Structural Engineer Jobs in California
Structural Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in seismic retrofit and resilience work, large-scale commercial and mixed-use development, transportation infrastructure, and water systems across a market that hires from entry-level graduates through principal engineers. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like AECOM, Thornton Tomasetti, and WSP maintain major California offices and take on some of the state's most complex projects. The most in-demand specialties are seismic design and analysis, bridge and highway structures, and high-rise lateral systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking a talented Principal Civil / Structural Engineer to join our team in our Roseville, CA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office.
Our specialists have the in-depth knowledge to excel on the most challenging engineering assignments. We provide innovative solutions for water resources structures, including dams, levees, and hydraulic structures; foundations; underground construction; earth structures; groundwater resources; and marginal building sites. Our structural engineering team focuses on both rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and design of new infrastructure solutions, including power houses, dams, flumes, canals, spillways, and gates.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will support critical infrastructure design and construction across the California foothills and mountains. Our projects include canals, flumes, dams, spillways, gates, and other critical hydraulic structures to help solve California’s critical water supply issues. As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for technical and business aspects of the firm and may provide expert technical input and/or oversight on large, complex projects. Expertise is required in dam and levee safety; foundation design; seismic evaluation; structural analysis, and development of recommendations for linear infrastructure projects. This position also includes general engineering on hydropower facilities including penstocks, diversion dams, pipelines, headworks, gate structures, canals, flumes, and siphons.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Plans and determines scope, resources, schedule, and budget requirements for major and/or complex projects
- Independently designs and/or leads the charge to complete major projects
- Manages and leads major or multiple large projects with multi-disciplinary teams and subcontractors and/or subconsultants
- Independently applies extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to evaluate, select, and apply techniques, procedures, and analyses
- Performs construction support services, including assisting client with bid activities, performs or oversees construction observation, interacts and coordinates with contractors/inspectors/agencies, manages field changes, and closes out projects
- Reviews completed project documents for conformity and quality assurance
- Conducts business development to build a book of business. Generates leads, pursues new opportunities, and develops new markets/clients.
- Works with multi-disciplinary teams for project pursuit and capture.
- Builds and maintains client relationships, works to identify and understand client needs, and manages client expectations. Assists clients with risk evaluation and asset management.
- Manages technical staff to build a high performing team that delivers an exceptional work product.
- Mentors the team in preparation for future challenges.
- Develops new techniques and/or improved processes
- Leads project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments
- Represents the organization in communications and conferences pertaining to broad aspects of engineering assignments
- Assigns tasks to and directs junior consultants and technicians
- Supervises one or more technical staff
- Trains staff on use of specialty software or proprietary applications
- Assists senior management in implementing business programs, and may manage organizational programs under the direction of senior management
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring to our firm:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.
- 15 or more years of increasing responsibility and experience in civil and structural engineering.
- Experience in project management on multi-disciplinary teams, and business and client development
- Professional Engineering license in California, or a state that provides comity with California.
- Expert-level knowledge of civil/structural engineering concepts, theories and practices.
- Proficient in the review and preparation of reports, plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E)
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, MS Office, and similar computer programs.
- Knowledge of specialized structural analysis computer programs
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Structural Engineering license in California
- Experience in advanced structural modeling software
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS:
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
LOCATION
Location: Roseville, CA
CORE BUSINESS HOURS: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EEO STATEMENT
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
APPLICANTS IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
APPLICANTS IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
APPLICANTS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
See All 254+ Structural Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Structural Engineer JobsStructural Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman15

- Stantec10

- DEGENKOLB ENGINEERS10

- KPFF Consulting Engineers10

- HDR9

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services55
- Construction & Real Estate12
- Energy5
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Law & Legal Services2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural engineer jobs across California.
- Active California SE or PE license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers
- Bachelor's or master's degree in civil or structural engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, or comparable structural analysis software
- Experience with seismic design codes, including CBC and ASCE 7 requirements
- Ability to produce and review structural drawings and specifications using AutoCAD or Revit
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with project teams and clients
Structural Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural engineer in California?
Becoming a structural engineer in California requires earning an accredited engineering degree, gaining qualifying work experience, and passing the exams administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. California offers a dedicated Structural Engineer license, the SE, which authorizes design of complex structures and is required for hospitals and schools under the state's Essential Services Act. Most engineers first obtain their Civil PE, then pursue the California SE through additional exams.
Which companies hire structural engineers in California?
Employers hiring structural engineers in California right now include Northrop Grumman, Stantec, and DEGENKOLB ENGINEERS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of seismic retrofit mandates, major transit programs, and large mixed-use development projects keeps demand steady at both large national firms and regional specialty practices.
Which California cities have the most structural engineer jobs?
The cities with the most structural engineer openings in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Los Angeles dominates because of its sheer volume of commercial construction, public infrastructure investment, and the state's largest concentration of engineering firms, while San Francisco and San Diego draw openings through major transit, waterfront, and institutional projects backed by large public and private clients.
Are there remote structural engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 57% of structural engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the role requires site visits, hands-on coordination with contractors, and in-person plan review. The parts of the work most suited to remote arrangements are analysis, modeling, and report writing rather than construction administration.
How can I get hired as a structural engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an engineer-in-training role at a mid-size California structural or civil engineering firm, where new graduates work under licensed SEs on live projects while accumulating the experience hours required for licensure. Large California firms including AECOM, Jacobs, and Kleinfelder run structured new-graduate programs. Completing the FE exam through the California Board before graduating gives candidates a clear edge, and a portfolio of university project work or internship drawings strengthens any application to design-focused practices.
Where can I find and apply to structural engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to structural engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience, specialization, and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 254+ Structural Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Engineer Jobs