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Design Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

Based on experience and will be discussed with manager in interview Accura Engineering is seeking a highly skilled Survey CAD Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

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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 13, 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.
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Sumter, SC? For Design Engineer jobs in Sumter, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Southeast Senior Bridge Design Manager

Southeast Senior Bridge Design Manager

Weston & Sampson

Columbia, SC โ€ข Hybrid

$58K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Weston & Sampson is seeking a Senior Transportation Bridge Design Manager to lead bridge design and project delivery efforts for key transportation infrastructure projects across Southeast.

This senior leadership position offers the opportunity to manage complex DOT and local government bridge projects โ€” including widening, intersection improvements, and corridor upgrades โ€” while guiding a talented team of engineers and designers.


What youโ€™ll do:

  • Manage and lead bridge design projects from concept through construction.
  • Oversee technical design teams, ensuring compliance with AASHTO, DOT, and local standards.
  • Serve as the primary client liaison for project delivery, quality, and performance.
  • Review structural calculations, plans, and specifications.
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and project managers.
  • Support proposal development and business growth through technical leadership.

What youโ€™ll bring:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in civil or structural engineering.
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina (or ability to become registered) is commonly required or strongly preferred.
  • 10-15 years of progressive structural/bridge engineering design experience, including leadership of large-scale DOT or other county/municipal transportation projects.
  • Experience in steel, concrete, and prestressed concrete bridge design, inspection, and load rating.
  • Solid knowledge of and proficiency in applying the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation to transportation structures.
  • Proficiency in design and analysis software such as AASHTOWare (BrR/D), Midas Civil, STAAD, LEAP Concrete and Steel, Microstation, OpenBridge, AutoCAD, Civil 3D
  • NBIS certification is a plus.
  • Experience working with state DOT standards โ€“ for South Carolina this means familiarity with SCDOTโ€™s design criteria, submittal process, right-of-way/utility coordination (though this is more of a plus).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead design efforts, oversee preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and deliverables.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams.

#LI-HYBRID


Innovative and reliable for more than a century, Weston & Sampson strives to make the world a better place through interdisciplinary design, engineering, and environmental services. An employee-owned company (ESOP) of more than 725 professionals, we are seeking talented technical and professional individuals to join our growing firm. Dedicated to improving quality of life for both our clients and our employees, we offer opportunities to collaborate on meaningful projects that transform the environment, with a team that respects and values your ideas. Weston & Sampson offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and dynamic career growth, in an equitable and welcoming corporate culture that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences and recognizes people for their contributions.

Weston & Sampson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities, ages, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and religions, as well as valuable insight from other untapped groups without our Weston & Sampson family and the communities we serve.ย 

Your world is always changing, and so are we. Join us as we grow: https://www.westonandsampson.com/join-our-team/

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters

Weston & Sampson coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company.ย  We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies or related firms.ย  Resumes are only accepted if a signed agreement is in place.ย  All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Weston & Sampson.ย  Weston & Sampson is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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