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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Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
About The Role:
At Archer, we're scaling production of our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft, which includes the High Voltage Battery, Electric Motor and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.
We're seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Design Engineering (MDE) Manager to lead the Electric Motor/Drive Unit manufacturing team. This role sits on the Manufacturing Design Engineering group and owns the specification, design, launch and ramp of advanced powertrain manufacturing equipment in a high-volume production environment.
You'll be hands-on, deeply technical, and accountable for solving complex manufacturing problems—often under real schedule pressure.
What You'll Do:
- Lead & Scale the Team: Direct a high-performing MDE team responsible for Electric Motor/Drive Unit production lines; own hiring, career development, and resource planning.
- Capital Equipment Ownership: Own end-to-end equipment execution from RFQ and design specs through FAT, SAT, commissioning, and ramp up, managing capex budgets and executive approvals.
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Partner closely with Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering to drive DFM feedback into early-stage designs and optimize products for automated assembly.
- Integrator & Supplier Management: Lead relationships with custom equipment builders and key automation suppliers in close collaboration with Global Supply Chain.
- Executive Communication: Present program status, capital spend forecasts, and capacity models to executive leadership, adapting quickly to evolving enterprise schedules.
- Production Capacity Planning: Ensure manufacturing equipment meets throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) targets to satisfy present and future delivery schedules.
What You Need:
- Education & Experience: B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering (or equivalent) with 2+ years of technical management and 5+ years in high-volume, automated manufacturing (EV, Aerospace, or Semiconductor preferred).
- Technical Domain Expertise: Deep core expertise in at least one key drive unit subsystem—Stator, Rotor, Inverter, Gearbox, or Actuators—alongside strong knowledge of automated assembly processes.
- Equipment & Automation Mastery: Hands-on experience developing specifications for PLCs, industrial robotics (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB), vision systems, dispense systems, torque tools, and human/machine safety devices.
- Financial & Project Acumen: Proven experience in capex budgeting, vendor RFQ management, line balancing, layout design (AutoCAD/NX), and executing FAT/SAT protocols.
- Problem-Solving & Quality Systems: Mastery of structured root-cause methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, 5-Why) alongside practical application of GD&T, SPC, and PFMEAs.
- Software Competency: Proficiency using 3D CAD (Siemens NX preferred), PLM (Teamcenter), MES, and ERP platforms to manage factory designs and product lifecycle data.
- Leadership Mindset: Clear communicator with a high-ownership, bias-for-action attitude capable of thriving in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Advanced Automation Controls: Direct programming or architecture experience with PLC platforms (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley) and complex MES integrations.
- Regulatory & Safety Standards: Strong working knowledge of electrical and industrial safety codes, including NFPA 79, NEC, UL508A, ANSI/RIA 15.06, and OSHA regulations.
- Advanced DFM/DFA: Experience taking complex electromagnetic assemblies from initial NPI prototype builds through full-scale automated line qualification.
Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $152,100 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
About The Role:
At Archer, we're scaling production of our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft, which includes the High Voltage Battery, Electric Motor and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.
We're seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Design Engineering (MDE) Manager to lead the Electric Motor/Drive Unit manufacturing team. This role sits on the Manufacturing Design Engineering group and owns the specification, design, launch and ramp of advanced powertrain manufacturing equipment in a high-volume production environment.
You'll be hands-on, deeply technical, and accountable for solving complex manufacturing problems—often under real schedule pressure.
What You'll Do:
- Lead & Scale the Team: Direct a high-performing MDE team responsible for Electric Motor/Drive Unit production lines; own hiring, career development, and resource planning.
- Capital Equipment Ownership: Own end-to-end equipment execution from RFQ and design specs through FAT, SAT, commissioning, and ramp up, managing capex budgets and executive approvals.
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Partner closely with Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering to drive DFM feedback into early-stage designs and optimize products for automated assembly.
- Integrator & Supplier Management: Lead relationships with custom equipment builders and key automation suppliers in close collaboration with Global Supply Chain.
- Executive Communication: Present program status, capital spend forecasts, and capacity models to executive leadership, adapting quickly to evolving enterprise schedules.
- Production Capacity Planning: Ensure manufacturing equipment meets throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) targets to satisfy present and future delivery schedules.
What You Need:
- Education & Experience: B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering (or equivalent) with 2+ years of technical management and 5+ years in high-volume, automated manufacturing (EV, Aerospace, or Semiconductor preferred).
- Technical Domain Expertise: Deep core expertise in at least one key drive unit subsystem—Stator, Rotor, Inverter, Gearbox, or Actuators—alongside strong knowledge of automated assembly processes.
- Equipment & Automation Mastery: Hands-on experience developing specifications for PLCs, industrial robotics (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB), vision systems, dispense systems, torque tools, and human/machine safety devices.
- Financial & Project Acumen: Proven experience in capex budgeting, vendor RFQ management, line balancing, layout design (AutoCAD/NX), and executing FAT/SAT protocols.
- Problem-Solving & Quality Systems: Mastery of structured root-cause methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, 5-Why) alongside practical application of GD&T, SPC, and PFMEAs.
- Software Competency: Proficiency using 3D CAD (Siemens NX preferred), PLM (Teamcenter), MES, and ERP platforms to manage factory designs and product lifecycle data.
- Leadership Mindset: Clear communicator with a high-ownership, bias-for-action attitude capable of thriving in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Advanced Automation Controls: Direct programming or architecture experience with PLC platforms (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley) and complex MES integrations.
- Regulatory & Safety Standards: Strong working knowledge of electrical and industrial safety codes, including NFPA 79, NEC, UL508A, ANSI/RIA 15.06, and OSHA regulations.
- Advanced DFM/DFA: Experience taking complex electromagnetic assemblies from initial NPI prototype builds through full-scale automated line qualification.
Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $152,100 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
See All 123+ 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
- Tesla17
- SpaceX13
- Meta8
- Apple7
- TikTok4
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware17
- Technology & Software6
- Manufacturing4
- Aerospace & Defense4
- Education3
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 Tesla, SpaceX, and Meta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
San Jose, Palo Alto, and San Diego 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 30% of engineering design manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 123+ 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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