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Head Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pholio

Head of Design

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

HEAD OF DESIGN, SERIES B Location: San Francisco, 4 days per week onsite Compensation: $320,000 ... You should be comfortable working directly with founders and engineers and still want to do hands ...

Pholio

Head of Design

Sonoma, CA · On-site

HEAD OF DESIGN, SERIES B Location: San Francisco, 4 days per week onsite Compensation: $320,000 ... You should be comfortable working directly with founders and engineers and still want to do hands ...

Autzu

Head of Robotics

Sonoma, CA · On-site

Head of Robotics Build the Future of Autonomous Infrastructure San Francisco, CA Location: Downtown ... Experience leading robotics engineering teams * Successfully built robotics products from concept ...

Autzu

Head of Robotics

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Head of Robotics Build the Future of Autonomous Infrastructure San Francisco, CA Location: Downtown ... Experience leading robotics engineering teams * Successfully built robotics products from concept ...

Atlas Technica

Systems Engineer- Hybrid

Bodega Bay, CA

$70K - $100K/yr

Systems Engineer Reports to: Client Technology Manager Location/Type: San Francisco Bay Area, CA ... reach above head or below knee level; and the ability to work around machinery and material ...

Persistent Systems

Delivery Head

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$231K/yr

We are an AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization partner, combining deep technical expertise and industry experience to help our clients anticipate what's next. Our ...

Persistent Systems

Delivery Head

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$237K/yr

We are an AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization partner, combining deep technical expertise and industry experience to help our clients anticipate what's next. Our ...

SESSION CLIMBING LLC

Coach

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

They will work directly under the Head Coaches to coach team members in a creative and challenging ... programming for Team Session ? Excited to collaborate with other coaches to facilitate an ...

Session Climbing LLC

Coach

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

They will work directly under the Head Coaches to coach team members in a creative and challenging ... programming for Team Session ? Excited to collaborate with other coaches to facilitate an ...

Session Climbing

Coach

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

They will work directly under the Head Coaches to coach team members in a creative and challenging ... programming for Team Session ? Excited to collaborate with other coaches to facilitate an ...

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All JobsHead Engineer JobsHead Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Head Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$12

$44

$82

How much do head engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for head engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $44.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.58 and $53.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is the difference between Head Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHead EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team leadership, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing

The Head Engineer typically oversees engineering projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership skills and experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Head Engineer has a broader managerial scope, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical tasks within their specialty.

What are some of the main challenges a Head Engineer faces when leading cross-functional engineering teams?

One of the primary challenges for a Head Engineer is ensuring effective communication and alignment among diverse teams, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance. Balancing technical leadership with management duties—like resource allocation and project prioritization—can also be demanding. Additionally, the Head Engineer must foster collaboration and innovation while maintaining project timelines and meeting business objectives. Addressing these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, project management experience, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or equivalent). Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools) and compliance with regulatory frameworks is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding Head Engineers apart by enabling them to guide teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure successful project delivery, safety, and the development of efficient engineering solutions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Leadership roles like engineering managers and principal engineers also frequently reach or exceed this salary level, particularly in high-demand industries or companies with competitive compensation packages.

What does a head engineer do?

A head engineer oversees engineering teams, manages project development, and ensures technical standards are met. They coordinate with other departments, allocate resources, and often have expertise in specific engineering disciplines and leadership skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in specialized areas, managing large projects, or holding executive-level positions like engineering managers or technical directors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Head Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Head Engineer job openings:
Head Engineer jobs near you

Head of Design

Pholio

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

HEAD OF DESIGN, SERIES B

Location: San Francisco, 4 days per week onsite

Compensation: $320,000–$400,000 base salary plus equity

Level: Head of Design. This could fit an existing Head or VP of Design, a Design Director ready for more ownership, or a Staff or Principal designer already operating at that level.


Pholio is working with a Series B AI company to hire its Head of Design. They’re building an agent workspace for GTM teams. The product is growing, the team is growing, and they need one person who can own design across the company.


This is a hands-on role. You’ll lead a small team, but you’ll still be expected to design, prototype, critique work, and get into the details. The product is complex. It combines AI, dense workflows, and a lot of daily use. The job is to make that complexity feel clear and useful.


WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • You’ll set the design direction for the product and work closely with the founders, product, and engineering.
  • You’ll still be in the work yourself. That means designing and prototyping important workflows, reviewing the details, helping shape the roadmap, and improving the quality and consistency of the product.
  • You’ll also build the design team, hire and manage strong designers, and make design a more important part of how the company makes product decisions.


THE PROFILE

  • You should have at least eight years of product design experience and have led a team or owned a meaningful part of a design function.
  • Experience with complex B2B, enterprise, workflow, or technical products. And a track record of making difficult products easier to understand and use.
  • You should be comfortable working directly with founders and engineers and still want to do hands-on design work. Experience hiring, mentoring, or developing other designers is important.
  • The company is looking for someone with high agency, low ego, and comfort working in an environment that does not come with much structure.

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