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Civil Structural Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civil - Structural

San Diego, CA · On-site

$146 - $178/hr

Reviewing, preparing, and modifying designs. * Analyzing and preparing type studies, reports ... A bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET accredited university. * Must ...

New

Independently designs and/or leads the charge to complete major projects * Manages and leads major ... Expert-level knowledge of civil/structural engineering concepts, theories and practices.

Independently designs and/or leads the charge to complete major projects * Manages and leads major ... Expert-level knowledge of civil/structural engineering concepts, theories and practices.

Showing results 21-40

Civil Structural Designer information

See California salary details

$25

$48

$71

How much do civil structural designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for civil structural designer in California is $48.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $56.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a civil structural designer do?

The job of a civil structural designer is to provide engineering services for the construction of buildings, bridges, and structure foundation. Your responsibilities in this career include producing 3D models and 2D drawings with CAD software in accordance with project specifications. You investigate sites and complete steel and concrete modeling and drafting for both the front-end planning and detailed engineering phase. You are expected to help the lead designer deliver project requirements related to cost, schedule, quantities, and scope and perform conceptual layout work. Other duties include working closely with engineers, writing reports and correspondences, and speaking with clients and employees.

What are some typical projects a civil structural designer works on, and how do they collaborate with other disciplines?

Civil Structural Designers typically work on projects such as bridges, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure upgrades. Their role involves creating detailed drawings and models that specify how structures should be built to meet safety and code requirements. Collaboration is key—they regularly coordinate with civil engineers, architects, and construction teams to ensure designs are feasible and align with project goals. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as structural designers need to integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders throughout the design process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil structural designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Structural Designer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, structural analysis, and drafting, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software, along with knowledge of building codes, is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant structural designs that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Civil Structural Designer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Structural DesignerCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or bachelor's in civil or structural engineering, with some certificationsRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, often licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, consulting firmsDesign offices, project management, construction supervision
Industry UsageFocuses on structural design aspects of projectsBroader scope including planning, design, and project management

The Civil Structural Designer specializes in creating detailed structural designs, while the Civil Engineer has a broader role encompassing planning, analysis, and overseeing construction. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What is a civil structural designer?

A civil structural designer is a professional who plans, analyzes, and designs the structural components of infrastructure projects such as buildings, bridges, and dams. They use engineering principles and software tools like AutoCAD or Revit to ensure safety, stability, and compliance with codes and standards. This role often requires knowledge of materials, load calculations, and construction processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Structural Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Civil Structural Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Civil Structural Designer jobs in CA?

For Civil Structural Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Civil Structural Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,469 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Civil - Structural

GeoWorld

San Diego, CA • On-site

$146 - $178/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description

San Diego, California, United States / Los Angeles, California, United States / San Jose, California, United States

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee‑owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water. We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career‑defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

Mott MacDonald’s transportation and infrastructure teams work on some of the largest and most challenging projects across the US. We’ve completed and are currently involved in a number of complex projects incorporating our values of technical excellence, sustainability, and improving communities. Based in one of our Bay Area offices, the Senior Engineer will provide a lead technical role in developing projects. Typical transportation related projects include bridges (rail/LRT/road), retaining walls, underground and buried structures, transit station structures, and miscellaneous civil structures.

Responsibilities
  • Developing conceptual, preliminary, and detailed final designs using industry‑standard analysis and design software.
  • Actively participating in project, client, and team meetings.
  • Assisting and mentoring junior staff.
  • Reviewing, preparing, and modifying designs.
  • Analyzing and preparing type studies, reports, specifications, quantities, and estimates.
  • Interacting with team members and assisting in the coordination of work with technicians and design professionals from other disciplines.
  • Attending onsite meetings.
  • Gaining exposure to project, commercial, and client management.
  • Undertaking a 'digital by default' approach in deliverables.
  • Supporting our 'Purpose' in everything you do.
Candidate Specification
  • A bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET accredited university.
  • Must possess 10 years of structural engineering experience.
  • Experience working with AASHTO, Caltrans, AREMA, ASCE, and CBC design codes and standards.
  • Experience with California seismic analysis and design.
  • Proficient in the design of structures and foundations using cast‑in‑place reinforced concrete, precast/prestressed concrete, post‑tensioned concrete, and structural steel.
  • Methodical approach to problem solving to undertake tasks efficiently and independently.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members.
  • Excellent technical written communication and attention to detail, with an ability to demonstrate accurate technical drawings and good report writing.
  • Excellent teamwork skills, to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
  • A California Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain one within one year.
  • A positive attitude, strong commitment for technical excellence, high ethical standards, and an eagerness to learn and perform a wide variety of tasks are a must.

Our teams are comprised of bright and enthusiastic people who wish to make a difference to the world that we live in. If you share that vision and don’t have all the experience outlined in this posting, we still want to hear from you! Let’s discuss how we can help you take the next step in your career and how you can participate in an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

At Mott MacDonald, we provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave and company paid life insurance.

The expected salary for this position in the following locations are

  • San Jose is $160,000-$195,000
  • San Diego is $146,000-$178,000
  • Los Angeles is $148,000-181,000

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

Equal opportunity is the law

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.

Hybrid working policy

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well‑being, flexibility, and trust.

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