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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Davis, CA (NOW HIRING)

The roadway design engineer reports to the project manager. Yearly Salary Range: $80,000 to $150,000 + What You'll Do: • Assist with developing typical sections, alignments, profiles, layouts, and ...

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Engineering Design Manager information

See Davis, CA salary details

$56.7K

$145.3K

$224.3K

How much do engineering design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design manager in Davis, CA is $145,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,800.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Engineering Design Manager jobs in Davis, CA?

For Engineering Design Manager jobs in Davis, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Davis, CA are hiring for Engineering Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Davis, CA with the most Engineering Design Manager job openings:

Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design)

HDR

Sacramento, CA

$130K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design) to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation's most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025 ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators - and we keep growing to meet our Client's needs.

If you're ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence marquee hydropower projects - this role is built for you.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

As our Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice.

Responsibilities include:

  • Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels. This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.

  • Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.

  • Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.

  • Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.

  • Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.

  • Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and start up.

  • Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.

  • Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.

  • Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities.

  • Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region.

  • Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.

  • Support local and national marketing and production efforts.

  • Perform other duties as needed: Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.

  • Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering highquality electrical engineering work.

  • Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.

  • Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems - generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arcflash/grounding analysis.

  • Active engagement in electricalfocused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.

Additionally required qualifications: 

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (US licensure)

*LI-MO1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 10 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917