Design Engineer Jobs in California
Design engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor and consumer electronics, medical devices, and automotive systems, with openings at every level from entry-level drafters to principal engineers. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers like Lockheed Martin, Apple, and Qualcomm maintain large engineering workforces and hire design engineers across mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines. California's density of hardware startups and defense contractors keeps demand for CAD proficiency, systems integration, and product development experience consistently high. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,480+ Design Engineer jobs
Job Details
Job Description:
The Role and Impact
As an IP Logic Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in driving next-generation semiconductor innovation. In this role, you will develop and optimize cutting-edge IP logic designs, contributing directly to Intel's mission to shape the future of computing. Your work will impact Intel's success by delivering high-quality IP blocks and subsystems for seamless integration into full-chip designs, enabling superior power, performance, and efficiency in Intel's products. Collaborating alongside a team of world-class engineers, you will have the opportunity to influence design architecture, tackle meaningful challenges, and shape the future of semiconductor technology.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop logic design and register transfer level (RTL) coding for IP blocks using languages such as System Verilog and Verilog.
- Optimize logic designs to meet power, performance, area, and timing goals.
- Participate in defining architecture and microarchitecture features for IP blocks.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review verification plans, ensuring comprehensive validation of design features.
- Identify and resolve failures in RTL tests, implementing corrective measures to ensure design correctness.
- Apply power-saving techniques such as clock gating and power gating to enhance energy efficiency.
- Support System-on-Chip (SoC) customers with the integration and verification of IP blocks, ensuring high-quality handoff and smooth execution.
- Use industry-standard tools and methodologies to ensure design integrity and compliance with quality assurance standards.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 0 to 1 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 0 years of experience with a Master's degree.
- Proficiency in RTL design and development using System Verilog and Verilog.
- Hands-on experience with clock design, clock gating, and clock domain crossing.
- Experience with UPF low-power coding and debugging techniques.
- Familiarity with problem-solving approaches for power, performance, area, and timing optimization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Understanding of microarchitecture design principles and strategies.
- Strong technical collaboration skills to work effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving technologies and industry trends.
Join us and contribute to shaping the future of semiconductor technology. Apply today to be part of a world-class team driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions.
Job Type
Experienced Hire
Shift
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
US, California, Folsom
Additional Locations:
US, California, Santa Clara
Business Group
The Central Engineering Group (CEG) is Intel's data-driven organization that builds scalable engineering solutions across three pillars: Product Enablement (IP, tools, and methodologies), Custom ASIC (leveraging existing IP for custom silicon), and Foundry Enablement (supporting top customers and validating technologies). The team focuses on customer-driven, end-to-end solutions with short development cycles to deliver measurable business impact across Intel's product and foundry businesses.
Posting Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Position of Trust N/A
Benefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US:
$105,650.00 - 172,860.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site.
Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.
Job Details
Job Description:
The Role and Impact
As an IP Logic Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in driving next-generation semiconductor innovation. In this role, you will develop and optimize cutting-edge IP logic designs, contributing directly to Intel's mission to shape the future of computing. Your work will impact Intel's success by delivering high-quality IP blocks and subsystems for seamless integration into full-chip designs, enabling superior power, performance, and efficiency in Intel's products. Collaborating alongside a team of world-class engineers, you will have the opportunity to influence design architecture, tackle meaningful challenges, and shape the future of semiconductor technology.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop logic design and register transfer level (RTL) coding for IP blocks using languages such as System Verilog and Verilog.
- Optimize logic designs to meet power, performance, area, and timing goals.
- Participate in defining architecture and microarchitecture features for IP blocks.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review verification plans, ensuring comprehensive validation of design features.
- Identify and resolve failures in RTL tests, implementing corrective measures to ensure design correctness.
- Apply power-saving techniques such as clock gating and power gating to enhance energy efficiency.
- Support System-on-Chip (SoC) customers with the integration and verification of IP blocks, ensuring high-quality handoff and smooth execution.
- Use industry-standard tools and methodologies to ensure design integrity and compliance with quality assurance standards.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 0 to 1 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 0 years of experience with a Master's degree.
- Proficiency in RTL design and development using System Verilog and Verilog.
- Hands-on experience with clock design, clock gating, and clock domain crossing.
- Experience with UPF low-power coding and debugging techniques.
- Familiarity with problem-solving approaches for power, performance, area, and timing optimization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Understanding of microarchitecture design principles and strategies.
- Strong technical collaboration skills to work effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving technologies and industry trends.
Join us and contribute to shaping the future of semiconductor technology. Apply today to be part of a world-class team driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions.
Job Type
Experienced Hire
Shift
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
US, California, Folsom
Additional Locations:
US, California, Santa Clara
Business Group
The Central Engineering Group (CEG) is Intel's data-driven organization that builds scalable engineering solutions across three pillars: Product Enablement (IP, tools, and methodologies), Custom ASIC (leveraging existing IP for custom silicon), and Foundry Enablement (supporting top customers and validating technologies). The team focuses on customer-driven, end-to-end solutions with short development cycles to deliver measurable business impact across Intel's product and foundry businesses.
Posting Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Position of Trust N/A
Benefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US:
$105,650.00 - 172,860.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site.
Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.
See All 1,480+ Design Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple444
- NVIDIA45
- Broadcom39
- Colliers Engineering & Design39
- Google39
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware756
- Technology & Software361
- Consulting & Professional Services144
- Manufacturing67
- Banking & Financial Services45
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and tolerance analysis
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management and design-for-manufacturing principles
- Knowledge of industry standards relevant to aerospace, medical devices, or consumer electronics
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with manufacturing, test, and systems teams
Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design engineer in California?
Most design engineer roles in California require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering from an ABET-accredited program. While no single state license is required to work as a design engineer, engineers who sign off on public-works or infrastructure documents must hold a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. For product and hardware roles in private industry, employers prioritize CAD skills and relevant internship or co-op experience.
Which companies hire design engineers in California?
Employers hiring design engineers in California right now include Apple, NVIDIA, and Broadcom, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor firms, and medical device manufacturers means design engineer demand is spread across both large corporations and well-funded hardware startups.
Which California cities have the most design engineer jobs?
The cities with the most design engineer openings in California are San Jose, Cupertino, and Santa Clara. The Bay Area leads because of its dense hardware and semiconductor ecosystem anchored by companies like Apple, Intel, and NVIDIA, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw heavily from aerospace and defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, which maintain large engineering campuses in both metros.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused fields, since design engineering typically involves lab work, prototyping, and hands-on collaboration with manufacturing teams. About 11% of design engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and these tend to concentrate in systems engineering, CAD review, and documentation roles where physical presence is not required daily.
How can I get hired as a design engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or associate engineer programs at California's large aerospace and defense employers, including Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and L3Harris, all of which run structured rotational or early-career programs in Southern California. Entry-level roles with titles like junior mechanical engineer, CAD technician, or product development associate are common stepping stones. A strong portfolio of SolidWorks or CATIA projects from university coursework, an internship with a Bay Area hardware company or San Diego defense contractor, and progress toward an EIT certification through the California Board for Professional Engineers all give candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to design engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to design engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers hiring now. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 1,480+ Design Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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