Assistant Civil Structural Engineer Jobs in California

About ESi 

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.

Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.

At ESi, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.

Why ESi

ESi’s Civil and Structural team evaluates, investigates, and restores structures and sites through detailed inspections, engineering analysis, and research. By identifying causes of damage and failure, the team develops practical solutions that improve safety, performance, and reliability across the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client Development & Collaboration:

• Develop local clients and projects in the construction industry by working in concert with regional business development staff and colleagues in ESi’s Civil/Structural Practice. 
• Participate in business development activities including client meetings, conference participation, presentations, and relationship building to identify potential clients and grow client base. 
• Represent ESi and its consultants professionally in the marketplace and help expand ESi’s Civil/Structural presence.
• Partner with peers across ESi disciplines and offices to pursue and execute cross-functional projects. 

Technical Leadership & Forensic Investigations:

• Perform field inspections of residential, commercial, transportation and industrial structures, etc. to determine the cause and origin of reported or suspected damage, provide repair recommendations, and perform condition assessments. 
• Prepare clear and rigorous technical reports, visual exhibits, and expert opinions for use in litigation and/or insurance matters. 
• Provide expert witness testimony via deposition and trial as experience and project needs dictate. 
• For projects not involving property loss or damage, provide consulting services to clients on civil engineering design and construction topics within the consultant's area of expertise. 
• Confer with project personnel to provide technical guidance and to resolve problems. 
• Conduct professional, clear, and effective client presentations and technical conference presentations. 
• Prepare and review project proposals including project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing requirements and make informed determinations regarding project acceptance. 
• Confer with project teams to outline work plan and to assign scope, duties, and responsibilities of the team.

 Project & Practice Management: 

• Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary teams; manage timelines, budgets, and client expectations. 
• Adhere to and contribute to ESi’s QA/QC standards by reviewing peers’ work. 
• Perform ongoing continuing education, including preparing technical presentations, white papers, and/or peer-reviewed papers relevant to the consultant's area of practice. 
• Mentor junior consultants to support their technical and professional development. 

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

• BS degree in Civil Engineering required 
• MS degree in Civil / Structural Engineering preferred. 

 Experience Requirements: 

• 4+ years of experience in structural engineering 
• Experience in a forensic or consulting environment preferred 
• Structural inspection and condition assessment experience preferred 
• Residential and/or commercial construction experience and/or materials lab investigation experience a plus 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• P.E. license preferred
• Ability to obtain a PE license within 2 years of employment will be considered

Computer Skills:

• Structural analysis software such as SAP2000 or RISA
• AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Microsoft Office 

What We Can Offer You

We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) – encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year 
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities 

The pay range listed reflects a good-faith estimate of the compensation we expect to offer most candidates for this role. Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, location, and overall company performance.

After internal discussions and market research, the current pay band for this opportunity is $85,000 to $130,000.

Physical Demands:

This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails.

ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.