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Assistant Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As an Assistant Project Engineer/Manager in San Diego, CA you will have an opportunity to guide the infrastructure needed for multi-disciplinary teams working on meaningful and landmark projects in ...

Project Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Prepare reports and information as requested. * Assist project manager with buyouts, purchase ... The Project Engineer should know the details of the project better than any other team member ...

Project Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Project Engineers & Assistant Project Managers (APM) assist the Project Manager and Project Superintendent in bidding, tracking down subcontractor releases, project billings, helping with RFIs ...

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Assistant Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$82.2K

$120.4K

How much do assistant project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant project engineer in California is $82,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Project Engineer, you need a strong foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CAD tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications like EIT (Engineer in Training) is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you coordinate with diverse stakeholders and manage project tasks efficiently. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

What is an assistant project engineer?

An assistant project engineer supports project managers and senior engineers in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects. They often handle tasks such as preparing reports, managing schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, typically requiring technical knowledge and proficiency with project management tools. This role serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing careers in engineering or construction management.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Project Engineers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Project Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple project deadlines, coordinating with diverse teams, and adapting to shifting project requirements. Effective time management, proactive communication with team members, and a willingness to learn from senior engineers can help address these obstacles. Building strong organizational skills and staying updated on project management tools are also crucial for success in this role.

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

AspectAssistant Project EngineerProject Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's degree; often more experience and certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports project management team, assists with planning and coordinationLeads project phases, manages teams, and oversees execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in construction, civil, or mechanical industriesMid-level role with greater responsibility in similar industries

The main difference is that the Assistant Project Engineer supports and assists the Project Engineer, focusing on coordination and administrative tasks, while the Project Engineer takes on more responsibility for planning, execution, and managing project teams. The Assistant Project Engineer is typically an entry-level position, whereas the Project Engineer has more experience and authority in project management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Project Engineer jobs in California? For Assistant Project Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Project Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Project Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Project Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Project Engineer jobs in CA? For Assistant Project Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Project Engineer

Assistant Project Engineer

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$108K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Looking for a place to grow your career and make a difference? RICK is the place for you!

As an Assistant Project Engineer/Manager in San Diego, CA you will have an opportunity to guide the infrastructure needed for multi-disciplinary teams working on meaningful and landmark projects in the West. As a RICK team member, you will be a foundational part to help our clients and communities turn their dreams into reality. You will learn from and work alongside industry-leading experts and together shape the future of tomorrow. At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun!

This role involves shaping our deeply collaborative, client-centric consulting environment, where an unwavering commitment to service excellence is a core principle.

Qualifications

Candidate will have a BSCE degree, California Registration as a Professional Engineer, plus a minimum of five (5) years of land development experience or the equivalent of ten (10) years of total work experience.

Candidates for this position must demonstrate:

  • Independent thought and decision-making abilities.
  • Be adept in establishing and maintaining strong and positive working relationships with clients and public agency personnel as well as in-house professional peers.
  • Knowledge of jurisdictional codes, standards, and procedures in the State of CA and the region is strongly preferred.
  • Accepts and responds appropriately to constructive feedback with others and applies seasoned time management.

Candidateโ€™s experience must also include the following:

  • Supervision of engineering design and support staff (including task delegation, technical mentorship and training, and providing quality control).
  • Management of project schedules and budgets.
  • Assistance with the preparation of contracts, fee proposals, and scopes of work.
  • Significant experience in client and public-agency interactions.

Candidateโ€™s technical experience must include the following:

  • Preliminary engineering design studies (incorporating land use and zoning considerations, assessment and consideration of site constraints, and potential regulatory issues).
  • Preparation/processing of tentative tract maps, understanding of final subdivision map processes, preparation/processing of public improvement plans and site development plans for commercial and residential developments.
  • An ability to perform constructability reviews of final engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Experience with a range of construction support services.
  • Preparation and review of civil-related technical reports for grading and utility design, including stormwater management and drainage reports.

AutoCAD/Civil 3D experience required.

Position generally requires extensive experience and demonstrated engineering abilities in all aspects of land development projects and in interacting comfortably and productively with clients and public agencies.

Additional Attributes:

  • Relates well and maintains a high level of respect and confidence from co-workers, public agencies and demonstrates an ability to negotiate effectively.
  • Demonstrates a high level of competence in written and oral communication

What We Offer:

Generous Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave

Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and Events and Alternative Work Schedule

At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun! Learn more by visiting www.rickengineering.com

RICK Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer

RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.