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Design Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Harris & Associates

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Harris is looking for a Design Engineer to join our dynamic Design & Engineering team. Under general supervision, the Design Engineer examines and checks architectural and structural drawings and ...

New

Higher Talent Group LLC

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design Engineer - Irvine, California About our Client : Our Client is a global provider within a wide range of areas, including but not limited to aerospace and defense platforms, automation and ...

EnCore

Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

With in-house design, engineering, and certification, we stay clearly ahead and deliver high-quality cabin components. We also support aftermarket upgrades with certified modification kits and ...

EnCore

Design Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA

With in-house design, engineering, and certification, we stay clearly ahead and deliver high-quality cabin components. We also support aftermarket upgrades with certified modification kits 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 ...

Applied Medical

Design Engineer II

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Design Engineer II applies mechanical engineering principles, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling, and hands-on prototyping skills to solve complex design challenges and deliver solutions that ...

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 ...

Applied Medical

Design Engineer II

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Design Engineer II applies mechanical engineering principles, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling, and hands-on prototyping skills to solve complex design challenges and deliver solutions that ...

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 ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

Vast is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer , reporting to the Manager, Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

TAE

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Essel

Senior Design Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of design projects, meeting established goals, and adhering to schedules and budgets. The ideal candidate will bring ...

Essel

Senior Design Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of design projects, meeting established goals, and adhering to schedules and budgets. The ideal candidate will bring ...

Essel

Senior Design Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Design Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of design projects, meeting established goals, and adhering to schedules and budgets. The ideal candidate will bring ...

Vast

PCB Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a PCB Design Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, PCB Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity ...

Accord Technologies Inc.

PCB Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

PCB Design Engineer Location : Irvine, California, 100% onsite Position type: Contract Visa: US Citizen Mandatory: Experience in defence or Aerospace electronics; Must have Bachelor's Degree; OrCAD ...

KSP Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Be Seen First

Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Structural Design Engineer (4+ Years Experience) This is an in person role located in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA $80,000 - $90,000 per year On-Site Position (Not Remote) Full-Time Grow Your ...

Urgent

Aptino

Hardware Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Hardware Design Engineer Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Duration: 6-12 Months Contract Job Type: C2C & W2 Contract Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to support the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Design Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$43.5K

$94.6K

$170.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Irvine, CA is $94,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $105,700.00 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 Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA? For Design Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,619 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Design Engineer

Harris & Associates

Irvine, CA • On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Harris is a 100% employee-owned company focused on solving today's complex challenges in planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California, Nevada, and Washington with a staff of over 200 employee-owners. We focus on serving clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets.
If you're a driven professional looking for a collaborative environment, work that makes a difference, and a firm that invests heavily in your growth, you could be a perfect fit for Harris & Associates.
Harris is looking for a Design Engineer to join our dynamic Design & Engineering team. Under general supervision, the Design Engineer examines and checks architectural and structural drawings and specifications submitted for building permits to ensure conformance with building code requirements; provides engineering support to the project team. May be assigned to street, utility pipeline, drainage design, or site design or agency staff augmentation roles.
Responsibilities & Duties
  • Possesses the knowledge and ability to work with municipal reference documents in conjunction with project plans and specifications
  • Must be able to utilize independent judgment and initiative to achieve project objectives
  • Schedule, attend, and provide feedback at pre-construction meetings with applicant, engineer, and inspector
  • Facilitate map review with internal right-of-way department
  • Ensure design is consistent with governing agency's Conditions of Approval, Engineering recommendations, exhibits, and existing reference drawings
  • Evaluate design for constructability, maintainability, and operability of pipeline
  • Perform engineering calculations, clearly documenting methodology used and checks his/her work
  • Uses engineering judgment to perform duties and knows when to ask questions, seek assistance or perform independent research
  • Is sensitive to project budget, schedule, and quality, and reports concerns promptly to the Project Manager
  • Effectively interacts with peers, clients, and sub-consultants through written and oral communication
  • Carries out tasks assigned by the Project Directors, Managers, or Engineers

Qualifications & Skills
  • 0 to 5 years engineering work experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering degree
  • EIT preferred
  • Relevant Internship experience required
  • Computer proficiency skills including AutoCAD, LandDesktop, Civil 3-D, Microstation, MS Word and MS Excel
  • Written and oral communication skills sufficient to prepare project documentation and correspondence
  • Interact effectively with other team members, occasionally interface with clients, and deliver client, public, or internal team presentations on occasion

Compensation & Benefits
The salary rate offered for this position is $70K-$84K. Actual pay offered will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Harris & Associates is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO/AA employer. We invite resumes from all interested and qualified candidates including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Harris & Associates is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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