Design Center Manager

Job Title: Design Center Manager

Job Description

As a Design Center Manager, you will be responsible for leading engineering and technical support for a product line with a strong focus on backend assembly processes and manufacturing execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers and designers, consisting of 1-6 team members.
• Oversee product design, development, and sustaining engineering activities.
• Drive backend assembly processes, including component integration, testing, and final product readiness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, engineering, and production teams.
• Work directly with manufacturing equipment and production floor operations.
• Support technical problem-solving and resolution of ongoing engineering issues.
• Contribute to new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a key interface between design, production, and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Engineering management experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Experience in backend assembly processes, including assembling, testing, and finishing products.
• 3+ years of experience managing engineering or production teams.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing floor, equipment, and processes.
• Familiarity with chemical processes, such as brazing, metalizing, and chemical cleaning.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or technical sales environment.
• ITAR compliance experience or ability to work within regulated environments.
• Japanese language skills preferred but not required.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role working closely with engineering and production teams, providing hands-on exposure to the manufacturing floor and equipment. Core working hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with flexibility around start time. The position offers long-term stability, a strong benefits package including a pension plan, exposure to global teams, and opportunities to step into a leadership role with training from the incumbent.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Pension plan (vests after 5 years) 401k Tuition reimbursement Annual bonus eligibility PPO medical plan 10 holidays + year-end shutdown PTO: 120 hours Sick time: 80 hours

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.