1

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

Principal Land Surveyor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

R.E.Y. Engineers is seeking an experienced Principal Land Surveyor to help lead and grow our Bay ... Professional Civil Engineer (PE) License * Bachelor's degree in Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a ...

Civil Engineer

Daly City, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

About Adidev Adidev Technologies is an engineering and professional services firm supporting ... we'd love to hear from you. Submit your resume along with examples of projects you're proud of.

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$96K - $140K/yr

Project Manager - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality ... engineering wins and track profitability ✔ Mentor PEs and APMs -- grow the next generation ✔ ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 17, 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.

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.
Civil Engineering EIT - Urban Development

Civil Engineering EIT - Urban Development

Huitt-Zollars, Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$79K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Civil Engineering EIT - Urban Development (2)
Role Description: Huitt-Zollars has a great full-time opportunity for a Civil Engineer EIT at our Irvine office. The Civil EIT will work directly with a Professional Engineer to develop professional technical expertise and knowledge necessary to fulfill the experience requirement for licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Location: Irvine, California
Employment Type: 40 FT Hours
Compensation Type: Salary
Registration(s): Registered Engineer-In-Training, or working towards an EIT
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE)
Duties:
  • Regular design and professional development training provided by the Company.
  • Prepare construction plans for private and public development projects.
  • Assist design team and project managers with of all aspects of land development design.
  • Research materials and assemblies for design and construction drawings as directed by supervisor.
  • Assist with construction support activities such as site visits, change orders, shop drawing review, responding to RFIs, construction detail modifications, punch list preparation, etc.
  • Assist with research for fee proposals and be willing to learn how to prepare proposals.
  • Compose and prepare graphic materials for presentations and documents.
  • Prepare due diligence reports for prospective projects.
  • Prepare quantity take offs and opinions of probable construction cost.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Understands, follows, and enforces Huitt-Zollars' business process.
  • Productively collaborates with others and leads or encourages teams to achieve success and camaraderie amongst each other.
  • Understands and follows HZ QMS and Quality initiatives. Ensures quality control measures are being adhered to on projects and daily operations.
  • Understands duties and responsibilities, possesses necessary job knowledge and technical skills, maintains job knowledge current.
  • Assist with appropriate administrative and project support tasks supporting the needs of the project team and office.
  • Complete assignments on-time, within budget, and with highest level of quality.
  • Routinely proposes and produces more effective ways to accomplish assignments.

Qualifications:
  • BS in Civil Engineering (BSCE).
  • 1-4 years of related experience.
  • Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is a plus.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Outlook and Excel.
  • Capability to utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D for design and construction plans.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Works well in a team environment.
  • Thorough attention to detail.
  • Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, Pond Pack, StormCAD, Open Flows is a plus.
  • Experience in BlueBeam and Newforma is a plus.

This position is also required to adhere to Huitt-Zollars' Core Value Competencies
About Huitt-Zollars:
  • Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a privately held, 100% employee-owned leading Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firm since being established in 1975. Since then, our firm has been providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build services to our clients.
  • Located in more than 20 locations throughout 10 different US states, Huitt-Zollars holds a vision to improve the environment in which we live, work, and play. Employees/co-owners can expect to collaborate with their team, listen to client and community needs, and deliver world-class professional services. Learn more about a career with #teamHZ by viewing our LinkedIN Life page .

Benefits & Perks:
  • Health insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Dental insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Vision insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • MDLive Telehealth
  • Employer-Paid Short- & Long-Term disability
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Morale/Teambuilding events and activities
  • Paid Vacation/Annual Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Professional Societies and Registrations Fee Reimbursements
  • Term Life / AD&D insurance
  • Cancer and Specified Disease insurance
  • Two retirement plans: 401(k) and an ESOP

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
  • May be required drive to visit client or project sites for short periods of time
  • The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Huitt-Zollars in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Currently, Huitt-Zollars does not sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions.
Annual Base Salary Range: $79,000-$113,000 and up depending on experience and qualifications of the selected candidate(s). The expected salary range for this position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The final agreed upon compensation is based on the success candidate's individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and consideration to participate in our discretionary annual bonus incentive program.
Huitt-Zollars does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a previously signed third-party agreement. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to any Huitt-Zollars hiring manager or employee will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency submitting the unsolicited resume. Huitt-Zollars will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Human Resources team and without an active, fully executed service agreement.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Huitt-Zollars is a federal contractor and subcontractor and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.