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Design Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA (NOW HIRING)

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

Design Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Creatively design field repairs for truss components in accordance with acceptable engineering principles and judgment. * Design truss components based on specified parameters from customers and use ...

Creatively design field repairs for truss components in accordance with acceptable engineering principles and judgment. * Design truss components based on specified parameters from customers and use ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer information

See Rancho Cordova, CA salary details

$43.2K

$94K

$169.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Rancho Cordova, CA is $94,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $105,100.00 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 Rancho Cordova, CA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA are:
What cities near Rancho Cordova, CA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Rancho Cordova, CA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Rancho Cordova, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,035 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Structural Design Engineer

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 447 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: 
  • Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures
  • Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis, design, evaluations, and design options and recommendations for concrete and steel hydraulic structures such as spillways, spillway gates, floodwalls, canals, and other water retaining structures
  • Assist in design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, cofferdams, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, and foundations
  • Review structural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
  • Assist in development of design criteria, report preparation, and quality assurance and control reviews of related designs
  • Write and edit hydraulic structures specifications, select procedures, materials and their respective sizes, and complete necessary calculations
  • Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through the design development and contract document phases of a project
  • Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
  • Conduct design development and contract document work sessions both in the office and at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
  • Organize, draft and coordinate production of various reports to ensure technical consistency and inclusion of appropriate documentation
  • Take responsibility for coordinating workload through design development and construction document phases to complete the documents on schedule
  • Supervise and coach other engineering and support staff, including mentoring of junior engineers, and provision of quality assurance review or input where required.
  • During construction, coordinate and assist with affected disciplines, with any addendum, requests for information, change proposal requests and change orders, and incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • A minimum of 5 years structural engineer experience
  • Experience with developing construction documents (plans, specifications, and supporting design documentation reports)
  • Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to prepare complete, concise and organized engineering calculations and reports
  • Knowledge of relevant structural design methods, codes and standards
  • Willingness to travel and assist with hydraulic structures inspection
  • Good verbal and written communication skills

*LI-MO1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Previous structural engineer experience
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917