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Assistant Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Compton

Associate Civil Engineer

Compton, CA

$83K - $98K/yr

This class is distinguished from the lower level Assistant Civil Engineer class in that the latter performs less complex technical engineering functions and does not require registration as a ...

City of Berkeley, CA

Associate Civil Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$143K - $173K/yr

... Assistant Civil Engineer class. Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted for the college coursework on a year-for-year basis. Other requirements include possession of a valid ...

City of Compton, CA

Associate Civil Engineer

Compton, CA · On-site

$83K - $98K/yr

This class is distinguished from the lower level Assistant Civil Engineer class in that the latter performs less complex technical engineering functions and does not require registration as a ...

WHB Engineers

Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Develop work plans and schedules * Assist in the management of projects to ensure they are on ... Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; Master's degree preferred * Professional ...

WHB Engineers

Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Develop work plans and schedules * Assist in the management of projects to ensure they are on ... Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; Master's degree preferred * Professional ...

REY Engineers, Inc

Civil Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $150K/yr

Engineers , we're looking for an experienced Civil Engineer who thrives in a collaborative ... Coordinate with clients, agencies, contractors, and subconsultants * Assist with project schedules ...

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All JobsCivil Engineer JobsAssistant Civil Engineer JobsAssistant Civil Engineer Jobs in California

Assistant Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$81.3K

$121.9K

How much do assistant civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant civil engineer in California is $81,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Assistant Civil Engineer within a project team?

As an Assistant Civil Engineer, you will often support senior engineers in designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects, such as roads, bridges, or buildings. Your tasks may include preparing drawings using CAD software, conducting site inspections, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. You'll frequently collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineers, contributing to meetings and helping resolve on-site challenges. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and a clear path for advancement to more senior engineering positions.

What are Assistant Civil Engineers?

Assistant Civil Engineers are entry-level professionals who support senior engineers in planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They assist with site inspections, preparing reports, analyzing data, and ensuring projects comply with regulations and safety standards. Their role often includes working with drafting software, coordinating with contractors, and helping to resolve technical issues that arise during construction. This position serves as a starting point for a career in civil engineering, offering valuable hands-on experience and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and construction methods, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management software, as well as certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training), are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with senior engineers, contractors, and stakeholders. These capabilities ensure accurate project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectAssistant Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; often with additional licensure
Work EnvironmentAssists in project planning, site supervision, and documentationDesigns, plans, and manages civil engineering projects independently
ResponsibilitiesSupports senior engineers, handles routine tasks, site inspectionsLeads project phases, makes technical decisions, client communication
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in construction and infrastructure projectsMid-level to senior role, often overseeing projects and teams

In summary, an Assistant Civil Engineer typically supports civil engineers with project tasks and site work, while a Civil Engineer takes on more independent design, planning, and project management responsibilities. Both roles require a civil engineering degree, but the Civil Engineer usually has more experience and authority in project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Civil Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Civil Engineer job openings:
Assistant Civil Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Civil Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,336 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Assistant Civil Engineer

Assistant Civil Engineer

MacKay & Somps Civil Engineers, Inc.

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Please click here to view a list of all current job openings: MacKay & Somps Civil Engineers, Inc.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MacKay & Somps is looking to fill an Assistant Civil Engineer position in our Pleasanton, CA office. Qualified candidates with an interest in and experience in land development design, public infrastructure design, and/or hydrology and hydraulic stormwater and flood control modeling, or a combination of these, are encouraged to apply using the "Apply" link. B.S. in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited university is required. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in California is preferred. Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Associate Civil Engineers work under the general direction of our senior staff on a wide range of land development and public infrastructure projects including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments; as well as public infrastructure projects (sanitary sewer, water supply, water resources and storm drainage). Assignments may include supervision of junior and assistant level staff, AutoCAD Civil 3D design and drafting, grading and earthwork design, hydrology/hydraulics calculations, and coordination with public agencies and other consultants.
 
Desired Skills & Experience
A minimum of 2 years of land development and/or public infrastructure design experience in California.
 Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
 Some project management experience is preferred such as assisting with client and agency communication, coordinating with team design consultants, compiling submittals, preparing project schedules, assisting with proposal writing, etc.
 Competence in Hydrology & Hydraulic modeling is a plus.
 Good communication skills and the ability to work with a team are required.
Software used in this role may include AutoCAD Civil3D, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XP-Storm, and WaterCAD Version 8i.
 
We value candidates that fit with our culture of strong work ethic and team camaraderie. Highly proficient engineers with proven experience who thrive in a team-oriented, client driven work environment are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you are interested in applying to MacKay & Somps and need a reasonable accommodation to do so, or would like to apply for general consideration, please contact [email protected] or 925-416-1790.
 
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
 
For a complete listing of all our openings, please visit our careers webpage: https://msce.com/careers/
 
No recruiters please.
$45 - $60 an hour
About MacKay & Somps
Few engineering firms match our track record in California. We are one of the largest and most successful privately held civil engineering firms in NorCal, with offices in Pleasanton (SF Bay Area) and Roseville (Sacramento Valley). Consistently listed in the top 500 design firms in the US by the ENR as we successfully integrate engineering, planning, and surveying expertise to get projects built efficiently and cost effectively. Founded in 1953, MacKay & Somps helped drive growth in Northern California after World War II and we continue that same energy today. Our multi-disciplinary teams provide services from entitlements through construction.
MacKay & Somps is an equal opportunity employer.
Benefits
MacKay & Somps' goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of employees. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to personnel matters.
MacKay & Somps offers an excellent compensation and benefits package which includes:
         Competitive salary,
         Generous bonus structure,
         Profit sharing trust/401(k) plan,
         Student Loan Paydown program and tuition assistance,
         Excellent medical, vision, and dental plans with Company contributions to a health savings account,
         Life, AD&D, LTD/STD insurance,
         Wellness Reimbursement Program
         and more!
MacKay & Somps also offers flexible work schedules and an active, high energy work environment with periodic Friday barbeques/lunch gatherings. The company hosts a holiday lunch and an annual companywide dinner party along with other social activities throughout the year. If you are interested in applying to MacKay & Somps and need a reasonable accommodation to do so or would like to apply to our company for general consideration, please contact [email protected].
 
Notice to Applicants
MacKay & Somps Civil Engineers, Inc. (the Company) collects certain personal information about you. This notice describes the categories of personal information about you. This notice describes the categories of personal information the Company collects and the purposes for which they are used in accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).
The law provides California applicants and employees with certain rights with respect to the personal information collected from them, including the rights: to delete personal information; to correct inaccurate personal information; to access personal information; to know what personal information is sold or shared and to whom; to opt out of selling or sharing of personal information; to limit use and disclosure of sensitive personal information; and not to be discriminated or retaliated against for exercising rights under the law.
The personal information we collect as part of our application process as presented to us either solicited or unsolicited, intentionally or unintentionally, on a resume, in an email, or in another submitted form includes, but is not limited to: identifiers; name; signature; address; telephone number; email address; education and employment history; characteristics of protected classifications such as age, marital status, gender, sex, race, color, disability, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, military/veteran status, etc.; and inferences drawn from any of the personal and sensitive information listed.
The Company collects information about you from you; prior employers, references, recruiters, and job-related social media platforms; and third-party companies related to an open job posting.
During the recruitment process, the Company uses your personal information strictly for recruitment purposes only. In the event of a presented and accepted offer, applications will be kept as part of the candidate's personnel record. For purposes of the CCPA/CPRA, the Company does not sell or share the personal information or sensitive personal information of job applicants or employees.
The Company retains the information it receives about you for a period of ten years, unless a shorter or longer period is required by California or federal law.
 
For inquiries or to submit requests for information, deletion, or correction, or to request a copy of the Company's privacy policy, please contact:
MacKay & Somps Administrative Services
5142 Franklin Drive, Suite C
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-1790
[email protected]
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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