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Civil Engineer Design Engineer Jobs in California

Siegfried Engineering

Civil Design Engineer II

Truckee, CA · On-site

$41.96 - $54.56/hr

Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D software for design and documentation * Prepare civil engineering designs, plans, and specifications for projects such as grading, drainage, utilities, roadways, and site ...

Essel

Civil Design Engineer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a motivated and skilled Civil Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to civil engineering project design ...

Essel

Civil Design Engineer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a motivated and skilled Civil Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to civil engineering project design ...

Essel

Civil Design Engineer

Oceanside, CA

Essel is looking for a motivated and skilled Civil Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to civil engineering project design ...

SYSTRA

$114K - $139K/yr

Context We're looking for a new Civil Design Engineer in our Infrastructure Group to help drive the objectives and challenges our valued clients have trusted us to solve for them. The ideal candidate ...

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All JobsCivil Engineer Design Engineer JobsCivil Engineer Design Engineer Jobs in California

Civil Engineer Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do civil engineer design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineer design engineer in California is $81,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a civil engineer be a design engineer?

Yes, a civil engineer can serve as a design engineer, especially in areas such as structural, transportation, or environmental design. Civil engineers often use CAD software and have skills in project planning, making them well-suited for design engineering roles within civil projects.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Civil engineers typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with high earners often reaching this level through senior positions, specialized expertise, or working on large-scale projects. Achieving such income may require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership roles in the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Civil Engineer Design Engineers when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Civil Engineer Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting to changing project requirements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Managing tight deadlines while maintaining design accuracy and cost-effectiveness is also a frequent hurdle. Additionally, effective communication with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines is crucial for resolving design conflicts and ensuring project success.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand sectors like infrastructure, oil and gas, or large-scale construction projects. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with high cost-of-living or competitive markets.

What is the difference between Civil Engineer Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer Project Manager?

AspectCivil Engineer Design EngineerCivil Engineer Project Manager
Primary RoleDesigns and develops civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.Oversees project execution, manages teams, and ensures project completion within scope, time, and budget.
CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering; licensure often required.Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; often requires professional engineering license.
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, CAD software.Construction sites, offices, client meetings.
Industry UsageFocuses on technical design and planning.Focuses on project management and coordination.

While Civil Engineer Design Engineers concentrate on creating detailed project designs, Civil Engineer Project Managers oversee the entire project process, ensuring designs are implemented effectively. Both roles require engineering credentials and often work together in civil construction projects.

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

To thrive as a Civil Engineer Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, mathematics, and civil engineering principles, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and professional licensure (such as EIT or PE). Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and STAAD.Pro, as well as familiarity with relevant building codes and standards, is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative infrastructure designs that meet client and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced civil engineers, especially those in senior management or specialized consulting roles, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes involvement in large-scale projects or leadership positions within engineering firms.

What does a Civil Engineer Design Engineer do?

A Civil Engineer Design Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects related to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They use engineering principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and specifications. Their work ensures that projects are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. They often collaborate with architects, construction teams, and government agencies to bring projects from concept to completion.
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs in California? For Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Civil Engineer Design Engineer job openings:
Civil Engineer Design Engineer jobs near you
Civil Engineer I

Civil Engineer I

Sherwood Design Engineers

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Design Engineer I
Los Angeles, CA (for a team located out of San Francisco, CA)
About Sherwood Design Engineers
Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people, communities and the environment.
Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources - carbon, energy, water, and waste. We've worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.
Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.
Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?
Role Summary
At Sherwood Design Engineers, we value collaboration that incorporates multiple perspectives, and believe that diverse ideas produce more robust and equitable solutions. We have an amazing opportunity for a driven and curious Design Engineer focused on land development design to support our team.
Minimum Skills
  • Typically industry internship experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental
  • Exercises sound judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional and innovative work.
  • Ability to work with multiple site base files oriented in different coordinate frames and varying units.
  • Ability to read, understand and design topographic information.
  • Working knowledge of Windows, MS Office, and cloud-based collaboration software (Google Apps, Asana, Dropbox, Sharepoint, etc.)
  • Proficient in AutoCAD

Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of civil design programs (Civil 3D, HydroCAD, Flowmasters, StormCAD, etc)
  • Knowledge of Graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Certifications or other sustainability-oriented accreditation preferred (LEED , EIT, etc.)
  • Knowledge of GIS principles
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

Expected Outcomes
  • Physical Site Assessment and Field Visits
  • Research, understand, and summarize regulatory requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects, public works improvements, or other capital improvement projects using applied knowledge of civil engineering
  • Data Collection and Processing
  • Numerical Computations in the field of Civil Engineering, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Stormwater management, etc
  • Prepare Technical Reports, Project Specifications, and Cost Estimates
  • Create and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics
  • Use drafting tools or computer-aided design (CAD) equipment and software in design work.
  • Oversee construction of projects to ensure adherence to design specifications
  • Ensure projects comply with local zoning and ordinances, as well as national regulatory requirements

What We Offer
  • Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
  • Flexible working - with every other Friday off
  • Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
  • Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
  • Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
  • Automatic 401k enrollment
  • Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
  • A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment!

Compensation:
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $73,000 to $82,000. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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