Structural Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California's structural engineering market spans seismic retrofitting, infrastructure megaprojects, and commercial development, with major employers including AECOM, Thornton Tomasetti, Arup, and Jacobs Engineering. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose concentrate the most sponsorship activity, driven by ongoing transit expansion, high-rise construction, and earthquake-resilience programs across the state.
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INTRODUCTION
Bring your problem-solving mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and established expertise to the Los Angeles (Pasadena, CA) office of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). We are seeking a senior-level Structural Engineer with 15+ years of experience (i.e., Senior Associate/Associate Principal) to join our dynamic and diverse team of architects and engineers.
Responsibilities
-
Project management, including client development, project scoping, assembling and managing appropriate project teams, maintaining project schedules and budgets, and managing client expectations and deliverables
-
Technical leadership, including applying sound engineering judgment and a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary project teams across WJE as the structural engineering subject-matter expert (SME); leveraging your expertise for a variety of structural engineering projects, including the investigation, design, analysis, repair, and renovation of new and existing structures, construction materials, loading conditions, and construction types; preparing technically excellent client deliverables; providing high-quality reviews and oversight of work by others; and performing and training others in hands-on fieldwork
-
Mentorship, including exemplifying WJE’s culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team around you: locally and company-wide, formally and informally, on-and-off projects, for technical topics and overall career development
-
Contributions to structural engineering practice and company-wide objectives, including participating in the attraction, development, and engagement of up-and-coming consultants; collaborating with other WJE experts for in-house knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry-related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in the State of California; Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to obtain SE licensure may be considered for candidates with significant relevant experience
-
Master's degree in civil/structural engineering or related field
-
Minimum fifteen years of relevant structural engineering industry experience, including technical and project management (e.g., failure/damage investigation; non-destructive evaluation and instrumentation; seismic/structural analysis and design for repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of existing structures; and/or specialty consulting of new systems and materials from design through construction)
-
Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, telephones, voicemail, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
-
Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
-
Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
-
Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes
-
Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
-
Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
-
Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
-
Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
CULTURE, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.
Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
-
Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
-
Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.
A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:
$115,650.00 - $192,750.00
WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
-
Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
-
Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
-
Time off to care for yourself and others
-
Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

INTRODUCTION
Bring your problem-solving mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and established expertise to the Los Angeles (Pasadena, CA) office of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). We are seeking a senior-level Structural Engineer with 15+ years of experience (i.e., Senior Associate/Associate Principal) to join our dynamic and diverse team of architects and engineers.
Responsibilities
-
Project management, including client development, project scoping, assembling and managing appropriate project teams, maintaining project schedules and budgets, and managing client expectations and deliverables
-
Technical leadership, including applying sound engineering judgment and a deep understanding of governing codes, design guidelines, and industry practices; collaborating with interdisciplinary project teams across WJE as the structural engineering subject-matter expert (SME); leveraging your expertise for a variety of structural engineering projects, including the investigation, design, analysis, repair, and renovation of new and existing structures, construction materials, loading conditions, and construction types; preparing technically excellent client deliverables; providing high-quality reviews and oversight of work by others; and performing and training others in hands-on fieldwork
-
Mentorship, including exemplifying WJE’s culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team around you: locally and company-wide, formally and informally, on-and-off projects, for technical topics and overall career development
-
Contributions to structural engineering practice and company-wide objectives, including participating in the attraction, development, and engagement of up-and-coming consultants; collaborating with other WJE experts for in-house knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry-related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in the State of California; Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to obtain SE licensure may be considered for candidates with significant relevant experience
-
Master's degree in civil/structural engineering or related field
-
Minimum fifteen years of relevant structural engineering industry experience, including technical and project management (e.g., failure/damage investigation; non-destructive evaluation and instrumentation; seismic/structural analysis and design for repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of existing structures; and/or specialty consulting of new systems and materials from design through construction)
-
Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, telephones, voicemail, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
-
Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
-
Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
-
Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes
-
Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
-
Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
-
Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
-
Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
CULTURE, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.
Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
-
Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
-
Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.
A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:
$115,650.00 - $192,750.00
WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
-
Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
-
Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
-
Time off to care for yourself and others
-
Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.
Structural Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Structural Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaStructural Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for structural engineers in California?
Large engineering and construction firms are the most consistent sponsors for structural engineers in California. AECOM, Arup, Thornton Tomasetti, Jacobs Engineering, and WSP Global have each filed Labor Condition Applications for structural engineering roles in the state. Public agencies and large infrastructure contractors tied to programs like the California High-Speed Rail project also appear in Department of Labor disclosure data as recurring sponsors.
Which visa types are most common for structural engineer roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for structural engineers in California, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Australian citizens may also qualify for the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and is available year-round. Canadian and Mexican engineers sometimes enter under TN status, which lists civil engineering as a qualifying profession.
Which cities in California have the most structural engineer sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles and San Francisco account for the largest share of structural engineering sponsorship activity in California. Los Angeles draws demand from transit expansion, seismic retrofit mandates, and high-rise development. San Francisco and the broader Bay Area generate openings through tech campus construction and strict seismic codes. San Diego has a secondary cluster tied to defense infrastructure and life sciences facility construction.
How to find structural engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship, and you can filter directly by role and state to find structural engineer openings in California. Unlike general job boards, Migrate Mate surfaces employers with active sponsorship histories, so you spend less time filtering out companies that won't sponsor. Checking listings regularly matters, as infrastructure and design firms in California post openings on rolling timelines tied to project awards.
Are there state-specific considerations for structural engineers seeking sponsorship in California?
California's seismic environment means employers commonly seek candidates with experience in ASCE 7, CBC (California Building Code), and performance-based seismic design, which can strengthen a sponsorship case by demonstrating specialized knowledge. California also enforces its own prevailing wage standards on public works projects, meaning sponsored roles tied to state or local government contracts must meet both federal LCA wage requirements and California's own wage determinations. PE licensure from another state requires California-specific reciprocity steps.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored structural engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which structural engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in California right now.
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