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Design Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager, Design Team About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading ...

SKIMS is looking for a detail-driven, visually sharp Project Manager focused on Design to join our New Store Development team. This role sits at the intersection of creative vision and technical ...

Management of ECUs, including PCBAs for multiple projects. * Understanding of the PCBA design and manufacturing processes. * Experience coordinating with contract manufacturers. * Bachelor's degree ...

Management of ECUs, including PCBAs for multiple projects. * Understanding of the PCBA design and manufacturing processes. * Experience coordinating with contract manufacturers. * Bachelor's degree ...

Project Manager- Store Design Department: Multibrand/Hybrid/Franchise Employment Type: Full Time Location: Los Angeles HQ Reporting To: Mash Armstrong Compensation: $110,000 - $130,000 / year ...

Grow your project management experience while working on trendsetting architectural and interior projects across industries. What You Will Do * Manage all phases of corporate projects, including ...

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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 Jun 10, 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.

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 and coordinates the planning, execution, and completion of design projects. They act as a bridge between clients, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the desired quality standards. Their responsibilities include creating project timelines, managing resources, resolving issues, and communicating progress to all parties involved. Design Project Managers often work in industries such as architecture, graphic design, interior design, or product development.

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 job categories do people searching Design Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,851 per year, or $46.1 per hour.
Senior Wastewater Design Project Manager

Senior Wastewater Design Project Manager

Parsons Corporation

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$128K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Water is the life source of every community, and our mission is to help preserve it by creating and maintaining safe, efficient, and sustainable water facilities and processes.
Parsons helped transform the industry through some of the most complex water and wastewater projects in the world. We've designed and built advanced wastewater and recycled water treatment facilities, applying innovative solutions to reliably and cost-effectively deliver billions of gallons of clean water to communities around the world. As a seller-doer in our California design team, you will build on this legacy.
Parsons' wastewater practice is growing here in California, and as a result we are looking for a Principal Project Manager to join our Southern California team. Have you developed strong relationships and a stellar reputation with local Clients? Have you lead the design efforts of new and existing water and wastewater infrastructure? Do you have the technical, management, and leadership skills to successfully deliver exciting and challenging design projects? If so, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a team that has been delivering state-of-the-art facilities for 80 years.
The Principal Project Manager must be a licensed P.E. in California and have experience delivering design elements on projects that range from $25M to $150M in constructed value.
In this role, you will drive growth by independently identifying and securing new programs and by partnering with our business development professionals on major pursuits. As such, experience identifying and developing opportunities, writing technical proposals, presenting to clients and managing outside stakeholders will be instrumental to your success. The position will be located at Parsons Pasadena, California office with a hybrid work-from-home schedule up to two days a week.
Requirements
  • 15 + years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure design and project management, including treatment plant experience
  • A Professional Engineering license in California requires degree in civil engineering or a related field
  • Business acumen, with experience in financial and contractual project matters
  • Ability to collaborate with the design center manager to manage assigned team members
  • Familiar with all facets of wastewater treatment plant planning, design,, permitting and regulatory requirements including California Title 22 requirements and biosolids treatment and regulatory requirements.
  • Knowledge of California Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)/Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Requirements would be a strong differentiator.
  • Experience with conventional and advanced liquid and/or biosolids treatment technologies is required.

Security Clearance Requirement:
None
This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.
For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!
Salary Range: $128,700.00 - $231,700.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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