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Design Engineer Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

GFT is seeking a Linear (Pipeline) Design Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our Pennsylvania offices. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the ...

Civil/Site Engineer

State College, PA ยท Hybrid

$75K - $105K/yr

GFT is seeking a Site/Civil Design Engineer to support a variety of projects in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our State College, PA ...

Civil/Site Engineer

State College, PA ยท Hybrid

$75K - $105K/yr

GFT is seeking a Site/Civil Design Engineer to support a variety of projects in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our State College, PA ...

Civil/Site Engineer

State College, PA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

GFT is seeking a Site/Civil Design Engineer to support a variety of projects in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our State College, PA ...

Fiber Design Technician

Altoona, PA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Work in tandem with the Fiber Construction Engineers for uniformity and precision in all project documentation. * Ensure Fiber Design Management and Project Managers are promptly updated on any ...

New

Fiber Design Technician

State College, PA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Work in tandem with the Fiber Construction Engineers for uniformity and precision in all project documentation. * Ensure Fiber Design Management and Project Managers are promptly updated on any ...

New

This role will be functioning as a product design engineer who will focus on electrical systems based at our R&D facility in PA. Why Work for CaptiveAire? * Nation's leading manufacturer of ...

Job TitleSenior Design Quality Engineer In this role you Will be part of a team that is excited by the unique professional challenges that our Quality Transformation presents, has strong technical ...

This role serves as a key technical leader, bridging design engineering, manufacturing, quality, service, and sourcing to ensure customer satisfaction, product reliability, and manufacturability. The ...

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Design Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$39.6K

$86.2K

$155K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in State College, PA is $86,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $96,300.00 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 State College, PA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in State College, PA? For Design Engineer jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,210 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Linear (Pipeline) Design Engineer

GFT.

State College, PA โ€ข On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Linear (Pipeline) Design Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our Pennsylvania offices. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office.ย 

Joining the water resources team atย GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life.ย Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.ย ย 

What you'll be challenged to do:

As Linear Design Engineer you will provide technical leadership and support to our team of highly skilled engineers while executing projects simultaneously and utilizing technical knowledge and experience to enhance the team's overall capabilities. The Senior Engineer will be managing project/tasks in the planning, design and construction of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, stormwater systems, and pump/lift stations as well as creating construction documents, and specifications.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:ย 

  • Manage and lead condition assessment evaluations for water, wastewater, and storm system assets including pipelines and pump/lift stations using a variety of approaches and technologies.
  • Lead preparation of feasibility studies, alternative analyses, and basis of design reports for a variety of linear water, wastewater, and stormwater projects.
  • Meet established budgets and delivery schedules for each assignment; for project/task scope schedule and budget.
  • Work directly with clients to determine needs and provide solutions and may lead teams in the preparation of winning proposals and successful presentations.
  • Coordinate execution of projects with other disciplines and the Project/Program Manager.
  • Develop small to large design projects from inception to completion.
  • Prepare complete construction packages (including all deliverables) for the engineering, procurement, and construction of W/WW systems for clients.
  • Create and manage cost estimates and project schedules and will be responsible for completing design tasks within budget and on schedule.
  • Lead preparation of detailed engineering calculations & analysis and utilize design software to solve complex issues.
  • Supervise and support the work of others and mentor junior level engineers & design/drafting technical staff.

What you will bring to our firm:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or a related field of study.
  • 8-15 years of related linear (water pipeline) design experience
  • Project experience including design, permitting, and construction of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, storm water systems, water storage tanks, and pump/lift stations.
  • Strong, clear, and concise written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent technical writing skills.
  • Experience managing preparation of and reviewing and approving project drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.
  • Functional experience with MS Office applications.

What we prefer you bring:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Active participation in regional or national professional associations.
Compensation:The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $150,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.ย Featured Benefits:ย  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.ย 

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Mercer, PA; State College, PA; Valley Forge, PA; Philadelphia, PACore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

#LI-hybrid

#LI-KV1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME