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Phd In Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Mechanical Engineer (Equipment Design)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Preferred Qualifications PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience, or MS in Mechanical Engineering 5+ years of opto-mechanical system design (camera.ptical mounts, kinematic ...

Qualcomm

ASIC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$126.70 - $190.10/hr

PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field Preferred Skills * Experience with ARM CoreSight ... Low Power design and implementation * Chip interconnect (NOC) implementation Pay range and Other ...

Databricks

Systems PhD - Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$205K - $244K/yr

Required : • PhD in databases or systems • A passion for database systems, storage systems, distributed systems, language design, and/or performance optimization • Motivated by delivering ...

Apple

Mechanical Engineer (Equipment Design)

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Partnering closely with product design team, and optics, electrical and software engineering to ... Qualifications PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience, or MS in ...

Quest Global

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering. * Experience designing handheld and wearable electronics for high volume manufacturing. * Experience with NX CAD software. * Experience with products cosmetic ...

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Phd In Design information

What is a PhD in Design?

A PhD in Design is a terminal academic degree focused on original research, critical analysis, and the advancement of knowledge in the field of design. This program typically involves in-depth study of design theory, methodologies, and practical applications, often culminating in a dissertation that contributes new insights to the discipline. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in the design industry, where they can influence the future of design practices and education.

What career paths are available after completing a PhD in Design, and how do they differ from those with a master's degree?

Graduates with a PhD in Design often pursue careers in academia, such as becoming university professors or researchers, where they can lead original research projects and influence the direction of design education. Beyond academia, PhD holders may move into high-level roles in research and development within industries like technology, urban planning, or product innovation, often focusing on strategy, policy, or design leadership. Compared to those with a master's degree, PhD graduates are more likely to secure positions that require advanced research skills, thought leadership, and the ability to drive interdisciplinary collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Design, you need advanced research skills, expertise in design theory and methodology, and a relevant master's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD), academic publishing platforms, and research management tools is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills distinguish standout candidates in both academic and industry settings. These competencies enable impactful research, effective knowledge dissemination, and meaningful contributions to innovation in the design field.

What is the difference between Phd In Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPhd In DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDoctorate degree in Design or related fieldBachelor's or Associate's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or high-level consultancy settingsCreative studios, advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments
Industry UsageResearch, academia, specialized design consultingVisual communication, branding, advertising

The main difference between a Phd In Design and a Graphic Designer lies in their focus and career paths. A Phd In Design emphasizes research, theory, and academic contributions, often working in universities or research institutions. In contrast, a Graphic Designer applies creative skills to produce visual content for clients or brands. While both roles require a background in design, the Phd is more research-oriented, whereas the Graphic Designer is more practice-focused.

What can I do with a PhD in design?

A PhD in design prepares individuals for careers in academia, research, and advanced industry roles such as design consultancy, user experience research, or innovation management. Graduates often work as university professors, design researchers, or lead creative projects, utilizing skills in research methods, critical thinking, and design tools. Advanced knowledge of design theory and practice enables roles that influence product development, strategic planning, and design education.

What is the highest paying career in Phd In Design?

The highest paying careers for individuals with a PhD in Design often include roles such as design director, user experience (UX) director, or design consultant in industries like technology, consulting, or corporate innovation. These positions typically require advanced expertise, leadership skills, and experience managing large projects or teams, with salaries often exceeding six figures annually.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Phd In Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd In Design job openings:

Phd In Design jobs near you

Mechanical Engineering PhD - Problem Author

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$85/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Mechanical Engineering Writer - Engineering FRQ
Type: Contract
Compensation: $85/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Author original, free-response engineering problems grounded in real industry scenarios.
  • Write complete expert-level solutions for each problem.
  • Validate difficulty by running problems against three frontier language models until at least one fails.
  • Collaborate with AI research teams to improve problem-solving approaches.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines and enhance AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
  • 8+ years of hands-on professional/industry experience in design, analysis, or R&D.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.