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Civil Engineering Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trilon

Engineering Designer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Alta Planning + Design seeks an Engineering Designer II for our Los Angeles office. This production ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or a related field of study.

Trilon

Engineering Designer II

Ontario, CA · On-site

Alta Planning + Design seeks an Engineering Designer II for our Ontario, California office. This ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or a related field of study.

Siegfried Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

You will also collaborate with Civil Engineering Technicians to ensure that all designs meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. What You'll Do * Design and produce construction ...

RICK

Associate Engineering Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.50 - $48.50/hr

As an Associate Civil Engineering Designer in San Diego, CA, you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the Inland Empire region. As a ...

Essel

Civil 3D Designer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

In this role, you will be instrumental in the planning and design of civil engineering projects ... As a Civil 3D Designer, you will be responsible for producing design drawings, grading plans ...

Essel

Civil 3D Designer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

In this role, you will be instrumental in the planning and design of civil engineering projects ... As a Civil 3D Designer, you will be responsible for producing design drawings, grading plans ...

Essel

Civil 3D Designer

Oceanside, CA

In this role, you will be instrumental in the planning and design of civil engineering projects ... As a Civil 3D Designer, you will be responsible for producing design drawings, grading plans ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Ensure that designs are compliant with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards. Qualifications and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field). * Engineer-in ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$73K - $95K/yr

Ensure that designs are compliant with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards. Qualifications and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field). * Engineer-in ...

Nasland Engineering

Civil Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Ensure that designs are compliant with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards. Qualifications and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field). * Engineer-in ...

Parsons

Civil Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$88K - $154K/yr

Interface with multiple engineering disciplines and departments. * Provide technical guidance to CAD Designers/Drafters and junior engineers. Qualifications: * B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. * P.E.

SYSTRA

$114K - $139K/yr

The Company SYSTRA delivers architecture, engineering and construction and program management ... designers, drafters and others who work collectively to ensure client projects continue to thrive ...

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All JobsCivil Engineering Designer JobsCivil Engineering Designer Jobs in California

Civil Engineering Designer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$80.7K

$115.5K

How much do civil engineering designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering designer in California is $80,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Civil Engineering Designer do?

A Civil Engineering Designer is responsible for creating detailed plans and drawings for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water systems, and land developments. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to translate engineers’ concepts and specifications into technical drawings that guide construction teams. Their work ensures projects meet safety, regulatory, and environmental standards. Civil Engineering Designers often collaborate closely with engineers, surveyors, and architects throughout the design and planning process.

What are some common challenges faced by Civil Engineering Designers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Civil Engineering Designers often collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, surveyors, and contractors on multidisciplinary projects. A common challenge is coordinating design changes and ensuring that civil plans align with evolving requirements from other disciplines. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to prevent delays or costly errors. Adapting to different design standards and integrating various software tools used by other teams can also present difficulties, but these challenges foster valuable learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Designer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineering DesignerCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project sites, collaborating with engineersConstruction sites, design offices, assisting engineers
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companiesConstruction companies, engineering firms, public works departments

The Civil Engineering Designer primarily focuses on creating detailed project designs and plans, often requiring a bachelor's degree. In contrast, the Civil Engineering Technician supports these designs through drafting, data collection, and site inspections, typically holding an associate degree. Both roles work closely within the civil engineering industry but differ in education requirements and scope of responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Designer, you need a strong background in civil engineering principles, drafting, and design, typically backed by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in technical tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and knowledge of building codes or industry standards is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional designers apart. These competencies ensure precise, compliant designs and smooth collaboration with project teams, leading to successful project outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Designer jobs in California? For Civil Engineering Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineering Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineering Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Designer jobs in CA? For Civil Engineering Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Civil Engineering Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,733 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Senior Designer - Civil Engineering

Senior Designer - Civil Engineering

SAN DIEGUITO ENGINEERING INC

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Civil engineering designer

San Dieguito Engineering (SDE) is a looking to hire a full-time Civil Engineering Designer with a minimum of 5-8 years’ experience in land development and civil engineering design/plan preparation.   Established in 1974, SDE is an award-winning civil engineering firm located in Carlsbad, California providing professional services in land planning, land surveying, and civil engineering for the private and public works sectors.  We believe we are only as good as the passionate people who work for us and through collaboration we can exceed our clients’ expectations.
About The Position
SDE is looking for an AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation designer to work within our Engineering Department. Job responsibilities will include preparing drawings for all types of engineering projects including grading and improvement plans, tentative subdivision maps, utility and storm drain plan and profile, erosion control plans, traffic control plans, and exhibits for technical studies.
Additional experience in preparing survey maps, records of surveys, corner records, survey plats, including but not limited to, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, topographic surveys, right-of-way maps, easement dedication, vacation, and annexation plats is a plus. You may also be responsible for preparing survey calculations for construction projects from civil engineering and architectural plans if you are familiar with survey mapping.
 
Additional Responsibilities
ž   Analyzing sketches, notes and other input material to determine best approach to complete a drawing set
ž   Managing production of drawing sets from creation, markup and modification based on overall design
ž   Working collaboratively with other CADD practitioners to prepare design drawings and details and reviewing completed work products to ensure quality
 
Candidate Qualifications
ž   5-8 years of full-time experience preparing CADD drawings. (required)
ž   Equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, including those described above. (required)
ž   Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD Civil 3D (release 2022 or above). (required)
ž   Experience developing and working with grading plans, cross-sections, alignments, profiles, three-dimensional surfaces, and earthwork volumes for land development and other large civil design projects. (required)
ž   Experience using/incorporating land or aerial surveying/mapping data and files. (required)
ž   Experience with stormwater management design. (preferred)
ž   Experience with ArcGIS and MicroStation. (preferred)
ž   Strong reasoning, mathematical, and geometrical skills. (required)
ž   Understanding of Microsoft Office applications, including Windows, Outlook, Word, and Excel. (required)
ž   Good organizational skills & team player
Applicants must be competent in generating alignments, profiles, corridors, grading, annotation, and pipe networks and must be able to modify styles.Â