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Design Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EIC Design Manager

CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Associates Degree in Drafting or Design Technology or related major, Bachelor's Degree preferred. * This position requires a minimum of 10 years of design experience. Experience in the oil & gas ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$128K - $171K/yr

Omni Design Technologies is a leading provider of high-performance, ultra-low power IP cores, from 28nm down through advanced FinFET nodes, enabling differentiated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. Our ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$128K - $171K/yr

Omni Design Technologies is a leading provider of high-performance, ultra-low power IP cores, from 28nm down through advanced FinFET nodes, enabling differentiated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. Our ...

Experience: 5+ years in product design or frontend engineering, with a significant focus on design technology, prototyping, or building design-centric products at scale. * Startup Mindset: You are ...

Experience: 5+ years in product design or frontend engineering, with a significant focus on design technology, prototyping, or building design-centric products at scale. * Startup Mindset: You are ...

Principal Design Technologist

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$222K - $301K/yr

Creatively innovate within the Ul in both existing and target state tech stacks. * Enable pixel-perfect execution for design and engineering across platforms. Unblock and accelerate team members to ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Tech information

See California salary details

$14

$25

$42

How much do design tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for design tech in California is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Design Tech?

Design Techs, or Design Technicians, are professionals who use technical skills and design software to create, modify, and review drawings or models for products, buildings, or systems. They often work alongside engineers, architects, or designers to ensure that technical specifications and creative visions are accurately translated into detailed plans. Their work can span various industries, including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction. Design Techs must be proficient in computer-aided design (CAD) software and possess strong attention to detail. They play a crucial role in turning conceptual ideas into practical, buildable solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Tech?

To thrive as a Design Tech, you need a solid understanding of design principles, drafting, and technical drawing, often supported by an associate degree or certification in design technology or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), building information modeling (BIM) systems, and other design tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure accurate project documentation, effective collaboration, and the successful translation of design concepts into practical solutions.

Is design technology a good career?

Design technology is a growing field that combines creative design skills with technical knowledge of tools like CAD, 3D modeling, and software development. It offers opportunities in industries such as product design, architecture, and digital media, often requiring continuous learning and proficiency with design software. The career can be rewarding for those interested in innovation and problem-solving, with job prospects improving as technology advances.

How does a Design Tech typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

As a Design Tech, you'll often work closely with designers, engineers, and project managers to bring creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions. Collaboration usually involves attending design meetings, reviewing project requirements, producing detailed technical drawings, and providing feedback on feasibility. You'll also communicate regularly to ensure that the designs meet technical standards and project goals, and may assist in troubleshooting issues that arise during fabrication or construction. This teamwork-oriented environment helps you learn from different disciplines and ensures project success.

What jobs can I get with a design tech?

A design tech can qualify for roles such as UX/UI designer, product designer, or digital designer, often requiring skills in design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. These positions typically involve collaboration with developers and may require knowledge of front-end technologies or prototyping tools.

What is the difference between Design Tech vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign TechGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree or certification in design, technology, or related fieldsUsually a degree or diploma in graphic design or visual arts
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers, engineers, and product teams in tech or digital settingsWorks mainly in creative studios, advertising agencies, or print media
Industry UsageCommon in tech, digital product, and interactive media industriesPrevalent in advertising, publishing, and branding sectors

Design Tech and Graphic Designer roles share a focus on visual creation, but Design Tech emphasizes integrating technology and digital tools into design processes, often working closely with development teams. Graphic Designers primarily focus on visual communication through static media. Both roles require creative skills, but Design Tech combines technical knowledge with design expertise for digital and interactive projects.

What are popular job titles related to Design Tech jobs in California? For Design Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Tech jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Design Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,880 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Computational Design Specialist

Grimshaw Architects

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Grimshaw is a global architecture and design studio of ideas and invention, driven by a desire to connect people to each other and the world around us. We recognize the urgency of the challenges that face our planet, and our duty to deliver architecture and design best suited for a flourishing future. Our studios are founded on analysis and exploration. We relish the challenges inherent across a wide range of work, engaging our expertise and agility to deliver lasting, meaningful design that brings value and joy to clients and users. At Grimshaw, we encourage creativity, collaboration and innovation. We want our staff to be fulfilled by their time with us as we know the key to our continuing success is working with and engaging the most talented people we can find.
About the role
Our Los Angeles studio is seeking a Computational Design Specialist to support its architectural teams on projects, promote the use of appropriate tools and workflows, and contribute to the wider computational design capabilities of Grimshaw. This is a primarily project-focused role spanning project stages, working closely with both project teams and the wider firmwide Design Technology (DT) network to develop workflows and tools, explore design opportunities, automate processes, and help teams make effective use of digital tools and emerging technologies.
We're keen to hear from practicing architects who bring strong computational design skills. You'll be embedded in project teams and expected to bring design judgment alongside technical capability, helping shape design outcomes.
Expectations
The Computational Design Specialist at Grimshaw will contribute to project progress, actively engage with the local DT strategy and be relied upon to have extensive knowledge their area(s) of expertise. There are additional opportunities to represent Grimshaw Design Technology externally through events, online presence and presentations.
Competencies & primary responsibilities
  • Support project teams in the application of Computational Design across all project stages including complex computational tasks and technical problem-solving.
  • Develop and implement computational workflows that improve design exploration, analysis, automation, and delivery.
  • Support early-stage design optioneering and data-driven decision making; identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvement.
  • Collaborate with BIM, Sustainability, CGI and design teams to develop integrated workflows.
  • Support adoption of emerging technologies, including Generative AI where appropriate.
  • Contribute to standards, templates and learning resources through successful delivery of training, mentorship and workshops.
  • Support regional and global Design Technology initiatives.
  • Clearly articulate advanced concepts in a way that team members of all levels can understand.

Qualifications & skills
  • Minimum 3 years of experience applying Computational Design in professional practice as an architect or technologist.
  • Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computational Design, Architectural Technology or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Advanced proficiency of Rhino and Grasshopper; proficiency in Revit, Dynamo and Rhino.Inside workflows.
  • Experience with at least one programming language, such as Python, C# or JavaScript.
  • Experience developing computational workflows, automation solutions or custom tools.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, highly organized; ability to prioritize and balance workloads.
  • Methodical approach to problem-solving.

Desired experience
  • Rhino Authorized Trainer certification.
  • Ladybug, Honeybee, Climate Studio or related environmental analysis tools.
  • Knowledge of BIM concepts and software is beneficial.
  • Knowledge of Generative AI within design practice.
  • Ability to rapidly pick up new software skills as required.

Application Details
To apply, include a cover letter and resume clearly outlining your suitability for the role. Please also include your design portfolio as part of your application. Please note that due to a large volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will not be considered without a portfolio and work samples.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, ranging from $95,000 - $115,000, excluding profit share and other benefits. This is a good faith estimate based on the expectations as laid out in the job description. Grimshaw provides a comprehensive benefits package, including fully employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for individual coverage, with dependent coverage available at competitive group rates. Additional benefits include life insurance, Safe Harbor 401(k), 15+ days paid time off, ARE support and annual performance reviews.
Grimshaw is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues.