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Product Design Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Samtec, Inc

Connector Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site +1

$119K - $143K/yr

Senior Product Design Engineer Location: New Albany, IN (Preferred) Also open to Harrisburg, PA; Columbia, SC; or remote/hybrid arrangements based on experience and business needs. Design the Next ...

Samtec, Inc

Connector Product Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site +1

$119K - $143K/yr

Senior Product Design Engineer Location: New Albany, IN (Preferred) Also open to Harrisburg, PA; Columbia, SC; or remote/hybrid arrangements based on experience and business needs. Design the Next ...

FN America LLC

Design Engineer II

Columbia, SC · On-site

The Design Engineer Il will also support product line extensions and improvements to existing product designs. Job Duties * Support Lead Design Engineer in feasibility review, detailed development ...

FN America

Design Engineer II

Columbia, SC

The Design Engineer Il will also support product line extensions and improvements to existing product designs. Job Duties * Support Lead Design Engineer in feasibility review, detailed development ...

Palermo Rhodes

Senior Design Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Full estimating and preliminary design of commercial and industrial buildings. Qualifications BSCE ... Engineered Product Manufactures & Architectural and Engineering Consulting firms through out the US ...

Nucor

Design Engineer Intern

Swansea, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer ... As a Design Intern, you will be learning the responsibilities of a full-time design engineer, as ...

Nucor

Design Engineer Intern

Swansea, SC

$15.25 - $20/hr

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer ... As a Design Intern, you will be learning the responsibilities of a full-time design engineer, as ...

Flex Ltd

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Reporting to the Engineering Manager - Product Support the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will work closely with sales, project managers, procurement, production, quality assurance and other ...

Flex

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Reporting to the Engineering Manager - Product Support the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will work closely with sales, project managers, procurement, production, quality assurance and other ...

Nucor

Design Engineer I EIT

Swansea, SC · On-site

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer ... As a Structural Design Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that ...

Nucor

Design Engineer I EIT

Swansea, SC · On-site

Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer ... As a Structural Design Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that ...

Carolina Power Systems

Electrical Engineer

Sumter, SC · On-site

PE designation is a plus, but not required * 3-6 years of relevant engineering or product design experience preferred * Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering ...

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All JobsProduct Design Engineer JobsProduct Design Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Product Design Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$56.4K

$121.7K

$144.8K

How much do product design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design engineer in Columbia, SC is $121,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,300.00 and $143,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Do product design engineers make good money?

Product design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000 annually, while experienced engineers can earn over $100,000, especially with specialized skills in CAD software and prototyping. The role often offers opportunities for bonuses and career advancement.

How much does a product design engineer earn?

A product design engineer's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like automotive or consumer electronics.

What can I do with a product design engineer degree?

A product design engineer degree prepares individuals to develop, prototype, and improve consumer and industrial products. Graduates can work in industries such as electronics, automotive, or consumer goods, often using CAD software and engineering principles. They may also pursue roles in research, development, or project management within product development teams.
More about Product Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

Product Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,724 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Connector Product Design Engineer

Samtec, Inc

Columbia, SC • On-site, Remote

$119K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Samtec rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $950 million global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service. 

Senior Product Design Engineer

Location: New Albany, IN (Preferred)
Also open to Harrisburg, PA; Columbia, SC; or remote/hybrid arrangements based on experience and business needs.

Design the Next Generation of Interconnect Solutions

Are you an engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and bringing innovative products from concept to reality?

We are seeking a highly experienced Product Design Engineer to lead the development of advanced interconnect solutions that power cutting-edge technologies across high-speed data, power delivery, cable systems, and next-generation electronic platforms. This is an opportunity to influence product strategy, drive technical innovation, and collaborate with world-class engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.

In this role, you'll own critical design decisions, apply advanced engineering principles, and work directly with customers, sales, manufacturing, and technology experts to develop products that create competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.

If you enjoy turning challenging technical problems into manufacturable solutions and seeing your designs move from concept to production, we'd like to talk with you.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the design and development of innovative interconnect products from concept through production launch.
  • Drive technical solutions for connectors, cable assemblies, high-speed systems, power products, and emerging technologies.
  • Partner with Marketing and Sales to evaluate new opportunities and translate customer needs into engineering solutions.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, test, process engineering, suppliers, and other technical experts to ensure successful product commercialization.
  • Perform design analysis, modeling, validation, and troubleshooting to optimize product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Influence product architecture, design standards, and engineering best practices.
  • Solve complex technical challenges during product development and production support activities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, performance, and cost competitiveness.

Why This Role Appeals to Experienced Engineers

  • Significant influence on product design and technical direction.
  • Exposure to a broad portfolio of advanced interconnect technologies.
  • Opportunity to work on challenging high-speed, power, and electromechanical applications.
  • Direct collaboration with cross-functional teams throughout the entire product lifecycle.
  • Ability to see your designs move from concept to production and customer deployment.
  • Opportunity to mentor engineers and contribute to engineering excellence.

What We're Looking For

  • 7–10+ years of experience designing and developing interconnect, electromechanical, connector, or cable products.
  • Strong CAD design experience using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent platforms.
  • Proven track record of bringing products from concept through production.
  • Ability to manage multiple technical projects while balancing innovation, performance, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • High-speed connector design and development experience.
  • Signal integrity, power integrity, or high-speed system design knowledge.
  • Experience with simulation and analysis tools including FEA, CFD, thermal modeling, or similar technologies.
  • Experience working closely with manufacturing processes and production environments.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

What Samtec employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About SAMTEC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, IN, US

Year founded

1976

Social media

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