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Design Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

Enpro

Application Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

The Application Design Engineer position will entail leading the mechanical design & engineering of new products and adaptation of existing products for customer applications per company growth ...

Samtec

Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC

$119K - $143K/yr

Engineering Design Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc. * Simulation Software: FEA, CFD/Thermal Modeling, etc. is preferred, but not required. * Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously ...

Samtec

Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC

$119K - $143K/yr

Engineering Design Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc. * Simulation Software: FEA, CFD/Thermal Modeling, etc. is preferred, but not required. * Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously ...

Palermo Rhodes

Senior Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Must have commercial building design experience and estimating experience. Additional Information Palermo Rhodes is a boutique executive search firm that specializes in two niche markets. Engineered ...

Samtec, Inc Careers

Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC

$119K - $143K/yr

Engineering Design Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc. * Simulation Software: FEA, CFD/Thermal Modeling, etc. is preferred, but not required. * Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously ...

samtec

Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$119K - $143K/yr

Engineering Design Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc. * Simulation Software: FEA, CFD/Thermal Modeling, etc. is preferred, but not required. * Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously ...

Stantec

Bridge Design Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Mentor and monitor work by other bridge engineers. Provide design oversight and perform quality control and quality assurance checks on deliverables. * Perform client coordination including ...

AECOM

Structural Engineers and Designers

Columbia, SC · On-site

Design/Build or Alternative Delivery project experience * Experience or interest in developing ... Engineering + 2 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of education and/or ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC

Design Engineer information

See Sumter, SC salary details

$36.1K

$78.5K

$141.2K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Sumter, SC is $78,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $87,700.00 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 develops and modifies product designs, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to meet project specifications and safety standards. They analyze requirements, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functional and efficient products.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.

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 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or later, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field through relevant education, certifications, and practical experience, making age less of a barrier than skill development and adaptability.
More about Design Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Sumter, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Sumter, SC are:
What cities near Sumter, SC are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Sumter, SC with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Sumter, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,503 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Application Design Engineer

Application Design Engineer

American Chillers LLC

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Translate customer requirements, operating conditions, and performance criteria into specified chiller configurations, options, and component selections.

  • Prepare and process equipment submittals, performance verification, and approval drawings for customers and representatives.

  • Produce and revise layout drawings, component designs, and documentation using CAD software.

Job description

American Chillers designs and manufactures industrial process chillers and cooling systems for a growing range of demanding applications - industrial process, brewing, medical imaging, battery energy storage, and more. We are a fast-moving, growth-stage manufacturer where engineers have real ownership over the products they help bring to market and direct contact with the customers who use them.

THE ROLE

We are hiring an Application / Design Engineer to be a central technical resource across the business - translating customer requirements into specified, build-ready chiller designs. You will own the technical thread from initial project specification through submittal and into production, and partner with suppliers to develop new products and improve existing ones. This is a strategic hire intended to take engineering and specification work off the owner's plate, so a strong candidate will quickly become the go-to person for how we build things.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Specify projects: translate customer requirements, operating conditions, and performance criteria into the correct chiller configuration, options, and component selections.
  • Build submittals: prepare and process equipment submittals, performance verification, and approval drawings for customers and reps.
  • Engineering design in CAD: produce and revise layout drawings, component designs, and documentation using CAD software.
  • Work with suppliers: collaborate with component and material suppliers to source parts, develop new products, and improve cost, lead time, and performance.
  • Support the internal team: serve as a technical resource for sales, purchasing, and production; resolve build questions on the floor and keep specs accurate.
  • Continuous improvement: help standardize selections, options, and documentation as we scale.

Requirements

REQUIRED

  • 3-5 years of experience in design engineering and/or application engineering.
  • Hands-on HVAC/R experience (chillers, refrigeration, mechanical/process cooling, or closely related equipment).
  • Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design and drawings.
  • Ability to read and interpret specifications, schedules, and technical drawings.
  • Strong communication skills - comfortable working directly with customers, reps, and suppliers.
  • Organized and self-directed; able to own projects end to end.
  • On-site in the Columbia, SC area (this is not a remote role).

PREFERRED

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (equivalent hands-on experience considered).
  • Experience preparing equipment submittals or working in a custom/engineered-to-order manufacturing environment.
  • Familiarity with refrigeration circuits, heat transfer, pumps, controls and electrical schematics.
  • Exposure to ERP/PLM systems.

We are looking for someone with the right fundamentals and HVAC/R background whom we can train relatively quickly on our specific products and materials. You do not need to know our catalog on day one - you need to be the kind of engineer who picks it up fast and runs with it.

Benefits

  • High-impact, high-visibility role with a direct line to ownership.
  • Real ownership of products and customer outcomes - not a cog in a big-company process.
  • Growing company entering new, technically interesting markets.
  • On-site team in Columbia, SC.

Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits.

Elevate Your Career

Join us and play a vital role in our journey as a leader in innovative refrigeration equipment. Apply now to contribute your skills and be a part of our ongoing growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan

Apply