Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in California

Civil Engineering Intern jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in transportation infrastructure, water resources, and land development across a market that ranges from entry-level undergraduates to graduate-level candidates. The largest volumes of openings are in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where firms like AECOM, WSP, and Caltrans maintain a consistent presence and recruit interns year-round. The most in-demand specialties are transportation and highway design, structural engineering, and stormwater and drainage systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles43+
Top employerMichael Baker International
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring18
Work type79% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 43+ Civil Engineering Intern jobs

SB Energy
Civil Engineering Intern
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SB Energy
Added 1mo ago
Civil Engineering Intern
SB Energy
Redwood City, California
Civil & Structural Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
$25 - $30/hr
Hybrid
Bachelor's

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Sb Energy Devco (Us)
Civil Engineering Intern
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Sb Energy Devco (Us)
Added 1mo ago
Civil Engineering Intern
Sb Energy Devco (Us)
Redwood City, California
Civil & Structural Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
$52k - $62k/yr
Hybrid
Associate's

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WSP
Structural Engineering Intern
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WSP
Added 5d ago
Structural Engineering Intern
WSP
Irvine, California
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Structural Engineering
$24 - $32/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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HDR
Utility Intern
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HDR
Added 2w ago
Utility Intern
HDR
Long Beach, California
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
$22 - $26/hr
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Terracon Consultants Inc
Laboratory Intern
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Terracon Consultants Inc
Added 2w ago
Laboratory Intern
Terracon Consultants Inc
Lodi, California
Laboratory Research
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Civil & Structural Engineering
Environmental Science
Civil Engineering
$19 - $26/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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See All 43 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Civil Engineering Intern Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
11 jobs
Los Angeles
5 jobs
Santa Ana
4 jobs
Temecula
4 jobs
Carlsbad
2 jobs
Irvine
2 jobs
Redwood City
2 jobs
Riverside
2 jobs
Walnut Creek
2 jobs

Civil Engineering Intern Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Michael Baker International
    Michael Baker International15
  • FlatironDragados
    FlatironDragados4
  • KPFF Consulting Engineers
    KPFF Consulting Engineers3
  • Brown and Caldwell
    Brown and Caldwell2
  • HDR
    HDR2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Consulting & Professional Services32
  • Construction & Real Estate11
  • Energy2
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in civil engineering intern jobs across California.

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a civil engineering or related ABET-accredited bachelor's program
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or comparable design and drafting software
  • Knowledge of California Department of Transportation standards, Caltrans manuals, or local agency design criteria
  • Coursework or hands-on exposure to structural analysis, hydrology, or transportation engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to work on active project sites and comply with California OSHA safety requirements
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for client and agency coordination

Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a civil engineering intern in California?

You become a civil engineering intern in California by completing at least two years of an ABET-accredited civil engineering bachelor's program, then applying to internship openings at consulting firms, public agencies, or municipalities. California's Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists oversees eventual licensure, and passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam as a student or recent graduate strengthens your candidacy significantly. Most California employers also expect coursework in transportation, structures, or hydrology relevant to their projects.

How much do civil engineering interns make in California?

Civil engineering interns 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 engineering interns in California?

Employers hiring civil engineering interns in California right now include Michael Baker International, FlatironDragados, and KPFF Consulting Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large public infrastructure programs and active private development market mean that both major engineering consulting firms and public agencies like Caltrans and local municipalities recruit interns consistently throughout the year.

Which California cities have the most civil engineering intern jobs?

San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana have the most civil engineering intern openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through large transportation, water, and land development programs, while the Bay Area's concentration of regional transit agencies, technology-driven infrastructure projects, and established consulting firm offices keeps demand steady there as well.

Are there remote civil engineering intern jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. About 21% of civil engineering intern openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on and field-dependent nature of most civil engineering work. The tasks most likely to be done remotely are CAD drafting, report writing, and data analysis, while site visits, field surveys, and client meetings typically require an in-person presence.

How can I get hired as a civil engineering intern in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying directly to public agency internship programs, which are specifically structured for students with no professional experience. Caltrans, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission all run student intern programs open to undergraduates in their first or second year. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early, building a portfolio of class projects using Civil 3D, and pursuing assistant technician or engineering aide roles at county agencies are concrete steps that open doors before graduation.

Where can I find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in California?

You can find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, find ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.

See All 43 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Civil Engineering Intern Jobs