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Contract Civil Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ware Malcomb

Civil Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA

$160K - $180K/yr

Prepare proposals and contracts for civil engineering projects * Review of project revenue projections, monthly financial reports and monthly business reports * Manages select projects * Responsible ...

Ware Malcomb

Civil Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Prepare proposals and contracts for civil engineering projects * Review of project revenue projections, monthly financial reports and monthly business reports * Manages select projects * Responsible ...

Ware Malcomb

Civil Engineering Manager

San Diego, CA

$160K - $180K/yr

Prepare proposals and contracts for civil engineering projects * Review of project revenue projections, monthly financial reports and monthly business reports * Manages select projects * Responsible ...

New

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 advancement. Our main focus is the energy sector. We have several large multi-year contracts with SDG&E ...

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 advancement. Our main focus is the energy sector . We have several large multi-year contracts with SDG ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Civil Engineering JobsContract Civil Engineering Jobs in California

Contract Civil Engineering information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do contract civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract civil engineering 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.

What is contract civil engineering?

Contract civil engineering involves professionals who work on a temporary or project-specific basis rather than as permanent employees. Contract civil engineers are typically hired for their expertise to complete particular projects, such as infrastructure development, road construction, or structural design. They may be responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects while ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Working as a contract civil engineer can offer flexibility, diverse work experiences, and the opportunity to work with various organizations or on multiple projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract civil engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Civil Engineer, you need a solid grounding in civil engineering principles, project management, and contract administration, typically supported by a degree in civil engineering and relevant licensure. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project), AutoCAD, and knowledge of construction contracts (like FIDIC or NEC) are commonly required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage stakeholders and resolve project issues effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required technical and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by contract civil engineers when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contract civil engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can make prioritization and effective time management critical challenges. Balancing client expectations, adhering to strict deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams require strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, contract engineers must adapt quickly to different work environments and project scopes, ensuring compliance with varying regulations and standards across projects. Proactively setting clear timelines, maintaining detailed records, and fostering open communication with stakeholders can help mitigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Civil Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectContract Civil EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications, and often experience in contract managementEngineering degree, professional licensure, and broader engineering expertise
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often on-site at construction or infrastructure projectsDesign, planning, and analysis in offices or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, engineering contractors, project management companiesEngineering consulting firms, government agencies, construction companies

Contract Civil Engineering focuses on managing and executing specific projects under contractual agreements, often involving on-site work and project management. Civil Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including design, analysis, and planning of infrastructure. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in scope and work environment.

Can contract civil engineers be contractors?

Contract civil engineers can work as contractors if they hold the necessary licenses and certifications required for contracting work. Many civil engineers transition into contracting roles to manage projects independently or run their own firms, often utilizing their technical expertise and project management skills. However, contracting may also involve additional business responsibilities, such as bidding, compliance, and client relations.

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

The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Civil Engineering jobs in California?

For Contract Civil Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Civil Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Civil Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Civil Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Civil Engineering job openings:

Contract Civil Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Civil Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,591 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Civil Engineering Manager

Ware Malcomb

San Diego, CA

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation? At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the boundaries. Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design, seamless project delivery, and we are actively engaged with both the community and the industry. Discover our vibrant culture to get an inside look into life at Ware Malcomb and the programs we offer. https://waremalcomb.com/life-at-ware-malcomb/ 

The Civil Engineering Manager is a key member of the Ware Malcomb senior management team, responsible for the growth, revenue, profitability, staff management and overall client relationships for the San Diego civil engineering market. As Civil Engineering Manager, you will also be responsible for nurturing a positive, team-oriented environment, ensuring financial goals and deadlines are being met, assisting in business development and managing select projects.
 
Ware Malcomb offers a great opportunity to lead a civil engineering practice, while benefiting from the platform, resources and support provided by an international, multidisciplinary design firm.
Your Role
  • Prepare proposals and contracts for civil engineering projects
  • Review of project revenue projections, monthly financial reports and monthly business reports
  • Manages select projects
  • Responsible for the growth and profitability of group
  • Attend hearings and planning meetings
  • Consistently market and promote getting new work for Ware Malcomb
  • Attend relevant networking functions and set up regular meetings with clients
  • Responsible for operations of the group
  • Train, mentor and oversee the work of team members
  • Responsible for recruiting and hiring new team members
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of civil engineering experience, specifically in the field of Land Development
  • Experience at the Project Manager or Senior Project Manage level. Prior leadership experience preferred.
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
$160,000 - $180,000 a year
The compensation range is $160k-$180k, plus benefits. Read more about Life at Ware Malcomb. 
The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, licensing, project specialty/complexity and work location. We may exceed the posted compensation range for candidates who surpass the posted requirements. At Ware Malcomb, certain roles are bonus eligible.
This is a full-time, long-term position.
 
Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a dynamic, forward-thinking commercial real estate design firm providing professional architecture, interior design, civil engineering, branding, building measurement, structural engineering and MEP engineering services to clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of office, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, multifamily, retail, hospitality and public/institutional projects.
 
The firm is also ranked among the top 10 Architecture/Engineering firms in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms and the Top 30 Interior Design Firms in Interior Design magazine's Top 100 Giants. For more information, visit waremalcomb.com.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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