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Product Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hark

Product Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Product Design Engineer to help shape the physical form of our AI-powered devices. You'll work across the full product development cycle - concept sketches, CAD modeling ...

Hark

Product Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Product Design Engineer to help shape the physical form of our AI-powered devices. You'll work across the full product development cycle - concept sketches, CAD modeling ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $181K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$173K/yr

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are a technical authority and thought leader responsible for solving the most ambiguous hardware problems. You will lead major, cross-functional ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$144K/yr

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical leader responsible for driving the execution of complex projects. You will own critical systems from ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$118K/yr

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the specification, design, prototyping, and deployment of cutting-edge hardware systems. You will be a key contributor to our ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$144K/yr

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical leader responsible for driving the execution of complex projects. You will own critical systems from ...

Dover Corporation

$135K - $163K/yr

Reporting to the Product Design Engineer Senior, the Product Design Engineer designs new products and/or develops product improvements based on Sales/Marketing functional specifications by applying ...

Dover Corporation

Product Design Engineer

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$135K - $163K/yr

Reporting to the Product Design Engineer Senior, the Product Design Engineer designs new products and/or develops product improvements based on Sales/Marketing functional specifications by applying ...

Dover Corporation

Product Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$94K - $110K/yr

Reporting to the Product Design Engineer Senior, the Product Design Engineer designs new products and/or develops product improvements based on Sales/Marketing functional specifications by applying ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Beats

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $167K/yr

The Beats Product Design team is seeking a product design engineer to design and develop new, cutting-edge products to expand our industry-leading product portfolio. If you enjoy applying your ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

The Home Product Design team at Apple is growing and we are looking for a passionate and technically capable engineer to join us designing world class products and bringing them to life. The Product ...

Programmers.io

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... engineering and data collection teams to refine model quality and usability. • 7-10 years in product design, mechanical prototyping, fabrication or hardware test support. • Experience with ...

New

Apple

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProduct Design Engineer JobsProduct Design Engineer Jobs in California

Product Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$129.9K

$154.4K

How much do product design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design engineer in California is $129,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Product Design Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, problem-solving, and proficiency in industry-standard CAD software, typically backed by a degree in mechanical or product design engineering. Familiarity with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and rapid prototyping technologies, as well as knowledge of manufacturing processes, is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set exceptional candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure innovative, manufacturable, and user-centered products that meet both technical requirements and market demands.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Product Design Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and working in high-paying industries like technology or aerospace. Senior engineers with leadership roles or specialized expertise often reach this salary level.

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

AspectProduct Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Product Design; CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing settingsManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageConsumer products, electronics, automotive, aerospaceMachinery, automotive, aerospace, energy

Product Design Engineers focus on creating and developing new products, emphasizing user experience and aesthetics, while Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. Both roles require strong CAD skills and engineering fundamentals, but Product Design Engineers are more involved in the conceptual and aesthetic aspects, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on functionality and structural integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by Product Design Engineers during the product development process?

Product Design Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must also ensure that the product meets safety, regulatory, and usability standards, which often involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams like manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance. Additionally, adapting to changing project requirements and tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards can be demanding. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and agility in managing multiple priorities.

What does a product design engineer do?

A product design engineer develops and improves products by combining engineering principles with user needs, often using CAD software and prototyping tools. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct testing, and ensure designs meet safety and quality standards throughout the development process.

What are Product Design Engineers?

Product Design Engineers are professionals who develop and refine products, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. They work collaboratively with teams from engineering, manufacturing, and marketing to design products that meet customer needs and business goals. Their responsibilities include concept development, prototyping, testing, and ensuring products are manufacturable and cost-effective. Product Design Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software and often coordinate with suppliers and clients throughout the product development lifecycle.

What Is a Product Design Engineer?

A product design engineer plans and creates safe and functional products for businesses. You take a product idea and research the various ways to effectively implement it. This research often involves gathering data out in the field and networking with other industry experts. Your job duties include designing quality products, keeping up with the latest market trends, and determining cost impacts for the resources used in their designs. You may also develop new products and work to improve existing ones.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced product design engineers, especially those in senior or executive roles at large technology companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership responsibilities in innovative or high-demand sectors.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior product design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and a strong portfolio can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology and aerospace. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, leadership roles, and working in competitive markets or companies with high compensation packages.
More about Product Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Product Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Design Engineer jobs in California? For Product Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Product Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Product Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Product Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Product Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Product Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,851 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Product Design Engineer

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$100 - $112/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Product Design Engineer to join an innovative engineering team supporting the design and development of hardware solutions used in retail environments and high-profile product launch events. This is an exciting opportunity to work on products that directly impact customer experiences, collaborating with world-class engineering, operations, industrial design, and manufacturing teams.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex mechanical design challenges, and can quickly step into active development programs with minimal ramp-up time. You''ll contribute throughout the product lifecycle—from detailed design and prototyping to manufacturing support and product validation.

Responsibilities
  • Continue detailed design work on existing parts and assemblies with minimal handoff time.
  • Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
  • Build and evaluate prototypes to validate functionality, manufacturability, and overall performance.
  • Partner with operations teams and manufacturing vendors to ensure production schedules remain on track.
  • Analyze data from laboratory testing and manufacturing builds to support engineering decisions.
  • Support root cause investigations and product builds through occasional domestic travel to manufacturing sites.
  • Design and engineer products that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and quality.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, industrial design, operations, and external manufacturing partners throughout product development.
Requirements
  • Bachelor''s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 8+ years of mechanical product design experience.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in ambiguous environments.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling and engineering documentation.
  • Experience designing consumer electronics, retail fixtures, or similar hardware products.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers throughout the product development process.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Plastic and metal part design
    • Material selection
    • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
    • Design for Assembly (DFA)
    • Statistical tolerance analysis
    • Functional dimensioning
    • GD&T
  • Experience integrating connectors, batteries, electronics packaging, PCBAs, and other component modules.
  • Ability to quickly understand existing projects and effectively contribute with minimal onboarding.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering and supplier teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically as needed.
Education
  • Bachelor''s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field required.

Location: Cupertino, CA (Onsite)

Duration: 6-Month Contract (40 hours/week)

Hourly Range: $100-$112 DOE

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