Professional Engineer Jobs in California
Professional Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy, with openings at every level from entry-level engineer-in-training through senior principal. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major employers like Bechtel, Northrop Grumman, and Jacobs Engineering maintain large California operations. Civil, structural, and electrical engineering specialties see the most consistent demand, driven by state infrastructure investment and the technology corridor. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Take Your Environmental Career to the Next Level
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Environmental team is looking for you! From environmental planning, permitting, remediation, and site characterization to chemical data management and hydrogeology, Kleinfelder offers a variety of services designed to provide technically appropriate and cost-effective solutions.
Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder is seeking a Project Level Environmental Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist to work in our Sacramento, CA or Concord, CA office. Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of environmental experience.
The ideal candidate will participate in and contribute to a diverse range of professional tasks, in the field and office, in our team-oriented environment. The candidate would be able to take a project from the proposal phase through report preparation on the most challenging remediation projects.
Responsibilities:
- Perform task management duties on site investigation, remedy selection, and remediation projects across Northern California
- Coordinate with and mentor junior-level staff on small to large project and tasks
- Lead conversations with private and municipal clients, as well as relevant regulatory agencies
- Prepare and peer review project deliverables as needed, including work plans, reports, remedy selection documents, and internal, client, or agency-facing presentations
- Guide team members in meeting Kleinfelder’s safety and quality standards
- Prepare proposals for small to medium sized projects (<$50,000 to $250,000) with support from senior staff
- Review RFPs and RFQs, and participate in go/no-go evaluations of identified opportunities
- Manage small to medium sized projects (<$50,000)
- Work independently and perform routine, well-defined field and office tasks and analysis under direct supervision by senior team members
- Communicate effectively with field/construction contractors
- As needed, oversee subsurface drilling investigations to determine the presence and extent of impacts in soil, soil vapor and groundwater
- Confirm the quality procedures used by team members when collecting multimedia samples for field and laboratory testing
- Assists in performance of hydraulic tests to support hydrogeologic analysis of water resource projects and environmental remediation system design (including groundwater recovery and treatment, de-watering, and hydraulic containment) (as needed)
- Prepare designs, reports, and calculations for simple to moderately complex environmental site assessments and remediation type projects (commercial, industrial, and educational facilities, levees, dams, pipelines, electrical facilities, etc.)
- Supervise and direct surface and subsurface investigations that employ soil borings, test pits, well installations, well destructions, soil, groundwater, and vapor sampling, aquifer testing, and surface geophysical surveys
Requirements
- 6-10 years of related environmental experience – 8+ years highly preferred
- BS in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a BS in Geology or other related discipline (e.g., Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Geology, etc.)
- Collaborative spirit and resourcefulness along with prompt geological and engineering judgment and decision making
- Ability to organize priorities and multi-task effectively, along with a thirst to learn and achieve continuous improvement in a team environment
- Motivated self-starter; someone who takes initiative and is willing to tackle challenging new tasks with support
- Excellent communication and technical writing skills
- Current Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or ability to be qualified and pass one of these exams within one year of being hired
- A problem-solving mindset is essential
- Must be able to follow proper procedures, perform accurate computations, and maintain cordial relationships with coworkers, contractors, and clients
- Capable of clear and concise verbal and written communication and can operate with moderate to minimal supervision
- Ability to perform bending, kneeling, standing, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 30 lbs
- Will require OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hr certification (if not already certified)
- Will require enrollment in the medical monitoring program requiring initial and annual physicals and initial and random drug screens
- Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test
- Valid driver's license with a good driving record and the ability to travel and drive regularly, often long distances
Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.
Move Forward with Kleinfelder:
Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity.
We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Salary Range: $84,270 - 112,008.
Career Development:
We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity:
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
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See All 257+ Professional Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Professional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Professional Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers52

- Tetra Tech8

- WSP8

- World Wide Technology6

- Stantec5

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services135
- Technology & Software58
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals10
- Law & Legal Services7
- Accounting & Auditing6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in professional engineer jobs across California.
- Active Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Four or more years of progressive engineering experience in a relevant specialty
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or discipline-specific design and analysis software
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and stamp engineering drawings, calculations, and reports
- Strong knowledge of California Building Code, Title 24, or applicable state and local standards
Professional Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a professional engineer in California?
You become a licensed professional engineer in California by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying experience under a licensed PE, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. A bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program is the standard starting point. California does not have reciprocity with all other states, so out-of-state PEs should verify their credentials directly with the board.
How much do professional engineers make in California?
Professional 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 professional engineers in California?
Employers hiring professional engineers in California right now include BKF Engineers, Tetra Tech, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's mix of large defense contractors, public infrastructure agencies, and technology-driven construction firms means demand is spread across both private industry and public-sector clients statewide.
Which California cities have the most professional engineer jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most professional engineer openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale across aerospace, transportation, and water infrastructure, San Francisco and San Jose reflect heavy demand from technology campuses and seismic retrofit programs, and San Diego is driven by defense contractors and biotech campus construction. Smaller cities often appear because major state agency regional offices and public utilities are headquartered there.
Are there remote professional engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most professional engineering work in California requires on-site inspections, fieldwork, or stamped document review tied to a physical project, which limits full remote arrangements. About 46% of professional engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to be in project management, plan review, or engineering analysis roles that don't require regular site presence.
How can I get hired as a professional engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an Engineer-in-Training or junior engineer role while you hold your Fundamentals of Engineering certification, which signals California readiness before you have your PE license. Large California public agencies like Caltrans, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission run structured new-graduate programs. Entry-level roles at engineering consulting firms often allow lateral moves from related titles like design drafter, CAD technician, or engineering associate, and building a portfolio of project contributions accelerates your path to licensure.
Where can I find and apply to professional engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to professional engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metros. Find the roles that fit your specialty and experience level and apply directly.
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