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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Design Manager

Irvine, CA

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical ... In the role of Design Manager, we'll count on you to: * Coordinate, plan and manage work of single ...

HDR

Design Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical ... In the role of Design Manager, we'll count on you to: * Coordinate, plan and manage work of single ...

Suffolk Construction

Design Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Core Design Management * Responsible for the successful realization of client's project vision ... Professional degree in Architecture or Engineering is required. Advanced degree preferred. * 8-10 ...

Arcadis

Design Manager

San Diego, CA

POSITION - DESIGN PROJECT MANAGER - DATA CENTER DESIGN LOCATION - USA Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and ...

Suffolk Construction

Design Manager

San Francisco, CA

The Role The Design Manager will proactively and collaboratively lead integrated teams, made up of ... Professional degree in Architecture or Engineering is required. Advanced degree preferred. * 8-10 ...

LLNL

Senior Engineering Design Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

... management expertise in mechanical or electrical engineering to support the NIF & PS groups. You ... Capture and maintain design and configuration data in Windchill/ELM while applying advanced ...

Airswift

Electrical Design Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical engineering background and proven experience leading design initiatives within complex projects. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage electrical ...

LLNL

Senior Engineering Design Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

... management expertise in mechanical or electrical engineering to support the NIF & PS groups. You ... Capture and maintain design and configuration data in Windchill/ELM while applying advanced ...

ArchKey Solutions LLC

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

Leads and manages a small team of engineers and designers, overseeing the development of detailed electrical engineering permit drawings, 3D models, and construction installation documents to support ...

LotusWorks

Construction Design Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

LotusWorks is an Engineering Services provider specializing in managing Commissioning, Construction ... The Construction Design Manager serves as a key technical leader and Owner's representative ...

PCL Construction

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$183K - $237K/yr

Responsibilities Manage team of architects, engineers, and other professionals (City Staff and Consultants) to guide the design, permitting, and construction-procurement Coordinate with internal ...

ArchKey Solutions

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Leads and manages a small team of engineers and designers, overseeing the development of detailed electrical engineering permit drawings, 3D models, and construction installation documents to support ...

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All JobsEngineering Design JobsEngineering Design Manager JobsEngineering Design Manager Jobs in California

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 Jul 20, 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 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 does a design engineering manager do?

A design engineering manager oversees the development and execution of engineering designs, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and deadlines. They coordinate teams of engineers, review design work, and utilize CAD software, while also managing budgets and communicating with stakeholders.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as Software Engineering Managers, Data Engineering Managers, and certain specialized fields like Petroleum or Aerospace Engineering can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves managerial duties, technical expertise, and working in high-demand industries or companies with competitive benefits.

What does an Engineering Design Manager do?

An Engineering Design Manager oversees the design process for engineering projects, coordinating teams of engineers and designers to ensure that project goals are met efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and reviewing design work, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements. Additionally, they often liaise with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to align the design vision with project specifications and timelines. Their leadership is crucial in solving technical challenges and delivering innovative solutions within budget.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as Director of Engineering or Vice President of Engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large tech companies or specialized fields like software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced technical knowledge, often supplemented by advanced degrees and certifications.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as Software Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, and Aerospace Engineers often have salaries reaching or exceeding $200,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These positions typically require specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, and sometimes certifications, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

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 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.

More about Engineering Design Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design Manager jobs in California? For Engineering Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Engineering Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Design Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.
LAWA Design Manager III T7 & T8

