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Contract Civil Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GPAC

Civil Engineering Project Manager

Riverside, CA · On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and project scopes * Coordinate across internal disciplines (civil, surveying, planning, environmental, etc.) * Mentor and guide junior engineers and ...

1 point system

Staff Civil Engineer

Brea, CA · On-site

Applies strong knowledge of commonly used civil engineering/design concepts, principles, practices ... Compiles information for client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for ...

IMEG

Civil Engineering Intern | Ontario, CA

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Civil Engineering Intern | Ontario, CA 100% Employee-Owned • Big-firm resources, local-team ... Conduct periodic job site observations and all other services as required by the contract services ...

City of Carson

Associate Civil Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$118K - $150K/yr

Principles and practicies of civil engineering. Modern methods and techniques as applied to design, construction, maintenance and contract administration of public works projects. Grant-in-aid ...

Suisun City, City of (CA)

$118K - $144K/yr

Knowledge of extensive knowledge of civil and traffic engineering principles, design standards, and public works practices, including project management, budgeting, contract administration, and ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 7, 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.

Vice President, Civil Engineering Project Manager

WSP

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a full-time Vice President, Civil Engineering Project Manager (PSR, PA/ED and/or PS&E Delivery). This position will support our Southern California projects and can be based out of any of WSP's California offices. Be involved in projects with our Civil Engineering Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges. 

WSP is looking to build our California Regional Transportation team for local agency roadway and civil engineering projects in the Southern California Area. 
 

Your Impact

People & Performance Leadership

  • Responsible to assist in the management, growth and development of the Civil Engineering Transportation team.
  • Provide leadership, partnering closely with the Local Business Leader and Senior Management Team.
  • Focus on meeting Key Performance Indicators and contribute to the overall success of the West Region.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Recruit for new key positions and retain current staff

Business Development

  • Support our clients and the industry through innovative thought and advancement of transformative transportation projects.
  • Collaborate with other local offices and in-house national transportation delivery experts to provide clients with innovative and future-focused solutions.
  • Support transportation business development efforts, strategy development, client engagement and pursuits in California.
  • Assist in the process of procuring contracts with preferred contractors for transportation projects.
  • Engage with clients to develop new business leads and project pursuits.
  • Develop strategic alliances and project partners to secure new work.
  • Represent the firm in the market through involvement in client and industry events and associations.

Project/Program Management

  • Lead the delivery of roadway, transportation/municipal projects, and project teams for local agencies in the Southern California District as an active member of the transportation team.

  • Lead key projects as Contract Manager, Project Manager, Sr Lead or other roles as appropriate.
  • Participate in contract negotiations.
  • Guide staff and assist in project management responsibilities, including oversight of project financial performance, adherence to project management and quality control plans, and adequacy of risk management plans.
  • Provide leadership and oversight to ensure quality project deliverables, including PS&E documents, engineering reports, project memorandums, etc.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or closely related discipline.

  • Engineer license required (California preferred).

  • 12+ years of relevant post-education experience in the civil engineering and infrastructure design.

  • Ability to lead and grow the civil engineering business.
  • Experience as a project manager, deputy project manager, construction management or task lead on projects.
  • Ability to work independently and provides guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Highly proficient understanding of project delivery process within the A/E/C industry and strong background and experience in project management.
  • Advanced proficiency with analytical and organizational skills, with business acumen to bridge the business and project management.
  • Advanced proficiency with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make assessments and calculations involving the application of project management principles, with a sound understanding of intent, impact, and optimal outcomes. 
  • Advanced proficiency with interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively, persuasively, and tactfully with leadership, subcontractors, and employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adjusting readily to the changing prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.

  • Advanced proficiency with Caltrans Design Development process, Highway Design and Construction practices.

  • Proficiency with technical writing, Microsoft Office suite.
  • Established client relationships and industry contacts.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to work within a team environment, as well as writing proposals and project-related documents like project scopes of work and reports.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's of Science in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited program.
  • Experience working with Caltrans and other local municipal agencies. 
  • Local agency roadway and intersection planning and design experience.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, InRoads/OpenRoads, AutoCAD, Civil 3D), technology, spreadsheets, and tools.
     

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $200,000 - $250,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
 

#LI-RF1

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 

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