technical reports ...

City of Chico, CA

Associate Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$102K - $137K/yr

Prepares plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a ... Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures; * Principles and practices of ...

City of Chico, CA

Senior Development Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Analyzes engineering plan design, specifications, consultant, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends ...

City of Chico

Senior Development Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Analyzes engineering plan design, specifications, consultant, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends ...

TruRoots Company

Project Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Manage contractors, vendors, and engineering partners to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, GMP, and food safety requirements. * Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT ...

TruRoots

Project Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Manage contractors, vendors, and engineering partners to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, GMP, and food safety requirements. * Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT ...

City of Chico, CA

Senior Civil Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Design and Capital Delivery The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, with a focus on the planning, design, and ...

City of Chico

Senior Civil Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Design and Capital Delivery The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, with a focus on the planning, design, and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Durham, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Willows, CA

$101K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Chico, CA

Design Engineer information

See Chico, CA salary details

$41.2K

$89.6K

$161.2K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Chico, CA is $89,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $100,200.00 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 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.

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 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.

More about Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA? For Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:
What cities near Chico, CA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chico, CA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Chico, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,649 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Resident Engineer

UNICO Engineering

Chico, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems Integration services to public and private clients. With a spirit of cooperation and partnership, UNICO focuses on responsiveness, delivering value, and meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.

UNICO is a fast-growing consulting firm with significant opportunities for upward mobility. UNICO supports professional development and continuing education. Fun, flexible work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.

Ideal Candidate:

  • Experience leading local, state and federally funded transportation contracts for projects located in Northern California.
  • 8+ years relevant industry experience, familiar with transportation, transit or operational facilities type projects.
  • Types of infrastructure projects include civil improvements, structural facilities, electrical and mechanical systems, underground utilities, earthwork, TOD, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Competitive Salary and generous benefits including health, vision, dental, life, disability, 401K, PTO and paid holidays. Energizing, fast-paced, nimble and expanding company with plenty of opportunities for career growth.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

Requirements:

  • BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural Engineering
  • Registered Professional Engineer in California
  • 10+ years of industry experience in a related discipline (as a design engineer, field engineer, construction engineer, project engineer, engineering manager, or military construction engineer)
  • 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency
  • Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record
  • Must have the ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

Responsibilities:

The Resident Engineer will be responsible for successful completion of construction projects. Specific responsibilities include being an owner's representative, attending and running client and contractor meetings, reviewing plans and specifications and ensuring compliance with documents, providing project documentation in the form of letters, RFI/Submittal responses, change orders, etc., overseeing field inspection, supervising project inspection teams, and providing technical guidance and quality assurance, maintaining project controls including cost and schedule management. Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field contract administration, and to act as liaison with clients/owners, consultants, contractors, design professionals, public involvement and regulatory agencies.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, UNICO Engineering considers applicants for all positions without regard to race (including natural hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, age (40 and over), medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (including sexual harassment, sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.