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Design Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Donato Technologies, Inc

Design Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$67K - $74K/yr

Seeking a Design Project Manager to manage projects from planning to completion in the aspects of design, timelines, costs, etc. Responsibilities: * Our focus on engineering quality for our projects ...

Apply Early

KITCHELL

Design Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Description Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Design Project Manager to join our Southern California region in Los Angeles area and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative ...

Kitchell

Design Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Design Project Manager to join our Southern California region in Los Angeles area and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth ...

Teksky

Design Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project management & leadership skills (participation in clubs, organizations, etc. and/or ... Basic knowledge of structural design (particularly in seismic design, concrete, and steel design)

Apply Early

AECOM

Aviation Design Project Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is actively seeking a creative, highly talented Aviation Design Project Manager for immediate employment for the San Francisco, Orange, or Los Angeles, CA office. Job Summary ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Oakland, CA

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in Los Angeles Ca. Specifics of the role ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in in Oakland, Ca. Specifics of the role ...

AECOM

Aviation Design Project Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is actively seeking a creative, highly talented Aviation Design Project Manager for immediate employment for the San Francisco, Orange, or Los Angeles, CA office. Job Summary ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in Los Angeles Ca. Specifics of the role ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in Los Angeles Ca. Specifics of the role ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Oakland, CA

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in in Oakland, Ca. Specifics of the role ...

AECOM

Bridge Design Project Manager

Oakland, CA

AECOM is seeking a strong bridge design leader for the position of Bridge Design Project Manager in the rapidly expanding Transportation Engineering Group in in Oakland, Ca. Specifics of the role ...

Bolt Graphics

Chip Design Project Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

About the role: We're looking for a project manager with SoC/IC experience in the United States. The PM plans and oversees chip design and development, balancing long-term product goals with short ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Project Manager JobsDesign Project Manager Jobs in California

Design Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$95.9K

$165.8K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in California is $95,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

A Design Project Manager can earn a salary of $100,000 or more depending on experience, location, industry, and company size. Senior project managers with certifications like PMP and strong leadership skills are more likely to reach or exceed this salary level.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often executive roles such as Creative Director or Chief Design Officer, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures for experienced professionals in large organizations. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, industrial design, or design consulting can also command high salaries, especially with advanced skills and certifications.

What Is a Design Project Manager?

Design project managers oversee one or a group of creative projects for a client. They are often found working on interior design efforts and online web design projects. As a design project manager, your job duties include establishing the project schedule, monitoring the budget, and motivating a team of creative professionals. The qualifications to pursue a career as a design project manager include a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or business management and several years of industry experience.

What does a design project manager do?

A design project manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of design projects, coordinating between clients, designers, and other stakeholders. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources, often using project management tools like Asana or Trello, to ensure projects meet quality standards and deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, design principles, and a relevant degree, often paired with experience in design or architecture fields. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project), design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), and certifications such as PMP or Agile are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and project challenges effectively. These competencies ensure projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with client or organizational goals.

What is the difference between Design Project Manager vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Project ManagerInterior Designer
CredentialsProject management certifications, design backgroundInterior design degree, licensing (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, design firms, client meetingsShowrooms, clients' homes, design studios
Industry UsageConstruction, architecture, design firmsResidential, commercial interior design
Primary FocusManaging design projects, timelines, budgetsCreating interior spaces, aesthetics, functionality

The main difference is that a Design Project Manager oversees the entire project process, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while an Interior Designer focuses on designing and decorating interior spaces. Both roles require design knowledge, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

How does a Design Project Manager typically coordinate collaboration between design teams and other departments?

A Design Project Manager acts as a central point of communication, ensuring that design teams work closely with stakeholders such as marketing, engineering, and product management. They regularly hold meetings to align project goals, clarify requirements, and address any roadblocks, fostering a collaborative environment. By managing timelines and expectations across departments, they help ensure that design deliverables integrate seamlessly with larger organizational objectives. This role often requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints from other teams, making strong communication and negotiation skills essential.

What are the 4 types of project managers?

In project management, four common types are functional, projectized, matrix, and hybrid managers. Functional managers work within departments, projectized managers lead dedicated teams, matrix managers share resources across projects, and hybrid managers combine elements of these structures. Each type influences communication, authority, and resource allocation in managing design projects.
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Design Project Manager jobs near you
Design Project Manager

Design Project Manager

Donato Technologies, Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$67K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Summary:

Seeking a Design Project Manager to manage projects from planning to completion in the aspects of design, timelines, costs, etc.

Responsibilities:

  • Our focus on engineering quality for our projects and clients starts with our project managers, whose hard work is both rewarding and rewarded. 

  • Understand project goals and scope based on available project history and information

  • Manage projects from planning to completion in the aspects of design, timelines, costs, etc.

  • Collaborate on projects with in-house engineers, admin staff, consultants, clients, and permit review authorities (as/if needed)

  • Participate in conference calls and meetings, present to clients under the guidance of senior project managers

  • Uphold our reputation for excellent service by meeting client needs in a timely manner

  • Actively contribute to further developing the company's Design Management Division

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or relevant fields

  • Ability and willingness to learn quickly

  • Effective organization, task, and time management skills

  • Effective communications skills (verbal and written)

  • Ability to understand and elaborate technical concepts clearly, logically, and concisely

  • Attention to detail

  • Project management & leadership skills (participation in clubs, organizations, etc. and/or professional experience)

  • Any prior work experience (could be in relevant fields, customer service, etc.)

  • Basic familiarity with AutoCAD (2D)

  • Basic knowledge of structural design (particularly in seismic design, concrete, and steel design)

  • EIT/FE Certificate