Structural Drafter Jobs in California
Structural Drafter jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with steady demand across commercial construction, civil infrastructure, and seismic retrofit engineering from entry-level CAD technicians through senior structural design drafters. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where firms like AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, and Thornton Tomasetti maintain significant California operations. The most in-demand specialties include seismic and lateral-force-resisting systems, precast concrete detailing, and BIM-integrated structural documentation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group spanning architectural, structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, process engineering, pipeline design, and integrity management works together to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions.
Step into Your New Role
This role requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive drafting and design experience supporting bridge, transportation, structural, and civil infrastructure projects, with significant experience delivering projects for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Experience supporting multidisciplinary structural and transportation projects is highly preferred.
The successful candidate will provide senior-level drafting and design services related to bridge structures, retaining walls, transportation infrastructure, structural systems, and associated civil facilities. Work will be performed in accordance with Kleinfelder and client-specific standards, with a strong emphasis on Caltrans design procedures, drafting requirements, and project delivery standards.
Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in current versions of MicroStation, OpenBridge Designer, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or Revit, along with extensive knowledge of Caltrans drafting standards, title block requirements, and plan production standards.
As a key member of the project team, the Senior Drafter will collaborate closely with bridge engineers, roadway engineers, and multidisciplinary design staff to deliver high-quality design packages while maintaining demanding project schedules. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical drafting expertise, leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will also mentor and support junior CADD staff, provide technical drafting guidance, and assist with maintaining drafting standards and best practices. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments while consistently delivering accurate, high-quality work on schedule.
Local candidates are preferred however remote candidates may be considered.
EXPERIENCE & ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 10 years of experience in 2D design and 3D modeling with ACAD, Revit, MicroStation, CadWorx, and Plant 3D. Experience with Advance Steel, ProSteel, OpenRoads, OpenBridge is a plus.
- Experience with concrete, steel structures and multi-discipline projects is required.
- Technical Diploma in drafting design or equivalent is a must. A Bachelor's degree or Associates degree is highly preferred – an equivalent combination of experience and education would be considered.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare electronic working plans and technical drawings that are in compliance with project standards and goals.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Establish and modify personal work processes according to industry guidelines and procedures.
- Work closely with design discipline lead/engineers and design team members to ensure design documents are completed according to deadlines.
- Work closely, provide guidance and assistance to team members and Lead as needed.
- Provide input into design budget and hour estimates as required to support proposals and cost estimates.
- Provide assistance in the development of work practices and procedures as required.
- Perform conceptual layout work, develop design details, check drawings prior to release
- Knowledge of industry or regulatory standards, regulations and codes pertinent to the design and systems related to the project.
- Must function independently with minimal supervision in a multi-discipline team setting
- Must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues
- Computer knowledge is required including Microsoft® Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Sharepoint)
- Job is performed in an office environment; site travel may be required, depending on project
COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
- Strong communication, collaboration, and customer service skills
- Ability to handle very detailed work and demonstrate a high level of accuracy.
- Helpful and willing to provide mentorship as needed.
- Have a “get it done” attitude and proactive.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines.
- Must be able to work in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.
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
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: $63,206 - 105,487.
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)
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See All 7 Structural Drafter Jobs in California
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Find Structural Drafter JobsStructural Drafter Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Drafter Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural drafter jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or a related field
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit Structure for construction document production
- Working knowledge of California Building Code and IBC seismic design requirements
- Experience producing structural drawings for wood-frame, steel, or concrete construction projects
- Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows and clash detection tools such as Navisworks
- Strong ability to read and interpret structural engineering calculations and specifications
Structural Drafter Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural drafter in California?
The most direct path is completing an associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or architectural engineering from a California community college or CSU campus. California does not require a state license specifically for structural drafters, but employers strongly prefer candidates who hold or are pursuing NICET certification or an ADDA-recognized credential. Building a portfolio of seismic-compliant structural drawings and gaining proficiency in Revit Structure and AutoCAD significantly strengthens your candidacy with California engineering firms.
How much do structural drafters make in California?
Structural drafters in California earn a median of about $76,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,850 for the lowest 10% to over $114,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire structural drafters in California?
Employers hiring structural drafters in California right now include WSP, Kleinfelder, and T & B Engineering, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large infrastructure pipeline and active commercial development market mean that both large multidisciplinary engineering firms and specialized structural engineering consultancies post openings on a consistent basis throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most structural drafter jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and Anaheim account for the largest concentration of structural drafter openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its scale of commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use construction, San Francisco and the Bay Area generate demand from tech campus buildouts and seismic retrofit mandates, and Sacramento sees consistent openings tied to state infrastructure projects and regional public works programs.
Are there remote structural drafter jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields because structural drafting often requires coordination with on-site engineers and project teams reviewing physical drawings. About 0% of structural drafter openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting firms that have adapted their documentation workflows to cloud-based BIM platforms. Tasks such as detailing, drafting, and BIM modeling are the most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a structural drafter in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for a CAD technician or junior drafter position at a California structural or civil engineering firm while completing or having recently finished a drafting technology program at a community college such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College or Sacramento City College. Large California-based engineering firms including AECOM and Jacobs regularly bring on entry-level drafters through internship pipelines tied to California State University programs. Building a portfolio of seismic detailing samples and obtaining Autodesk Revit certification gives candidates without job history a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to structural drafter jobs in California?
You can find and apply to structural drafter jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated on an ongoing basis. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to each one.
See All 7 Structural Drafter Jobs in California
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Find Structural Drafter Jobs