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Engineering Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Hire LLC

Engineering & Design Lead

Arcadia, CA · On-site

Design Hire is seeking an Engineering & Design Lead to guide technical design work for specialized mechanical systems and custom equipment. This role is a strong fit for someone who can balance hands ...

ArchKey Solutions LLC

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

Description Engineering Design Lead This position can be based out of our San Jose, CA office. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade installation and ...

ArchKey Solutions

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

Engineering Design Lead This position can be based out of our San Jose, CA office. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade installation and integrated ...

Archkey Solutions LLC

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Description Engineering Design Lead This position can be based out of our San Jose, CA office. About Arch Key ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade installation and ...

ArchKey Solutions

Engineering Design Lead

San Jose, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

Engineering Design Lead This position can be based out of our San Jose, CA office. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade installation and integrated ...

Sanisure

Director of Engineering - Design

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$190 - $200/hr

Director of Engineering - Design Regular - Full Time Camarillo, CA, US Salary Range: $190,000.00 To $200,000.00 Annually About SaniSure SaniSure is a high-growth multinational manufacturer of single ...

IDEO

Mechanical Engineering Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Lead Mechanical Engineer San Francisco, CA At IDEO, we use design to create new products, services, experiences, tangible strategies, and creative capabilities. IDEO is in search of a Lead Mechanical ...

IDEO

Mechanical Engineering Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Lead Mechanical Engineer San Francisco, CA At IDEO, we use design to create new products, services, experiences, tangible strategies, and creative capabilities. IDEO is in search of a Lead Mechanical ...

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All JobsEngineering Design JobsEngineering Design Jobs in California

Engineering Design information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$132.7K

$204.8K

How much do engineering design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design 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 engineering design?

Engineering design is a systematic, creative process used by engineers to develop solutions to technical problems. It involves defining a problem, researching requirements, brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, testing, and refining solutions to meet specific needs. The process often includes considering factors such as safety, cost, functionality, and sustainability. Engineering design is fundamental in creating products, systems, and structures used in everyday life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in engineering design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Engineering Design, a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration are vital soft skills that help drive innovative solutions and effective teamwork. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing safe, efficient, and high-quality engineering designs that meet client and regulatory requirements.

How do engineering design professionals typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Engineering design professionals often work closely with teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and project management throughout the project lifecycle. Effective collaboration ensures that design specifications are feasible, cost-effective, and meet safety and regulatory standards. This usually involves regular meetings, design reviews, and clear communication channels to address feedback or constraints from various stakeholders. Such cross-functional teamwork is crucial to successfully translating concepts into functional, manufacturable products.

What is the difference between Engineering Design vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEngineering DesignMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, design certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork
Industry UsageProduct development, CAD modelingMechanical systems, machinery
Common Search IntentDesign processes, CAD toolsMechanical systems, thermodynamics

Engineering Design focuses on creating and developing product concepts using CAD and design principles, often working in design offices. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader scope, including analysis, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, Mechanical Engineers often hold professional licenses and work in diverse environments like manufacturing and testing facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What does an engineering design engineer do?

An engineering design engineer develops, analyzes, and improves product or system designs using engineering principles and CAD software. They collaborate with teams to ensure designs meet specifications, safety standards, and manufacturing requirements, often working within project deadlines and budgets.

What jobs can you get with engineering design?

Engineering design skills can lead to roles such as mechanical engineer, civil engineer, electrical engineer, product designer, or CAD technician. These jobs typically require proficiency with design software, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities, often within manufacturing, construction, or technology industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Engineering Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design jobs in California?

For Engineering Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engineering Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineering Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Engineering Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Engineering Design job openings:

Engineering Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Engineering & Design Lead

Arcadia, CA • On-site

Design Hire LLC
See more jobs at Design Hire LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description



Design Hire is seeking an Engineering & Design Lead to guide technical design work for specialized mechanical systems and custom equipment. This role is a strong fit for someone who can balance hands-on SolidWorks design, drafting oversight, project coordination, and practical engineering judgment from concept through release.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design activity for custom mechanical equipment, assemblies, and specialty effects-related systems.
• Create and review SolidWorks models, drawings, layouts, and production-ready documentation.
• Support project planning, technical decisions, schedules, and cross-functional coordination from initial concept through final build.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance review, material selection, and manufacturability principles to improve design quality.
• Work with engineering, fabrication, production, and project teams to resolve technical issues and maintain design intent.

 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical design, product development, or custom equipment design experience preferred.
• Strong SolidWorks experience required.
• Background with drafting, detailed drawings, assemblies, and design documentation.
• Experience with special effects equipment, show-action systems, fire-effect systems, or similar custom engineered products preferred.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerances, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Prior experience leading design work, mentoring designers, or coordinating engineering deliverables preferred.
• Project management experience, including schedule tracking, technical follow-up, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, ownership, and ability to manage multiple design priorities.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

 

Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.