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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

CAD Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

At LPD Engineering, we design with purpose. We provide full-scope civil design services from early planning through construction. Our specialties include stormwater management, erosion control ...

At LPD Engineering, we design with purpose. We provide full-scope civil design services from early planning through construction. Our specialties include stormwater management, erosion control ...

Salary: $95,000 - $128,000 At LPD Engineering, we design with purpose. We provide full-scope civil ... Our specialties include stormwater management, erosion control, grading, paving, utilities, and ...

... civil engineering projects nationwide - combining technical expertise with a passion for creating ... We are currently looking for a Design Manager - Utilities who will be responsible for the Design ...

As a leader in a dynamic, cross-functional team, you will work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and R&D teams to bring design to life through collaboration on solutions that deliver on ...

As a leader in a dynamic, cross-functional team, you will work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and R&D teams to bring design to life through collaboration on solutions that deliver on ...

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

The Track Engineering Design Lead guides project delivery from planning and design through ... Experience with light rail transit design and design management preferred. * Strong working ...

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA

$116K - $153K/yr

The Track Engineering Design Lead guides project delivery from planning and design through ... Experience with light rail transit design and design management preferred. * Strong working ...

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Engineering Design Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$59.7K

$153K

$236.1K

How much do engineering design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design manager in Seattle, WA is $153,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $170,700.00 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 plans, and utilize CAD software, often requiring leadership and project management skills. Their role involves balancing technical expertise with team management to deliver innovative and efficient engineering solutions.

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 engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering managers and technical directors may also earn this level of compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

How much should an engineering manager be paid?

The salary for an engineering design manager typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior managers with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

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 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as Software Engineering Managers, Principal Engineers, and Engineering Directors can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design Manager jobs in Seattle, WA? For Engineering Design Manager jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Engineering Design Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,026 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Design Manager-Civil Engineering (Ballard Link Extension) (Term-Limited)

Design Manager-Civil Engineering (Ballard Link Extension) (Term-Limited)

Sound Transit

Seattle, WA

$104K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary range is $104k to $206k with a midpoint of $155k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

  • Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
  • Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
  • Pet Insurance discount.
  • ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
  • Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
  • Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a term-limited position of 5 years.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general management of the Capital Delivery Department and reports to the Design Director while leading, managing and coordinating the delivery of design elements of light rail extension, projects within the Capital Delivery Department. This leadership role requires providing oversight of and instruction to design consultant teams and close coordination with third parties and AHJs alongside with the Sound Transit Operations, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Transit-Oriented Development, Sustainability, Security & Safety and Quality Staff. The primary function of this role ensures delivery of value and quality of design to fulfill the agency’s mission.

This Design Manager positions will focus on the Ballard Link Extension Project. Focuses on managing the delivery of design elements, which includes, but not limited to, tunnel, tunneled station and portals within an urban dense environmental.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

  • Leads a technical team of subject matter experts and inspires creativity to solve design problems during preliminary engineering, final design, or construction phases. 
  • Supervises, coaches, trains and motivates staff and consultant team
  • Manages, interfaces and coordinates transit related heavy civil designs elements including, architectural, civil, tunnels, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, lighting, transit-oriented development, and urban design efforts, managing work teams and coordinating between work efforts of multiple design teams and multiple engineering subject matter experts.
  • Provides cross departmental program, design and requirements coordination with Operations, Passenger Experience, the Project Management Office, and IT. 
  • Administration and management of design consultant contracts, including developing scopes of work for professional services, peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, schedules, budgets, construction support, and risk assessments. 
  • Accountable for technical resolution of milestone design submission comments through collaboration with project design teams, AHJs and stakeholders 
  • Supports the development, negotiation of agreements, and permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, developers, railroad authority and private property owners, as required for the delivery of the projects.
  • Accountable for design support during construction including design contract management, recommendation of error and omissions, resolution of non-conformance issues related to design, and change management of design-related issues. 
  • Provides support to the department/division and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of internal boards, commissions, and committees. 
  • Prepares staff reports and other necessary correspondence to Sound Transit leadership including Board and Executive leadership.  
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings 
  • Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate 
  • Ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively. 
  • Ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations. 
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency. 
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy. 
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. 
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, or related field. Five years of experience in civil/structural engineering design and construction; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience, preferably in a rail or transit related environment. 

Required Licenses or Certifications:

  • Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the State of Washington.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Advanced understanding of principles and practices of managing profession design services and project design development.
  • Strong knowledge of application of Federal, State, and local policies, laws and codes and regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of tunnel design principles and Sound Transit project delivery standards. 
  • Advanced knowledge of principles of project management.
  • Operations, services, and activities of transit engineering, site civil and construction programs.
  • Obtaining design consulting services and contracting methods including developing scopes of work, reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.
  • Contract and procurement strategies and alternative contract forms such as GCCM design-build and associated management principles.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to concisely and accurately convey technical information to others.
  • Strong public speaking skills and the ability to represent the Agency at public meetings and Sound Transit Executive Leadership and Board meetings.
  • Supervisory and team leadership skills.
  • Performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.
  • Preparing, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and modifying complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, and engineering reports for conformance to professional standards and approved budgets.
  • Applying advanced project management and contract management techniques and principles.
  • Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
  • Excellent ability to collaborate with others by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
  • Ability to work independently and demonstrate effective time management skills.
  • Ability to effectively manage, prioritize, and delegate workload among assigned resources.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment.
  • Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.