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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

NAC Inc

Design Professional III

Spokane, WA · On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

Description: Design Professional III - Lead with Vision, Design with Purpose Location: Spokane ... Strong working knowledge of zoning and building codes, specifications, building/engineering systems ...

NAC Architecture

Design Professional III

Spokane, WA

$79K - $101K/yr

Description Design Professional III - Lead with Vision, Design with Purpose Location: Spokane ... Strong working knowledge of zoning and building codes, specifications, building/engineering systems ...

Ardurra

Water/Wastewater Design Engineer

Spokane, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

... design experience * Exposure to computer modeling (pressurized/gravity networks) preferred ... Work closely with experienced mentors and senior engineers * Engage in diverse publicworks projects ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

Senior Design Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$63.7K

$122.8K

$193.6K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Spokane, WA is $122,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,100.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do senior design engineers earn?

Senior design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence salary levels.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

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

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA? For Senior Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:
Senior Design Engineer jobs near you

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER

Knife River Corporation

Newman Lake, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Knife River rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
Senior Design Engineers report to the Vice President of Engineering and serve as senior technical resources for KRPI's precast and prestressed concrete design work. Unlike Design Engineers focused primarily on executing assigned tasks under guidance, Senior Design Engineers independently lead complex design work, make defensible engineering decisions, perform senior technical reviews, guide non-standard solutions, represent KRPI in customer-facing technical discussions, mentor engineers and drafters, and help standardize engineering tools, methods, and practices.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Lead complex precast/prestressed projects; review plans, specifications, design criteria, and project requirements; establish engineering approach; and prepare or direct calculations and support drawings.
  • Apply advanced judgment in precast/prestressed behavior, reinforced concrete design, connections, load paths, lifting, bracing, shipping, erection sequencing, tolerances, safety, code compliance, and constructability.
  • Serve as a senior technical voice for KRPI with Engineering leadership, project managers, drafting, production, quality, field teams, external engineers, architects, contractors, customers, and industry experts.
  • Evaluate non-standard conditions, alternate details, field issues, technical risks, design assumptions, specifications, codes, and PCI standards to recommend practical, safe, and commercially aware solutions.
  • Perform senior quality reviews of drawings, calculations, submittals, and engineering documents; verify compliance with KRPI, Knife River, project, code, and PCI standards; and provide final engineering guidance where assigned.
  • Mentor junior engineers and drafting team members while building engineering judgment, code understanding, review discipline, design-tool capability, and professional readiness.
  • Improve and standardize engineering tools, templates, calculation methods, detailing practices, review processes, and design standards across KRPI projects and locations.
  • Support KRPI's safety commitment, continuous improvement, and related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
  • Professional Engineer license required.
  • Ability to interpret and apply drawings, specifications, design criteria, codes, and project documents while leading technical discussions with customers, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of structural engineering, reinforced/prestressed concrete design, precast behavior, connection design, load paths, constructability, tolerances, temporary works considerations, and building code requirements.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; able to explain and defend engineering decisions, code requirements, assumptions, risks, and precast concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proficient with common business and engineering software; self-motivated, professional, courteous, schedule-driven, and effective with customers, managers, engineers, drafters, production, and field teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Multiple state PE licenses preferred, or achievable within 24 months.
  • Significant precast/prestressed design experience with structural and architectural components, connections, production constraints, transportation, handling, erection, field coordination, and PCI standards.
  • Experience with Revit, Tekla Structures, Inventor, AutoCAD, or other BIM/modeling platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and drafters while improving standards, review discipline, design tools, templates, and process consistency.

Why Engineers Choose KRPI:
  • Design structures that are built, not just drawn, with exposure from concept through manufacturing, delivery, erection, and completed construction.
  • Work directly with production, quality, project management, field installation, contractors, engineers, and customers on major regional data center, industrial, parking, commercial, education, and infrastructure projects.
  • Develop specialized precast/prestressed expertise in a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, employee development, continuous improvement, and long-term advancement across KRPI and Knife River.

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA options, 401(k) with company match and profit sharing.
  • Paid time off, paid holidays, life insurance, EAP, training, professional development, career advancement, and licensure support where applicable.

How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at jobs.kniferiver.net by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5960 to speak with a human resources representative.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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