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Design Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

Palermo Rhodes

Senior Design Engineer

Columbia, SC

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 ...

Flex Ltd

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... Reporting to the Engineering Manager - Product Support the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will ...

Flex

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, SC

$96K - $127K/yr

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... Reporting to the Engineering Manager - Product Support the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will ...

Flex Ltd

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... Reporting to the Engineering Manager - Product Support the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will ...

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 ...

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 ...

HDR

Bridge EIT/Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Tasks may include performing standard bridge engineering/design procedures, developing structural details using specialized software (MicroStation, Mathcad, LARSA or various concrete and steel design ...

HDR

Bridge EIT/Designer

Columbia, SC

Tasks may include performing standard bridge engineering/design procedures, developing structural details using specialized software (MicroStation, Mathcad, LARSA or various concrete and steel design ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% 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

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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