Structural Designer Jobs in California
Structural Designer jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, commercial construction, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and large-scale infrastructure, with openings at every level from drafting-focused junior roles through senior positions leading complex structural systems. The highest hiring volume is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, and Thornton Tomasetti maintain established California operations. The most sought-after specialties right now are seismic design, steel connection detailing, and BIM-integrated structural documentation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Structural Designer jobs
Perks of Pratt?
- Paid Holidays from DAY ONE
- Insurance benefits and wellness reimbursement program within ONE MONTH of hire
- 6 Months: PAID vacation days
- 12 Months: FULL tuition reimbursement and PAID childbearing and parenting leave
- 401K Vesting
- Open Door policy
- Schedule Flexibility
Position: Designer (AG)
Location: Salinas CA
Salary Range: $75K-$90K
Summary:
The designer is responsible for the creation of cost-effective, structurally sound packaging and artwork. The role includes designing and redesigning elements for improved cost, performance, and functionality while providing technical support to internal teams (Sales, Production and Customer Service) as well as our clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging design, graphic artistry, and solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes and proficiency in design tools such as ArtiosCAD, TOPS and both cutting and printing dies. The Designer serves as a technical resource for customers and internal stakeholders and develops innovative corrugated packaging solutions for agricultural, industrial, retail, and consumer markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design packaging solutions for corrugated boxes and other materials
- Collaborate with Sales to understand client needs and provide customized solutions
- Develop designs based on appearance, functionality, serviceability, materials, production methods and client*retail specifications
- Use ArtiosCAD, TOPS and other software to create detailed designs and prototypes
- Prepare working drawings from sketches, products, machine specifications and designs
- Inspect and construct packaging samples to ensure final product meets requirements
- Present design concepts to clients, either individually or in collaboration with Sales
- Generating Bills of Materials, drawing specifications, pallet layouts, die lines, art cards as well as be able to analyze paper and do standard box testing
- Manage tight deadlines and work outside regular hours to meet client and production needs
- Additional tasks and projects assigned to you from supervisor/manager
- Design and engineer corrugated trays, bins, produce boxes, retail-ready packaging and custom structural packaging.
- Analyze existing packaging designs to reduce material costs, improve performance, optimize pallet utilization and increase manufacturing efficiency.
- Meet with customers and Sales representatives to identify packaging challenges and develop customized solutions.
- Evaluate board grades, flute profiles, compression requirements, ventilation requirements, moisture resistance needs and distribution conditions.
- Work closely with Operations to ensure designs are compatible with plant equipment and profitability objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree preferred
- Minimum of 4 years of packaging, preferrable in the AG industry
- Comprehensive knowledge of the design process from concept to production
- Strong understanding of costing system and manufacturing processes to optimize profitability and compatibility with production equipment
- Familiarity with ISTA testing requirements for packaging
- Proficiency with Illustrator, Photshop and 3D design tools is a plus
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Team oriented with ability to collaborate across departments
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Positive, can-do attitude with a focus on delving high-quality work
- Familiarity with ArtiosCAD, TOPS, Kongsberg Table, Lansmont Compression Tester and other design tools
- Knowledge of Microsoft and Window Office programs
- Background in graphics, inks, and color concepts is beneficial
- Experience with agricultural and fresh produce packaging preferred.
- Knowledge of corrugated manufacturing processes, flexographic printing, die-cutting equipment, board combinations and flute profiles preferred.
- Knowledge of graphics, inks and color management concepts preferred.
Work Environment:
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations
- Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles
- The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required
Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate
- Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs
- Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands
Work Environment:
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations
- Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles
- The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required
Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate
- Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs
- Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands
External & Internal Applicants
Perks of Pratt?
