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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Design Manager

Davis, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

The Engineering Design Manager (Machine Design Manager) will lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and develop advanced Laser Powder Bed Fusion ...

Overview We are seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to join one of our clients in San ... Plans and reviews the production of engineering drawings and specifications with an expertise in ...

... Engineering, Materials Science, or related field Master's degree preferred 10+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis 3+ years of management or team leadership experience ...

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Acting as technical liaison between developers, design-build teams, SMEs, and project leadership * Managing design comment resolution and enforcing review procedures * Supporting scope management and ...

Supervisor Design Engineering

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$100.50K - $138.10K/yr

Plans and manages design expenses to stay within budget. * Ensures Contract Engineering /Design Drafting Requests are completed and approved prior to initiating work and maintains tracking log.

Acting as technical liaison between developers, design-build teams, SMEs, and project leadership * Managing design comment resolution and enforcing review procedures * Supporting scope management and ...

LAWA Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$153.92K - $180.96K/yr

Position Description The Design Manager enforces procedures for architectural and engineering review activities to ensure they are done according to best practices and standards identified in the ...

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Acting as technical liaison between developers, design-build teams, SMEs, and project leadership * Managing design comment resolution and enforcing review procedures * Supporting scope management and ...

... Engineering, Materials Science, or related field Master's degree preferred 10+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis 3+ years of management or team leadership experience ...

Plans and manages design expenses to stay within budget. * Ensures Contract Engineering /Design Drafting Requests are completed and approved prior to initiating work and maintains tracking log.

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Engineering Design Manager information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$132.7K

$204.8K

How much do engineering design manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design manager in California is $132,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Engineering Design Manager Do?

The job duties of an engineering design manager include overseeing a team of engineers and CAD designers on engineering projects. In addition to providing leadership to staff, in this career, you manage the budget planning for each project, work with concept development, and ensure that plans meet company or client needs and engineering standards. You offer guidance throughout the design process and inspect and sign off on design plans to ensure that they meet quality standards. As a manager, you are also responsible for providing effective staffing strategies and workflow.

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

To thrive as an Engineering Design Manager, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and team leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, PLM systems, and certifications such as PMP or PE are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire and coordinate multidisciplinary teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering innovative design solutions, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring effective collaboration across the organization.

What are the main challenges an Engineering Design Manager faces when balancing project deadlines with innovation?

Engineering Design Managers often need to ensure that their teams deliver high-quality designs within tight project timelines while also encouraging creativity and innovation. One of the main challenges is managing stakeholder expectations and resource constraints, as pushing for innovative solutions can sometimes require more time and iterative testing. Effective communication, prioritization, and fostering a collaborative environment help address these challenges, ensuring that projects remain on schedule without stifling new ideas. Managers frequently coordinate between engineering teams, clients, and other departments to align goals and keep projects moving forward.

What is the difference between Engineering Design Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Design ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with management certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projects, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, analyzes, and tests mechanical systems, often working in labs or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms for leadership rolesCommon in product design, manufacturing, and R&D sectors

The Engineering Design Manager focuses on leading design teams and managing projects, requiring leadership skills and project management experience. In contrast, Mechanical Engineers are involved in the technical design and analysis of mechanical systems. Both roles often require similar engineering credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Engineering Design Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Design Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Engineering Design Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Engineering Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Engineering Design Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Engineering Design Manager

DMG MORI USA, INC

Davis, CA • On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Title:                 Machine Design Manager

Reports to:       General Manager

Location:           DMG MORI Manufacturing USA, Davis CA 

Hours:              Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Classification:   Exempt

Travel:              25%

Employment is conditioned on DMG MORI's ability to obtain and maintain any necessary export licensing.

The Engineering Design Manager (Machine Design Manager) will lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and develop advanced Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive machines, systems and components. This role ensures seamless integration across engineering disciplines, driving innovation, quality, and performance in additive manufacturing products. The manager will oversee project execution, resource allocation, and technical excellence while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement while meeting cost targets.

Essential Job Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • Lead cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software) in LPBF product design and development.
  • Oversee end-to-end engineering processes for LPBF systems, from concept to production.
  • Ensure integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components for optimal system performance.
  • Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and validation activities for LPBF products.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation across multiple disciplines
  • Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability and compliance
  • Foster innovation and continuous improvement in design methodologies and processes
  • Serve as primary technical liaison between engineering teams and executive leadership
  • Monitor industry trends and incorporate emerging technologies into product design strategies

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related Engineering field (Master’s preferred)
  • 8+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role
  • Proven experience in LPBF or additive manufacturing product development
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles and CAD tools
  • Familiarity with electrical systems and embedded software integration
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies
  • Understanding of regulatory standards and safety requirements for industrial equipment
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to drive innovation and deliver complex projects on time and within budget
  • Knowledge of metal cutting, CNC programming, and additive manufacturing is preferred
  • Proven flexibility with shifting priorities

Work Environment: 

Exposure to manufacturing/machining environments which may present possible hazards such as noise, electricity, chemicals, heavy equipment, and other automated and manual machinery.  General office environment experienced at DMG MORI office. 

Physical Demands: 

Frequent: Travel, operating a vehicle, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, sitting and reaching. Pushing, pulling, and lifting objects. Repetitive foot, leg, hand, arm, shoulder, and torso movements.

Periodic: Operating power equipment, sitting at desk, utilizing computers and phones.

Occasional: Lifting or moving up to 50lbs