LAWA Design Manager III T7 & T8

Pacific Pros

Aliso Viejo, CA • On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Pacific Pros is seeking Design Manager III for Construction Projects to be a representative for Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA).
Work Location: LAWA has required the candidates be local for this position.
Region: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Full-time on-site
Opening: March 2026, Immediate
Position Description Summary
Serve as Owner's representative.
Terminal 7 / Terminal 8 Refresh Design Manager (Design Manager) reports to the Terminal 7 / Terminal Project Manager (Project Manager) and is responsible for the excellent delivery of all Terminal 7 and 8 Refresh designs performed by various designers under different contracts.
The Terminal 7 and 8 Refresh Project encompasses a series of improvements aimed at enhancing resiliency, sustainability, and the overall user experience. Key scope components include interior renovations, aircraft apron pavement rehabilitation, concessions enabling, and other supporting enhancements.
The characteristics of the candidate shall include a solid understanding of airport terminal functions and assets such as passenger processing, baggage processing, airline operations, and aircraft/apron requirements. The individual must be knowledgeable in all design deliverables and be able to recognize quality versus incomplete design work and take appropriate actions accordingly. The individual shall be driven to find design solutions while collaborating with stakeholders and designers.
Position DescriptionThe Design Manager enforces procedures for architectural and engineering review activities to ensure they are done according to best practices and standards identified in the Contract. The Design Manager shall oversee design support management, scope of work management, design review and approval, permitting, agency coordination support, and building information modelling (BIM) coordination. The Design Manager supports the Project Manager in providing oversight of the architectural, structural, mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP), civil, utilities, and IT disciplines per LAWA standards.
Key Job Duties
  • Overseeing the review and approval of technical documents
  • Overseeing the review and approval of technical documents
  • Lending expertise to manage comment resolution
  • Facilitating meetings and be the technical liaison between the Developers/Design-Builders and TDIP Subject Matter Expert teams
  • Working with the Project Manager in defining, reviewing and/or approving design requirements, responsibilities and program consistency
  • Providing guidance to the Project Manager should design requirements contained in the project documents not be clearly defined
  • Providing technical review of changes to scope of work for each project
  • Establishing submittal approval procedures and ensure uniformity of review approach
  • Auditing project team comments and designer responses
  • Monitoring compliance with architectural and engineering guidelines for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh project ensuring consistency and quality in design
  • Monitoring permitting information and the permitting process required by the design team
  • Supporting the Project Manager to ensure design reviews are completed on time and within budget
  • Developing and maintaining the Terminal 7 & 8 Project scope tracker to verify that all scope elements are accounted for and have been or will be assigned to a project
  • Providing guidance related to the functional requirements contained in the technical specifications or other project documents supplied by LAWA
  • Monitoring BIM productions of all designers and contractors according to LAWA BIM Standards, the BIM Execution Plan, and needs of the Terminal 7 & 8 Project. The Design Manager is responsible for working with LAWA's Central Building Information Management (cBIM) to develop the strategy for BIM implementation and review
  • Acting as technical liaison for the design review processes and comment resolution in coordination with the project manager and the Design Review Team (DRT)
  • Providing technical support and coordination between the Terminal 7 & 8 Project team and other TDIP project teams for program consistency across all disciplines
  • Providing technical Support for adjacent LAWA projects as required to ensure accurate interface
  • Providing technical coordination for project consistency across all disciplines
  • Preparing and reviewing briefings, meeting agendas, and supporting materials for various meetings including Board presentations, Steering Committee meeting, Stakeholder outreach, and other TDIP meetings

Hardware/Software Knowledge
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Bluebeam
  • Familiarity with Project Management Information Systems (PM Web)
  • Ability to work in CAD or Revit a plus

Required Qualifications
  • 15 years or more experience managing the design of large, complex building projects, utilities, and infrastructure improvements, preferably on airport projects
  • Design management of complex aviation improvements experience required
  • Experience with projects more than $100 million in value
  • Experience with various delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, Design+CMAR, and Design/Build
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and a thorough knowledge of industry practices and regulations
  • Must have a self-starter attitude with a proactive, results-oriented focus and be willing and capable of assuming additional responsibilities
  • Must be able to interface with a variety of people with different technical levels and educational backgrounds
  • Must be detail-oriented and highly organized

Minimum Education/Training
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, and/or related field required
  • Professionally licensed Architect and/or Engineer strongly preferred

Element-Specific Requirements/Notes
  • May assume other duties as required/needed.
  • May be required to work past regular work shifts
  • May be required to work various shifts as needed
  • This is a Monday-Friday full-time position in the office or on the project site at LAX
  • Maybe required to work various shifts as needed.
  • The position will require the candidate to have the ability to transit to, from, and between project sites.
  • After-hours or weekend work may be required to perform the duties of the position and shall be considered part of the salary
  • LAWA has required the candidates be local and available fully on-site for this field position.

Compensation: $153,920.00 - $180,960.00 per year
Pacific Pros is a privately-owned company specializing in construction management, engineering, inspection, support services and project management in public works, focusing on heavy civil construction, transportation, sea port and airport projects.

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