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Design Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

FN America LLC

Design Engineer II

Columbia, SC · On-site

Position Summary The Design Engineer II is responsible for performing evaluations, creating designs, and establishing the technical data package under supervision of the Lead Design Engineer.

FN America

Design Engineer II

Columbia, SC · On-site

Position Summary The Design Engineer II is responsible for performing evaluations, creating designs, and establishing the technical data package under supervision of the Lead Design Engineer.

Palermo Rhodes

Senior Design Engineer

Columbia, SC

Must have commercial building design experience and estimating experience. Additional Information Palermo Rhodes is a boutique executive search firm that specializes in two niche markets. Engineered ...

Samtec, Inc

Connector Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site +1

$119K - $143K/yr

Senior Product Design Engineer Location: New Albany, IN (Preferred) Also open to Harrisburg, PA; Columbia, SC; or remote/hybrid arrangements based on experience and business needs. Design the Next ...

Samtec, Inc

Connector Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site +1

$119K - $143K/yr

Senior Product Design Engineer Location: New Albany, IN (Preferred) Also open to Harrisburg, PA; Columbia, SC; or remote/hybrid arrangements based on experience and business needs. Design the Next ...

Jobtailor

Design Engineer I - EIT

Swansea, SC · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Fundamentals Of Engineering Exam * Metal Building Systems Design * Structural Drawing Review * Safety Policy Leadership Hard Skills * Structural Steel Design * Wall And Roof Panel Design * Secondary ...

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Stantec

Roadway Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Your Opportunity Stantec's growing transportation practice is looking for a Roadway Design Engineer. This role may sit in either Charleston, SC or Columbia, SC. Join our full-service team that is ...

Stantec

Roadway Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Your Opportunity Stantec's growing transportation practice is looking for a Roadway Design Engineer. This role may sit in either Charleston, SC or Columbia, SC. Join our full-service team that is ...

Nucor

Design Engineer Intern

Swansea, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Design Intern, you will be learning the responsibilities of a full-time design engineer, as well as assisting the Engineering Department in various production-related projects. This could ...

Nucor

Design Engineer Intern

Swansea, SC

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Design Intern, you will be learning the responsibilities of a full-time design engineer, as well as assisting the Engineering Department in various production-related projects. This could ...

Nucor

Design Engineer I EIT

Swansea, SC · On-site

As a Structural Design Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that each project meets our high standards of quality and performance. You can be an engineer anywhere, so ...

Nucor

Design Engineer I EIT

Swansea, SC

As a Structural Design Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that each project meets our high standards of quality and performance. You can be an engineer anywhere, so ...

Stantec

Bridge Design Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Your Opportunity Stantec's is seeking a Bridge Design Manager to lead and manage engineering teams on both large and small infrastructure projects and pursuits. An opportunity is presented for a ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Design Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$35K

$76.2K

$137K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Columbia, SC is $76,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $85,200.00 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

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

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

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Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,213 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Design Engineer II

FN America LLC

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

FN America rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
FN America, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of FN-branded products, training and support services that enhance user performance and safeguard their lives. For more information, visit us at or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Position Summary
The Design Engineer II is responsible for performing evaluations, creating designs, and establishing the technical data package under supervision of the Lead Design Engineer. Additional responsibilities include testing and evaluation of new product to predetermined specifications. The Design Engineer Il will also support product line extensions and improvements to existing product designs.
Job Duties
  • Support Lead Design Engineer in feasibility review, detailed development, data package creation and industrialization activities
  • Plans, conducts, and documents hands-on product testing, sometimes extensive.
  • Manage individual projects using work-based schedule management tools.
  • Collaborate effectively both within the department and cross-functional team environment to meet customer requirements.
  • Develops and implements product design improvements.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Science, or equivalent required.
Experience Requirements
Minimum 3 years of applicable experience for BS/BA degree, preferably in a product development role.
Skills and Competencies
All FN America employees are expected to demonstrate the behaviors of accountability, collaboration, communication, customer focus, and innovation. Additional requirements of this position include:
  • Ability to author thorough written and verbal status and technical reports.
  • Ability to utilize and follow FNA and industry engineering standards and procedures.
  • Technical knowledge of one or more typical firearm processing technologies required, including machining processes, plastic injection molding, metal injection molding, investment casting, surface treating, and spring manufacturing.
  • Understanding of how to properly design components and subassemblies.
  • Ability to use required tools on difficult tasks and/or group of tasks or equivalent.

Tools
  • Knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 1994 and 1982.
  • Lab Equipment and Measurement Tools
  • Test Procedures
  • 3D CAD software (PTC Creo preferred)
  • Design Analysis and Simulation Software (experience with CeTol, Ansys or Adams preferred)
  • Microsoft Office

Training
Training on PDS (PTC Windchill based), project management software, department specific SharePoint will be required.
Certifications/Licenses
None.
Working Conditions
Typical office environment with some travel between buildings and to other locations required. May be exposed to loud noises, toxic chemicals, and dangerous machinery when on the plant floor.
All FN America employees have a responsibility to participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace and to comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability
FN America, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email HR@FNAmerica.com or call: 803-736-0522. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

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