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Engineering Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Manager, Design Engineering Structures

San Jose, CA · On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

... 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 ...

Qualcomm

CPU Synthesis CAD Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > CPU Engineering General Summary: Our mission is to reimagine ... As a CPU Synthesis CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best synthesis and ...

Altair Engineering

Design FEA Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

The employee is part of the Design Engineering Team and shall serve as a stress analysis and mechanical design subject matter expert supporting a variety of projects. The employee will work ...

Infotech Sourcing

Design Engineer V

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

Core Engineering - Design Engineer V Duration:6 months with possible extension Location: US - CA - Sunnyvale Hybrid Role: ASIC Power Engineer DUTIES ASIC Power Engineer to perform power analysis and ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

At Nasland Engineering, we believe that the best work is done by a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community. As a Civil Design Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work with a ...

Infotech Sourcing

Design Engineer V

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Core Engineering - Design Engineer V Duration:6 months with possible extension Location: US - CA - Sunnyvale Hybrid Role: ASIC Power Engineer DUTIES ASIC Power Engineer to perform power analysis and ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Description At Nasland Engineering, we believe that the best work is done by a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community. As a Civil Design Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description At Nasland Engineering, we believe that the best work is done by a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community. As a Civil Design Engineer, you'll have ...

Wasco Switches & Sensors

Design Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$87K - $102K/yr

Essential Functions: • Engineering Design & Development Performs system evaluation, mechanical design, equipment modification, and process development to support product and operational ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 69% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $132,705 per year, or $63.8 per hour.
Manager, Design Engineering Structures

Manager, Design Engineering Structures

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What you'll do:We are seeking an experienced Leader to manage our advanced composite structures design team. This role will provide critical leadership and guidance in the area of design, development, and certification of critical composite structures for our eVTOL aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, weight efficiency, and safety while meeting stringent aviation standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify key roles required for team success and recruit top talent into the Airframe team at Archer
Provide team guidance, regular feedback, education, coaching and mentoring
Create career development plans, manage performance, create performance reviews
Coordinate with product teams to ensure proper resource levels to support program objectives.
Foster a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement
Development & InnovationDrive advanced composite design concepts and manufacturing processes
Evaluate new materials, technologies, and design methodologies
Collaborate with suppliers and partners on composite solutions
Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical 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
Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25)
Technical Skills
Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes
Proficiency with CAD software (NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran (Preferred), Abaqus, or similar)
Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar)
Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance
Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes
Leadership & Communication
Proven track record of leading high-performing engineering teams
Strong written and verbal communication abilities
Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems
Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges
Experience with certification of novel aircraft configurations
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments
Occasional travel to suppliers, test facilities, or regulatory meetings
Standard office environment with occasional shop floor work
Travel is required quarterly and at the discretion of leadership.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $172,800 - $216,000 per year.
Archer is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume detailing your relevant experience with composite structures and team leadership.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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