- Paid Holidays from DAY ONE
- Insurance benefits and wellness reimbursement program within ONE MONTH of hire
- 6 Months: PAID vacation days
- 12 Months: FULL tuition reimbursement and PAID childbearing and parenting leave
- 401K Vesting
- Open Door policy
- Schedule Flexibility
Position: Designer (AG)
Location: Salinas CA
Salary Range: $75K-$90K
Summary:
The designer is responsible for the creation of cost-effective, structurally sound packaging and artwork. The role includes designing and redesigning elements for improved cost, performance, and functionality while providing technical support to internal teams (Sales, Production and Customer Service) as well as our clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging design, graphic artistry, and solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes and proficiency in design tools such as ArtiosCAD, TOPS and both cutting and printing dies. The Designer serves as a technical resource for customers and internal stakeholders and develops innovative corrugated packaging solutions for agricultural, industrial, retail, and consumer markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design packaging solutions for corrugated boxes and other materials
- Collaborate with Sales to understand client needs and provide customized solutions
- Develop designs based on appearance, functionality, serviceability, materials, production methods and client*retail specifications
- Use ArtiosCAD, TOPS and other software to create detailed designs and prototypes
- Prepare working drawings from sketches, products, machine specifications and designs
- Inspect and construct packaging samples to ensure final product meets requirements
- Present design concepts to clients, either individually or in collaboration with Sales
- Generating Bills of Materials, drawing specifications, pallet layouts, die lines, art cards as well as be able to analyze paper and do standard box testing
- Manage tight deadlines and work outside regular hours to meet client and production needs
- Additional tasks and projects assigned to you from supervisor/manager
- Design and engineer corrugated trays, bins, produce boxes, retail-ready packaging and custom structural packaging.
- Analyze existing packaging designs to reduce material costs, improve performance, optimize pallet utilization and increase manufacturing efficiency.
- Meet with customers and Sales representatives to identify packaging challenges and develop customized solutions.
- Evaluate board grades, flute profiles, compression requirements, ventilation requirements, moisture resistance needs and distribution conditions.
- Work closely with Operations to ensure designs are compatible with plant equipment and profitability objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree preferred
- Minimum of 4 years of packaging, preferrable in the AG industry
- Comprehensive knowledge of the design process from concept to production
- Strong understanding of costing system and manufacturing processes to optimize profitability and compatibility with production equipment
- Familiarity with ISTA testing requirements for packaging
- Proficiency with Illustrator, Photshop and 3D design tools is a plus
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Team oriented with ability to collaborate across departments
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Positive, can-do attitude with a focus on delving high-quality work
- Familiarity with ArtiosCAD, TOPS, Kongsberg Table, Lansmont Compression Tester and other design tools
- Knowledge of Microsoft and Window Office programs
- Background in graphics, inks, and color concepts is beneficial
- Experience with agricultural and fresh produce packaging preferred.
- Knowledge of corrugated manufacturing processes, flexographic printing, die-cutting equipment, board combinations and flute profiles preferred.
- Knowledge of graphics, inks and color management concepts preferred.
Work Environment:
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations
- Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles
- The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required
Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate
- Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs
- Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands
Work Environment:
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations
- Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles
- The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required
Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate
- Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs
- Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands
External & Internal Applicants
See All 22 Structural Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Designer JobsStructural Designer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Designer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural designer jobs across California.
- EIT or PE licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists preferred or required
- Proficiency in structural analysis and detailing software such as ETABS, SAP2000, or RISA
- Experience producing construction documents using Revit Structure or AutoCAD
- Working knowledge of California Building Code and seismic design requirements under ASCE 7
- Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering or architectural engineering
- Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows and interdisciplinary model review processes
Structural Designer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural designer in California?
The standard California path begins with a bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering, followed by registration as an Engineer-in-Training through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Most structural designers then pursue a Professional Engineer license in civil or structural engineering after accumulating supervised experience. Employers also look for demonstrated proficiency in seismic design, California Building Code compliance, and BIM tools before advancing to senior design roles.
How much do structural designers make in California?
Structural designers 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 structural designers in California?
Employers hiring structural designers in California right now include Stantec, LPA, and KPFF Consulting Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace contractors, public infrastructure agencies, and large commercial developers means openings appear across a broader range of industries here than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most structural designer jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and Sacramento lead California for structural designer openings. Los Angeles anchors demand through its large commercial construction market and aerospace and entertainment facility work, San Francisco draws openings from tech campus development and seismic retrofit projects, and San Diego reflects strong activity from defense contractors and life sciences facility construction.
Are there remote structural designer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're limited. Structural design involves site-specific code review, coordinated BIM modeling, and regular collaboration with architects and contractors, so fully remote arrangements are less common than in purely analytical roles. About 63% of structural designer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The tasks most likely to be performed remotely are preliminary modeling, documentation, and interdisciplinary design reviews.
How can I get hired as a structural designer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an engineer-in-training role or junior drafter position at a mid-size California engineering firm, where you work under a licensed PE on permitted projects. Large firms like AECOM and Jacobs regularly bring on recent graduates into structured junior programs. Building a portfolio of coursework models, earthquake engineering studio projects, or open-source Revit files strengthens applications considerably, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early signals commitment to the PE path that California employers expect.
Where can I find and apply to structural designer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to structural designer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 22 Structural Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Designer Jobs