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Design Engineer Jobs in Pasco, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Richland, WA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Senior Structural Engineer Location: Richland, WA Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services ... With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Richland, WA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Senior Structural Engineer Location: Richland, WA Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services ... With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer information

See Pasco, WA salary details

$41K

$89.3K

$160.6K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Pasco, WA is $89,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $99,800.00 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 cities near Pasco, WA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Pasco, WA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Pasco, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,302 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer

Framatome North America

Richland, WA โ€ข On-site

$126K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldnโ€™t be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planetโ€™s greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.


As a Component Owner in the Mechanical Product Design group, you will be responsible for the design and engineering of components which are used in Framatome's nuclear fuel assemblies. Component Owners ensure design control through every step of the design process from development and industrialization through manufacturing and quality assurance. Specifically, you will create design drawings, product specifications, and parts lists. You will also lead qualifications and evaluate manufacturing nonconformances. Experience with manufacturing processes is preferred.

Your work will include:

  • Initiating, reviewing, and maintaining product drawings and specifications.
  • Using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to define design tolerances.
  • Participating in resolution of component and assembly fabrication concerns with suppliers.
  • Monitoring component manufacturing and addressing real-time issues through collaboration with production teams.
  • Developing and qualifying new and improved mechanical designs to support future fuel product lines.
  • Supporting design testing by setting requirements, defining test methods, performing tests, and writing reports.
  • Perform standard engineering assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks, resolution of field problems, and resolution of quality events.
  • Having awareness of government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.  
  • Evaluate, select and apply standard techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making minor adaptations and modifications.  

  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Engineering. Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
  • Minimum of 7 years of related experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.  
  • Excellent communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
  • Grows developed network and maintains good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Advanced problem identification and problem resolution skills.  
  • Displays leadership characteristics.  
  • Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.  
  • Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.

  • Salary: $126,000 - $171,000 and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
  • Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
  • Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
  • Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

  • Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
  • Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
  • Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).