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Design Engineer Jobs in Pasco, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Richland, WA · 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 · 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 ...

Confirms, for heavy and critical lifts, a BNI-WTP design engineer has reviewed and approved the design calculations of equipment lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing lugs, and other lifting attachment ...

Confirms, for heavy and critical lifts, a BNI-WTP design engineer has reviewed and approved the design calculations of equipment lifting lugs, trunnions, tailing lugs, and other lifting attachment ...

Showing results 21-40

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 23, 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 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.

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 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,302 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Senior Structural Engineer

Columbia Energy Group

Richland, WA • On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Senior Structural Engineer

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: $90,000 - $140,000, depending on experience


About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. Recently, we expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID, reflecting our ongoing growth and dedication to broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.


Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers opportunities to advance your career as a design engineer, technical lead, project engineer, or project manager, while contributing to meaningful projects across diverse industries.


Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Structural Engineer to join our Richland, WA team. This role combines hands-on technical execution with opportunities for leadership and project oversight. The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years of experience in structural design and analysis, a strong foundation in industry codes and standards, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

This position requires both technical depth and practical application, with responsibilities ranging from structural analysis and lifting fixture design to collaboration with designers and oversight of project deliverables.


Essential Responsibilities & Duties


Design & Analysis

  • Identify, evaluate, and test structural solutions for nuclear and hazardous waste remediation, equipment installation and support, chemical processing, and commercial projects.
  • Perform design and analysis in compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., AISC, ASCE, ACI, IBC).
  • Conduct structural calculations to verify equipment design and installations meet specified load combinations and contract requirements.
  • Design lifting fixtures and tooling to support fabrication.

Project Support & Collaboration

  • Support multiple simultaneous projects and cross-functional teams.
  • Collaborate with designers to produce accurate, detailed design drawings.
  • Develop test plans and procedures, supporting system testing and validation.
  • Maintain configuration control of baseline drawings and documents.
  • Communicate task status, progress, and technical challenges to stakeholders, ensuring project deadlines are met.
  • Review project deliverables for compliance with design requirements and standards.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering (ABET-accredited) or higher.
  • Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated structural engineering experience.
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or actively working toward licensure.
  • Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as Ansys or RISA-3D.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare design deliverables, resolve review comments, and finalize design packages.
  • Strong attention to detail and proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
  • Self-starter with the ability to prioritize project needs and meet delivery schedules.
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain government security clearance (required for federal contract work).


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience applying IBC, AISC, and ACI standards to engineering projects.
  • Department of Energy (DOE) project experience.
  • Strong planning skills with ability to accurately estimate task durations.
  • Proven ability to produce high-quality design deliverables under tight deadlines.
  • Experience supporting nuclear or complex industrial projects.
  • Willingness to expand technical skills and contribute to cross-functional project teams.


Key Success Attributes

  • Structural Expert: Demonstrates mastery of structural design, analysis, and compliance with industry codes.
  • Innovative Thinker: Develops practical, buildable solutions for complex project challenges.
  • Collaborative: Works effectively across engineering disciplines, design teams, and project managers.
  • Detail-Oriented: Produces accurate, compliant, and high-quality engineering outputs.
  • Adaptable Leader: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing technical execution with project leadership.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.