Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California
Engineering Design Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, and consumer electronics across seniority levels from lead engineer through principal design manager. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where anchor employers such as Apple, Northrop Grumman, and Qualcomm maintain significant engineering leadership headcount. Product development, systems integration, and hardware design management are the most consistently sought specialties in California listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 79+ Engineering Design Manager jobs
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure that yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing. SensArray business unit is dedicated to support customer R&D phase as well as HVM with in-situ thermal process control. SensArray business unit enables APC (Automated Process Control) to improve process optimization and yield improvement.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage manufacturing engineering teams, including performance reviews, scheduling budgeting etc.
- Own mechanical design efforts using CREO, with emphasis on fixture design and automated test setups.
- Provide hands-on technical contributions and support troubleshooting in operations.
- Manage projects and programs, including task planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define design requirements and deliver functional solutions.
- Support operations by resolving issues quickly and providing tooling/fixture solutions to minimize downtime.
- Apply GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure precision in design and manufacturing.
- Partner with suppliers and contractors to meet design, cost, and schedule targets.
- Analyze operational data to identify root causes; familiarity with 8D methodology is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in Semiconductor Capital Equipment
- 3+ years of experience in managing High volume manufacturing team
- 3+ years of experience in managing external contractors
- 3+ years of experience in dealing with supply chain management and global vendors
- 3+ years of experience in dealing with Factory Automation in Semiconductor industry and intimate knowledge of SECS/GEM protocol
- 3+ years of experience in thermal design/modeling/heat transfer
- 5+ years of experience in Project and program management including scheduling and budgeting
- 7+ years of experience in modeling - CREO, parametric and other mechanical engineering fundamentals
- Willingness to travel both domestic and international (Travel may be up to 30%)
Soft Skills:
- High Ownership & responsiveness
- Ability to operate in global, cross-cultural environments
- Ability to convey complex technical material to simple, easy to understand bite sized information
- Strong problem solving skills
- Ability to develop leadership bench strength and technical expertise across the team
Minimum Qualifications
Master's Level Degree and related work experience of at least 8 years or Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of at least 10 years
Degree must be in one of the below technical engineering field (or equivalent):
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Must have 2+ years of management experience leading a team of 5 or more.
Base Pay Range: $109,600.00 - $186,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure that yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing. SensArray business unit is dedicated to support customer R&D phase as well as HVM with in-situ thermal process control. SensArray business unit enables APC (Automated Process Control) to improve process optimization and yield improvement.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage manufacturing engineering teams, including performance reviews, scheduling budgeting etc.
- Own mechanical design efforts using CREO, with emphasis on fixture design and automated test setups.
- Provide hands-on technical contributions and support troubleshooting in operations.
- Manage projects and programs, including task planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define design requirements and deliver functional solutions.
- Support operations by resolving issues quickly and providing tooling/fixture solutions to minimize downtime.
- Apply GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure precision in design and manufacturing.
- Partner with suppliers and contractors to meet design, cost, and schedule targets.
- Analyze operational data to identify root causes; familiarity with 8D methodology is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in Semiconductor Capital Equipment
- 3+ years of experience in managing High volume manufacturing team
- 3+ years of experience in managing external contractors
- 3+ years of experience in dealing with supply chain management and global vendors
- 3+ years of experience in dealing with Factory Automation in Semiconductor industry and intimate knowledge of SECS/GEM protocol
- 3+ years of experience in thermal design/modeling/heat transfer
- 5+ years of experience in Project and program management including scheduling and budgeting
- 7+ years of experience in modeling - CREO, parametric and other mechanical engineering fundamentals
- Willingness to travel both domestic and international (Travel may be up to 30%)
Soft Skills:
- High Ownership & responsiveness
- Ability to operate in global, cross-cultural environments
- Ability to convey complex technical material to simple, easy to understand bite sized information
- Strong problem solving skills
- Ability to develop leadership bench strength and technical expertise across the team
Minimum Qualifications
Master's Level Degree and related work experience of at least 8 years or Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of at least 10 years
Degree must be in one of the below technical engineering field (or equivalent):
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Must have 2+ years of management experience leading a team of 5 or more.
Base Pay Range: $109,600.00 - $186,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See All 79 Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsEngineering Design Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Design Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Colliers Engineering & Design25
- Apple12
- Carollo Engineers3
- LPA3
- AECOM2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services34
- Electronics & Hardware13
- Technology & Software11
- Construction & Real Estate7
- Banking & Financial Services4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering design manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited institution
- Professional Engineer (PE) license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Seven or more years of progressive engineering experience including people management or team leadership
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional product development programs in a regulated California industry such as aerospace, defense, or semiconductor
- Proficiency with CAD, PLM, or EDA tools commonly used across California's hardware engineering environments
- Strong communication skills and experience partnering with product, program, and manufacturing teams in matrixed organizations
Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering design manager in California?
The most direct path is earning an accredited engineering degree, gaining several years of hands-on design experience, and then moving into a team lead or senior engineer role before stepping up to management. In California, holding or pursuing a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens your candidacy, particularly in aerospace, defense, and civil-adjacent disciplines. Employers in the Bay Area and Southern California typically promote internally from senior individual contributor roles.
Which companies hire engineering design managers in California?
Employers hiring engineering design managers in California right now include Colliers Engineering & Design, Apple, and Carollo Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor firms, and consumer electronics headquarters means engineering design manager openings appear across a wide range of product categories and company sizes.
Which California cities have the most engineering design manager jobs?
Los Angeles, Cupertino, and Irvine have the most engineering design manager openings in California. The Bay Area's density of semiconductor, software-hardware, and clean energy companies drives the volume there, while Los Angeles and San Diego are anchored by a mix of aerospace and defense primes, medical device firms, and consumer electronics operations that maintain large engineering leadership teams.
Are there remote engineering design manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely digital roles because engineering design management often requires on-site collaboration with lab teams, hardware prototypes, and manufacturing partners. About 15% of engineering design manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and the remote-eligible share tends to skew toward program oversight, systems architecture review, and vendor coordination responsibilities rather than hands-on lab or build work.
How can I get hired as a engineering design manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is securing a senior individual contributor role first, then transitioning into management. Large California employers such as aerospace primes in El Segundo and Seal Beach and semiconductor companies in San Jose and San Diego regularly hire new graduates into rotational engineering programs that develop the cross-functional exposure managers need. Building a PE license application, contributing to product launches, and taking on informal lead responsibilities on a project team are the credentials and experiences that open engineering design manager doors in this state.
Where can I find and apply to engineering design manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to engineering design manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 79 Engineering Design Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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