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Mechanical Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... management, wafer handling systems, electronic racks, safety enclosures, and large mechanical structures. Qualifications * Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered ...

... management, wafer handling systems, electronic racks, safety enclosures, and large mechanical structures. Qualifications * Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered ...

... management, wafer handling systems, electronic racks, safety enclosures, and large mechanical structures. Qualifications * Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Design | Inventor | Automation | Tooling | Prototype | Testing | DFM | materials and manufacturing processes | Project Management | advanced manufacturing techniques | Robotics JD:

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$90K - $122K/yr

We have managed to produce the world's first single-crystal diamond wafers and are now on a mission ... Diamond Foundry is looking for a highly experienced and innovative mechanical design engineer who ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

We have managed to produce the world's first single-crystal diamond wafers and are now on a mission ... Diamond Foundry is looking for a highly experienced and innovative mechanical design engineer who ...

Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, quality, and project management teams to support ... Experience in mechanical design within a manufacturing or product development environment.

Perform mechanical design analysis to identify and implement solutions that improve package ... Manage prototype builds with external vendors, validating the designs, and ensuring the scalability ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Design Engineer will create, refine, and validate mechanical designs for rope rescue hardware, devices, and related systems. The ideal ...

Manage vendor relationships: Evaluate DFM, cost, yield, and timeline trade‑offs; work with JDM/CM ... mechanical design. * Practical understanding of when and how to apply FEA tools; ability to make ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Design Manager information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$97.6K

$159.9K

How much do mechanical design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design manager in California is $97,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical design manager do?

A Mechanical Design Manager oversees the design and development of mechanical components and systems within a company. They lead a team of engineers and designers, manage project timelines, and ensure that designs meet technical specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments, such as manufacturing and production, to ensure seamless transitions from design to implementation. Their role also involves mentoring team members and driving innovation within mechanical design processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical design manager?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Manager, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, project management, and design principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), PLM systems, and relevant certifications like PMP or PE is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding managers apart in coordinating teams and delivering innovative solutions. These competencies are critical for efficiently leading design projects, ensuring technical excellence, and meeting business goals in a competitive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical design managers when leading cross-functional teams?

Mechanical Design Managers often navigate the complexity of coordinating between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance teams. One common challenge is ensuring that design intent is clearly communicated and understood by all stakeholders, which helps prevent costly misinterpretations or delays. Balancing project timelines with the need for thorough design reviews and iterative improvements can also be demanding. Effective Mechanical Design Managers foster strong collaboration, set clear expectations, and proactively address conflicts to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Design ManagerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees design teams, manages projectsDesigns and analyzes mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceUsed across similar industries for technical roles
Search IntentManagement, leadership, project oversightTechnical design, analysis, development

The main difference is that a Mechanical Design Manager oversees design teams and manages projects, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis. The manager role involves leadership and coordination, whereas the engineer role is more hands-on with engineering tasks.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Design Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $97,559 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Mechanical Design Manager

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non-uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Job Summary
Lead a team of either mechanical or opto-mechanical engineers to develop advanced wafer inspection equipment. This role combines strong leadership with deep technical expertise to deliver innovative, high-performance products from concept through production. The successful candidate will drive technical strategies, build and develop engineering talent, and lead the execution in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered commercially successful technology products.
  • Demonstrated success leading engineering teams and driving technical execution in a complex, multidisciplinary development environment.
  • Strong ability to translate system-level requirements into innovative and practical engineering solutions.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, communicate complex technical concepts, and drive cross-functional decisions.
  • Strong experience in precision systems or semiconductor equipment design, with expertise in one of the following areas:
    • Opto-mechanical systems: understanding of first-order optics, with extensive experience in optical mounting, alignment, and tolerancing; ability to lead the design and development of large-scale opto-mechanical systems, including DUV applications.
    • Platform design: Experience in most of the following areas: precision stages and wafer chucks, vibration analysis and isolation, motion control, thermal management, wafer handling systems, electronic racks, safety enclosures, and large mechanical structures.

Qualifications
  • Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered commercially successful technology products
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary engineering problems and drive them to resolution
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts, align cross-functional teams, and drive decisions.
  • Strong experience in precision systems or semiconductor equipment design, with expertise in one of the following areas:
    • Opto-mechanical systems: solid understanding of first-order optics, with deep experience in optical mounting, alignment, and tolerancing; ability to lead large opto-mechanical system design, including DUV applications
    • Platform design: experience with stage/chuck systems, vibration analysis and isolation, motion control, thermal management (heating/cooling), purging, and structural/frame design
  • Self-driving, motivated and never give up or comprise the target.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS with 15+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 7+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership experience.

Base Pay Range: $181,000.00 - $307,700.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.