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Design Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Knife River Corporation

DESIGN ENGINEER

Newman Lake, WA · On-site

The Design Engineer reports to the VP Engineering and executes engineering tasks, calculations, drawing support, design coordination, and defined technical problem solving for precast and prestressed ...

TRC Talent Solutions

Mechanical Design Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Full-time Location: Spokane, WA Our client, a leader in packaging and end-of-line automation for manufacturers, is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer who will develop ...

R A Pearson Company

Senior Mech Design Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and improvement of packaging machinery and systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating ...

Ardurra

Water/Wastewater Design Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field * EIT certification required; actively pursuing Washington or Idaho PE preferred * 24+ years of Water/Wastewater or publicworks design ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

Design Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$41.9K

$91.3K

$164.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Spokane, WA is $91,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $102,000.00 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.
More about Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:

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For Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,268 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

DESIGN ENGINEER

Knife River Corporation

Newman Lake, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Knife River rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
The Design Engineer reports to the VP Engineering and executes engineering tasks, calculations, drawing support, design coordination, and defined technical problem solving for precast and prestressed concrete structures. Working under Engineering leadership and senior engineers, this role develops specialized precast design, construction awareness, and project execution skills while collaborating with project management, drafting, production, erection, consultants, and customers.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Review plans, specifications, project requirements, and design criteria; identify questions, conflicts, assumptions, and non-standard conditions for review with Engineering leadership or senior engineers.
  • Prepare structural calculations and support drawing development for precast and prestressed products using established standards, templates, and senior engineering direction.
  • Develop practical design recommendations that support safety, code compliance, schedule, manufacturing efficiency, handling, shipping, erection, and constructability.
  • Coordinate assigned engineering work with Engineering leadership, project managers, drafting, operations, field teams, external engineers, architects, contractors, and customers.
  • Support engineering for building structures, bridge products, and other precast/prestressed systems, including production, handling, delivery, and erection considerations.
  • Perform quality checks of assigned drawings, calculations, submittals, and engineering documents; assist senior-led reviews and coordinate with Quality Control to meet KRPI, Knife River, project, and PCI standards.
  • Support improvements to engineering standards, templates, design tools, detailing practices, manufacturing processes, shipping, handling, and installation.
  • Develop independent engineering judgment while seeking review and approval for complex projects, unusual load paths, non-standard connections, lifting or bracing conditions, and higher-risk decisions.
  • Support KRPI's safety commitment by following policies and addressing unsafe actions, conditions, processes, or behaviors.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
  • Engineer-in-Training certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, sketches, specifications, and project documents.
  • Working knowledge of structural engineering and concrete design, with desire to develop deeper precast/prestressed expertise.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Mathcad, or similar software.
  • Professional, self-motivated, and able to manage priorities, communicate clearly, seek guidance when appropriate, and complete work on schedule with internal and external project teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer or Structural Engineer license, or ability to obtain licensure.
  • Precast or prestressed concrete design experience.
  • Experience with Revit, Tekla Structures, Inventor, AutoCAD, or other BIM/modeling platforms.
  • Familiarity with PCI standards, precast detailing, and concrete manufacturing processes.
  • Experience coordinating with drafting, consultants, project managers, contractors, or field operations.
  • Interest in future technical leadership through standards, design tools, process improvement, mentoring, and project team support.

Why Engineers Choose KRPI:
  • Design structures that are built, not just drawn.
  • Gain exposure from concept through manufacturing, delivery, and erection.
  • Work directly with production, quality, project management, and field installation teams.
  • Contribute to major regional data center, industrial, parking, commercial, education, and infrastructure projects.
  • Develop specialized structural and architectural precast/prestressed expertise.
  • Join a safety, quality, accountability, development, and improvement-focused Knife River culture.

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, paid time off, and paid holidays
  • Training, professional development, career advancement, and licensure support where applicable

How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at jobs.kniferiver.net by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5960 to speak with a human resources representative.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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