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Civil Engineering R&D Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

Arup

Civil Engineering Leader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced Civil Engineering Leader to join us in the Los Angeles office and play a pivotal role in leading and growing our civil engineering team. The ideal candidate should ...

TSAC Engineering

Registered Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68 - $80/hr

TSAC Engineering is a growing Civil Engineering and Land Surveying firm with plenty of room for ... Life/AD&D Coverage * Long Term Disability * 401K with Employer Contribution * Medical/Dependent ...

JRG Partners

Director of R & D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Our client, a leading Food Technology Company is seeking a R & D Director. This is a fast growing ... Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline; Master's degree or MBA ...

City of Glendale (CA)

Civil Engineer I

Glendale, CA · On-site

$8.9K - $11K/mo

Performs professional civil engineering work in support of the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of Capital Improvement Program projects. Assists in the preparation and review of plans ...

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Civil Engineering R D information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$40

How much do civil engineering r&d jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for civil engineering r&d in California is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Civil Engineering R&D job?

A Civil Engineering R&D (Research and Development) job involves investigating, designing, and testing new materials, construction techniques, and infrastructure solutions. Professionals in this role work on improving sustainability, safety, and efficiency in civil engineering projects. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and regulatory bodies to develop innovative technologies and optimize existing systems. This role often includes computational modeling, laboratory experimentation, and field testing.

What are some typical responsibilities of a Civil Engineering R&D professional?

A Civil Engineering R&D professional is generally responsible for designing and executing research projects that target improvements in materials, construction methods, or infrastructure systems. This often includes conducting experiments, analyzing complex data sets, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with both academic and industry partners. Many R&D engineers also prototype new technologies or processes and work closely with field engineers and project managers to ensure their research is practical and implementable. The role combines hands-on engineering knowledge with innovative thinking to help advance the industry while contributing to safer, more sustainable infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civil Engineering R&D position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Civil Engineering R&D, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a degree in civil engineering or a related field, often with postgraduate research experience. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, finite element analysis software, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (such as Professional Engineer licensure) are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are essential for developing innovative solutions, conducting high-quality research, and driving advancements in infrastructure and construction technologies.

What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering R&D jobs in California? For Civil Engineering R&D jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineering R&D jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineering R&D jobs in California are:
Civil Engineering R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering R&D job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,120 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Project Engineer

Project Engineer

R.D. Olson

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Project Engineer – R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal
 Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily
This isn’t just another construction job. It’s your launchpad.
At R.D. Olson Construction, we’re not just building projects — we’re building careers. If you’re early in your construction career and hungry to grow, we’ve built a Project Engineer role designed to accelerate you into a leadership path.
You'll be deeply embedded in the construction of major hotel and multifamily developments, where your coordination, communication, and hustle will directly impact the success of $20M–$40M projects. This is where the learning curve is steep, the standards are high, and the potential is real.
Why This Role Matters
As a Project Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of it all — tracking RFIs and submittals, coordinating with top-tier subcontractors, and ensuring every material delivery and meeting runs like clockwork. You’ll be the link that keeps the site running smoothly and the team aligned.
But this isn’t just a checklist job — it’s your first step toward becoming a Project Manager. You’ll be learning directly from experienced leaders, earning trust through results, and taking on more responsibility every month. We’ve built the ladder. You just have to climb it.
Why Top Performers Choose R.D. Olson
➡️ You’ll grow fast.
From day one, you're part of our Project Manager Career Ladder — supported by RD Olson University and mentors who’ve been in your shoes.
➡️ You’ll make an impact.
You’ll support signature construction projects across Southern California, representing the next generation of innovation in hospitality and housing.
➡️ You’ll be part of something real.
This isn’t a job where you push paper. It’s a job where you walk job sites, solve real problems, and see your work come to life — day after day.
What You Bring
  • A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or hands-on experience as a Project Engineer
  • Confidence using Microsoft Project, Excel, and Procore or similar tools
  • A Southern California base and willingness to travel to job sites
  • A mindset for growth, grit, and detail — not just checking boxes
Your Career, Engineered for Impact
Whether you're fresh from school or bringing a few years of field experience, this role is built to grow with you. Within your first year, you’ll:
  • Master RFIs, submittals, and procurement coordination
  • Support $20M–$40M projects with real impact
  • Build the relationships and reps you’ll need to lead
  • Explore how to use AI and automation to do it smarter and faster
This is a role where high performers thrive — and where those who show initiative are never held back.
Let’s Build What’s Next — Together
If you’re ready to turn your potential into a plan and your ambition into action, we want to talk. At R.D. Olson, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer careers worth building.
What You'll Receive
Salary of $65,000 to $96,000 plus construction bonus. 100% associate health insurance. 401k plan with matching. Paid time off. Volunteer opportunities.
Apply www.rdolson.com/culture-and-careers/#jobs
 

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