Manager, Design Center

Manager, Design Center

Location:

San Diego, CA (Onsite)

Salary Range: $115,807 – $167,684 annually

(Final compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and market factors.)

Seeking an experienced Design Center Manager to lead engineering and technical sales support activities for a growing product line. This role will manage a team of engineers (about 10 members) responsible for developing innovative engineered solutions that meet customer and market requirements.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in assembly manufacturing environments, materials technology, backend assembly, component/system-level design, and customer-facing technical support. This position also plays a key role in new business development, cross-functional collaboration, and global communication with production and engineering teams.

• Lead and manage a team of design engineers and technical staff
• Collaborate with Engineering and Sales teams to develop new products and improve existing product lines
• Support customer technical requirements, product development, and production optimization
• Work closely with assembly manufacturing operations to improve production efficiency and quality
• Research market trends and customer needs to identify business opportunities
• Coordinate closely with production operations and global engineering teams
• Resolve technical issues impacting product performance or market expansion
• Support strategic initiatives including technical partnerships and new business opportunities
• Manage customer relationships and serve as a technical point of contact
• Participate in financial planning, reporting, budgeting, and expense management
• Present project updates and development progress to senior leadership
• Monitor project metrics, schedules, logistics, and performance analytics
• Mentor, train, and develop engineering team members
• Ensure compliance with departmental standards and company policies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, assembly manufacturing, or technical sales
• 3+ years of management experience in an engineering or production environment
• Hands‑on experience supporting assembly production processes and manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of technical drawings and customer engineering requirements
• Experience with materials, production processes, and manufacturing technologies
• Knowledge of supply chain and production operations
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in cross‑functional/global environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with AutoCAD and Solid Works preferred
• Bilingual Japanese/English skills are a plus
• Ability to travel up to 25%

• Competitive compensation package
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible work schedules

This role involves regular interaction with engineering, production, sales, and customer teams in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment. Occasional exposure to manufacturing environments may be required.

This position may require access to information subject to U.S. Export Control regulations (ITAR/EAR). Applicants must meet applicable U.S. person requirements. NO VISA sponsorship is available.

Equal Opportunity Employer