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Design Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer - Substation

Madison, WI

$99K - $126K/yr

We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects. Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with ...

As an Electrical Design Engineer at nVent Management Company, you will be a crucial technical resource responsible for the accuracy, quality, and intent of electrical project documentation. This ...

As an Electrical Design Engineer at nVent Management Company, you will be a crucial technical resource responsible for the accuracy, quality, and intent of electrical project documentation. This ...

We are seeking OSP Design Engineers to assist with the design and production of engineering deliverables on complex overhead and underground utility distribution projects. This position may require ...

We are seeking OSP Design Engineers to assist with the design and production of engineering deliverables on complex overhead and underground utility distribution projects. This position may require ...

We are seeking OSP Design Engineers to assist with the design and production of engineering deliverables on complex overhead and underground utility distribution projects. This position may require ...

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Evaluate and implement new engineering tools and practices, including test and fabrication equipment, design simulation, AI and automation technologies, for future integration. 14. Demonstrates ...

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Evaluate and implement new engineering tools and practices, including test and fabrication equipment, design simulation, AI and automation technologies, for future integration. 14. Demonstrates ...

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI

$130K - $156K/yr

Evaluate and implement new engineering tools and practices, including test and fabrication equipment, design simulation, AI and automation technologies, for future integration. 14. Demonstrates ...

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Evaluate and implement new engineering tools and practices, including test and fabrication equipment, design simulation, AI and automation technologies, for future integration. 14. Demonstrates ...

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Evaluate and implement new engineering tools and practices, including test and fabrication equipment, design simulation, AI and automation technologies, for future integration. 14. Demonstrates ...

We are seeking OSP Design Engineers to assist with the design and production of engineering deliverables on complex overhead and underground utility distribution projects. This position may require ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$40.8K

$88.8K

$159.7K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Madison, WI is $88,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $99,300.00 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,822 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

$99K - $126K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Us

QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.

Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.

About this Role

Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity provided by Quanta Services and its customers. With its highly skilled and innovative workforce, Quanta is the largest specialty contractor in North America that powers modern life. Find your future with us by being a part of something bigger - leading the energy transition in building a better world for generations to come.

We encourage and inspire our people to embrace opportunities within our corporate office and 200 operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power, industrial, and communications industries worldwide.

Quanta's culture is about creating an environment where all employees can be themselves, are valued, and have an equal opportunity to succeed. When you join our team, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued.

What You'll Do

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards. This role involves designing substation components, selecting materials, preparing design documents, and collaborating with engineers and field personnel to ensure project accuracy and efficiency. This position will report to a Supervising Engineer and be part of a substation design team with other engineers, designers, and drafters supporting substation projects across the QISG platform. There are four bands to this title; an employee moves up in band as they gain experience and demonstrate mastery of new skills.

  • Design physical substation components, including yard layouts, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, raceways, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems.
  • Develop protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, cable lists and panel layouts.
  • Develop design drawings, calculations, and bills of material from engineering documents for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • Conduct engineering calculations, including voltage drop, cable pulling, flicker analysis, and grounding analysis.
  • Ensure project team applies engineering standards including NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI
  • Perform quality reviews to check for inaccuracies, omissions, or compliance issues, and provide recommendations.
  • Work collaboratively with engineers and project teams to develop solutions and modifications as needed.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation and support engineering calculations.
  • Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders.
  • Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is highly desirable; this is required for the Design Engineer 4 band.
  • Curiosity for and willingness to learn about the major components of a substation is required. Basic knowledge of these components is a plus.  Previous design or construction experience is highly desirable.
  • No experience required in the electric utility industry for entry level positions. More experience performing detailed design for high voltage substation projects could result in a higher-level position.
  • Word processing, spread sheet, and e-mail software.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Working in a team environment
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers
  • Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and determine priorities in a complex environment.

Travel Requirements:

  • Role will require travel as necessary to achieve job responsibilities, up to 10-25% of the time.
What You'll Get
  • Competitive salary - overtime is available.
  • Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER