Civil Engineer Jobs in California
Civil Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, transportation, water resources, and commercial development, with openings from entry-level project engineers through senior principals and department heads. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like AECOM, Parsons Corporation, and Caltrans maintain deep, long-standing operations. Structural, transportation, and water/wastewater engineering are the specialties seeing the strongest and most consistent demand across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,024+ Civil Engineer jobs
Description
Your role at GEI.
GEI’s Oakland, CA office is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to assist with complex and challenging projects in Northern California and throughout the United States. The GEI Oakland engineering practice provides services on a wide range of water resource and energy projects. The position will lead and support ongoing engineering planning, design, and construction management for these projects.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
- Candidates will lead as Project Manager, provide oversight, and support Projects/Tasks on a variety of engineering projects, mainly focused on water resource facilities and hydraulic structures (reservoirs, dams, hydraulic structures including spillways and outlet works, levees and other flood control facilities, piped and channeled conveyance, water storage), design support for other heavy civil/geotechnical projects, reinforced concrete structure design, construction drawings and specifications, construction cost estimating, design implementation, report preparation, and construction management support.
- Develop and be responsible for quality, scope, fee, for deliverables for projects.
- Supervise engineering design technicians and other technical staff.
- Lead teams and provide oversight for evaluation and design efforts for civil engineering modeling, drawing take-offs, analysis, and design calculations.
- Prepare technical memos, reports, technical specifications and other written documentation.
- Review and evaluate design and construction practices.
- Lead and attend project meetings and work in a team environment or independently.
- Identify need and support meetings with internal staff and external clients.
- Participate and lead business development activities and contribute to both office and practice growth.
Minimum Qualifications
- Licensed Professional Engineer in California.
- 15+ years of experience.
- Familiarity and/or experience with detailed design and specification preparation.
- Experience managing PE’s and EIT’s with multiple project deadlines.
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
- Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
We are GEI.
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry.
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion.
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
- Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
- Pay Range For This Position: $150,000.00-$225,000.00/year
- Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
- Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
- GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
- Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
- Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
- Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
- Rewards and Recognition
- GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
- Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder
- A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- And More…
Physical Requirements
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Functional Demands:
Sedentary
X
Light
Medium
Other
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
X
Standing
X
Walking
X
Climbing
X
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
X
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
X
Carrying objects
X
Push/pull
X
Twisting
X
Bending
X
Reaching forward
X
Reaching overhead
X
Squat/kneel/crawl
X
Wrist position deviation
X
Pinching/fine motor skills
X
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
X
Taste or smell (taste=never)
X
Talk or hear
X
Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X
Far Vision
X
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Color Discrimination
X
Sensory Requirements
Minimal
Moderate
Accurate
Not Applicable
Depth perception
X
Hearing
X
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
Reasonably Anticipated
Not Anticipated
Blood borne pathogens
X
Chemical
X
Airborne communicable diseases
X
Extreme temperatures
X
Radiation
X
Uneven surfaces or elevations
X
Extreme noise levels
X
Dust/particulate matter
X
Other (exposure risks):
Usual workday hours:
8
X
10
12
Other work hours
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.
Description
Your role at GEI.
GEI’s Oakland, CA office is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to assist with complex and challenging projects in Northern California and throughout the United States. The GEI Oakland engineering practice provides services on a wide range of water resource and energy projects. The position will lead and support ongoing engineering planning, design, and construction management for these projects.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
- Candidates will lead as Project Manager, provide oversight, and support Projects/Tasks on a variety of engineering projects, mainly focused on water resource facilities and hydraulic structures (reservoirs, dams, hydraulic structures including spillways and outlet works, levees and other flood control facilities, piped and channeled conveyance, water storage), design support for other heavy civil/geotechnical projects, reinforced concrete structure design, construction drawings and specifications, construction cost estimating, design implementation, report preparation, and construction management support.
- Develop and be responsible for quality, scope, fee, for deliverables for projects.
- Supervise engineering design technicians and other technical staff.
- Lead teams and provide oversight for evaluation and design efforts for civil engineering modeling, drawing take-offs, analysis, and design calculations.
- Prepare technical memos, reports, technical specifications and other written documentation.
- Review and evaluate design and construction practices.
- Lead and attend project meetings and work in a team environment or independently.
- Identify need and support meetings with internal staff and external clients.
- Participate and lead business development activities and contribute to both office and practice growth.
Minimum Qualifications
- Licensed Professional Engineer in California.
- 15+ years of experience.
- Familiarity and/or experience with detailed design and specification preparation.
- Experience managing PE’s and EIT’s with multiple project deadlines.
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
- Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
We are GEI.
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry.
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion.
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
- Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
- Pay Range For This Position: $150,000.00-$225,000.00/year
- Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
- Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
- GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
- Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
- Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
- Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
- Rewards and Recognition
- GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
- Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder
- A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- And More…
Physical Requirements
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Functional Demands:
Sedentary
X
Light
Medium
Other
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
X
Standing
X
Walking
X
Climbing
X
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
X
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
X
Carrying objects
X
Push/pull
X
Twisting
X
Bending
X
Reaching forward
X
Reaching overhead
X
Squat/kneel/crawl
X
Wrist position deviation
X
Pinching/fine motor skills
X
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
X
Taste or smell (taste=never)
X
Talk or hear
X
Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X
Far Vision
X
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Color Discrimination
X
Sensory Requirements
Minimal
Moderate
Accurate
Not Applicable
Depth perception
X
Hearing
X
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
Reasonably Anticipated
Not Anticipated
Blood borne pathogens
X
Chemical
X
Airborne communicable diseases
X
Extreme temperatures
X
Radiation
X
Uneven surfaces or elevations
X
Extreme noise levels
X
Dust/particulate matter
X
Other (exposure risks):
Usual workday hours:
8
X
10
12
Other work hours
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.
See All 1,024+ Civil Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineer JobsCivil Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers200
- HDR37
- Stantec37
- KPFF Consulting Engineers33
- Carollo Engineers27
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services684
- Construction & Real Estate129
- Energy28
- Technology & Software28
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil engineer jobs across California.
- Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program
- Proficiency in civil design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or similar industry-standard tools
- Experience preparing or reviewing construction documents, plans, and technical specifications for California projects
- Familiarity with California Building Code, Caltrans standards, and applicable local agency design guidelines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with public agencies, subconsultants, and project stakeholders
Civil Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil engineer in California?
Becoming a licensed civil engineer in California requires earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training, accumulating qualifying work experience under a licensed PE, and then passing the California-specific Professional Engineer Civil exam administered by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Many employers expect candidates to be working toward their PE from day one.
How much do civil engineers make in California?
Civil engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire civil engineers in California?
Employers hiring civil engineers in California right now include BKF Engineers, HDR, and Stantec, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's scale of infrastructure investment, from statewide transportation programs to large water district projects, means both major engineering consultancies and public agencies are consistently among the most active hirers in the state.
Which California cities have the most civil engineer jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine have the most civil engineer openings in California. Los Angeles dominates given its volume of transportation, public works, and commercial development projects, while San Francisco draws demand from transit expansion and water infrastructure work, and San Diego's concentration of defense facilities, port operations, and regional growth keeps hiring steady there as well.
Are there remote civil engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 25% of civil engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the inherently field- and site-dependent nature of most civil work. The portions of the role most amenable to remote arrangements are early-stage design, hydraulic or traffic modeling, report writing, and document review rather than construction administration or site inspection.
How can I get hired as a civil engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly for staff engineer or engineer-in-training roles at large California-based consultancies and public agencies, which routinely hire new graduates. Firms like AECOM and Parsons run structured new-graduate programs, and Caltrans offers entry-level engineering positions across its twelve district offices. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before or shortly after graduation signals commitment and gives you a competitive edge over candidates who have not yet started the PE path.
Where can I find and apply to civil engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to civil engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across consulting firms, public agencies, and contractors. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly from the listing.
See All 1,024+ Civil Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineer Jobs