1

Caltrans Resident Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Resident Engineer

Laguna Hills, CA · Hybrid

$105K - $134K/yr

Provide daily management of Assistant Resident Engineers, inspection personnel, and other quality ... Knowledge of Caltrans construction practices is preferred. * Exhibit excellent oral and written ...

As a Senior Resident Engineer, you will be our ambassador at project sites, ensuring the highest ... Previous construction management experience for Caltrans projects, or projects that had Caltrans ...

As a Senior Resident Engineer, you will be our ambassador at project sites, ensuring the highest ... Previous construction management experience for Caltrans projects, or projects that had Caltrans ...

As a Senior Resident Engineer, you will be our ambassador at project sites, ensuring the highest ... Previous construction management experience for Caltrans projects, or projects that had Caltrans ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Caltrans Resident Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$116.7K

$185K

How much do caltrans resident engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for caltrans resident engineer in the United States is $116,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Caltrans Resident Engineer vs Caltrans Construction Inspector?

AspectCaltrans Resident EngineerCaltrans Construction Inspector
CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, construction-related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees entire project, manages teams, interacts with contractorsInspects construction work, ensures compliance with plans and specs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in project management, overseeing large transportation projectsUsed in field inspection, quality control on construction sites

The Caltrans Resident Engineer typically holds an engineering degree and manages entire transportation projects, overseeing teams and contractor work. In contrast, the Caltrans Construction Inspector focuses on inspecting construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and safety standards. Both roles are essential in transportation project delivery but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work scope.

Infographic showing various Caltrans Resident Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,743 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Resident Engineer

Resident Engineer

Kleinfelder Inc

Laguna Hills, CA • Hybrid

$105K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 hours ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 356 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description

Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level! 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories. 

 

Step into Your New Role

Kleinfelder Construction Services is seeking experienced Resident Engineers for opportunities across Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County and Inland Empire). 

If selected, you would support transportation and / or public works projects with a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and administer the construction of transportation and/or public works projects.
  • Provide daily management of Assistant Resident Engineers, inspection personnel, and other quality assurance staff.
  • Assign field personnel to specific project tasks and oversee their effectiveness.
  • Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
  • Lead weekly progress meetings with contractors, owners, agencies, and other stakeholders as needed.
  • Monitor and track contractor progress.
  • Coordinate utility relocations with the appropriate agencies.
  • Serve as the primary field contact between project contractors and the client's Construction Manager.
  • Provide input for the redesign of facilities to accommodate existing field conditions.
  • Perform analytical calculations, including basic earthwork, grading, profiles, and special staking procedures.
  • Maintain accurate and timely project records.
  • Review and approve quantity calculations for progress pay estimates.
  • Review, approve, and issue contract change orders and associated cost backups.
  • Review contractor's CPM schedule, RFIs, and submittals such as traffic control plans, mix designs, and SWPPP.
  • Review and approve the contractor's monthly progress payments.
  • Review inspectors' daily and weekly diaries.
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications.
  • Ensure the contractor's compliance with contract documents.
  • Lead the project closeout process.

 

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Foster and maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Work independently, make effective decisions on construction work in progress, and resolve field issues.
  • Coordinate effectively with various agencies and departments.
  • Possess knowledge of civil components such as earthwork, grading, drainage, AC and PCC pavement, traffic control, SWPPP measures, signing and striping, and utility coordination.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
  • Knowledge of Caltrans construction practices is preferred.
  • Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
  • Maintain a professional approach to developing strong client relations.

 

Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
  • California Professional Engineer's license preferred.
  • A minimum of 12 years of related experience in consulting engineering or related service business
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
  • Proactive and personable with a strong ability to learn quickly.
  • Capable of working effectively in a team environment.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:Kleinfelder and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver. 

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: 

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range:$200,000 - $275,000.

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. 

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules) 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 

#LI-SF1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME