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Contract Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Structural Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project site in conjunction with ... Master's degree in architectural or structural engineering * Experience with data center design.

HDR

Structural Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project site in conjunction with ... Master's degree in architectural or structural engineering * Experience with data center design.

HDR

Structural Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project site in conjunction with ... Master's degree in architectural or structural engineering * Experience with data center design.

BSB DESIGN INC

Structural Engineer

Torrance, CA

Assists in development of contract deliverables such as drawings, specifications, and general notes ... Proficiency in the use of the codes, Structural engineering software, CAD and Revit. * Proficiency ...

SpaceX

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$135K - $190K/yr

SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (CIVIL) As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help ... Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines ...

Dennis Group

Structural Engineer III

Carlsbad, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

Lead in coordinating structural work with other disciplines Drafting sketches, contract drawings ... About You Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering 8+ years of relevant ...

SpaceX

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple ... Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines ...

Amarx Search, Inc.

Structural Engineer 3

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$82.50/hr

Amarx Search, Inc. - amarx.com 3+ Month W-2 Contract position in El Segundo, CA Pay: $82.50 per ... Structural Engineer 3 * Please apply ONLY if you have strong FEA experience and skill with CATIA/NX ...

Dennis Group Inc

Structural Engineer III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Drafting sketches, contract drawings, and specifications using AutoCAD. * Reviewing project ... Researching structural engineering materials and best practices * Supporting talent growth within ...

SpaceX

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple ... Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines ...

Dennis Group

Structural Engineer III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Drafting sketches, contract drawings, and specifications using AutoCAD. * Reviewing project ... Researching structural engineering materials and best practices * Supporting talent growth within ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Structural Engineer JobsContract Structural Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Structural Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$98.1K

$150K

How much do contract structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract structural engineer in California is $98,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a contract structural engineer faces when working with multiple clients and projects simultaneously?

As a Contract Structural Engineer, managing multiple clients and projects concurrently often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities. You may encounter challenges such as adapting to different project requirements, coordinating with various teams, and ensuring that all deliverables meet specific codes and standards within tight deadlines. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as you'll frequently collaborate with architects, contractors, and project managers to address design changes or resolve site issues. Staying updated on industry best practices and maintaining flexibility can help you navigate these common challenges successfully.

What does a contract structural engineer do?

A Contract Structural Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to analyze, design, and oversee the construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, or other infrastructure. Their main responsibility is to ensure that these structures are safe, stable, and comply with building codes and regulations. They work closely with architects, contractors, and clients to develop structural solutions that meet project requirements. Contract Structural Engineers may handle a variety of tasks, from creating detailed technical drawings to inspecting work on-site and providing engineering reports.

What is the difference between Contract Structural Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectContract Structural EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsPE license, relevant engineering degrees, often contract-specific certificationsPE license, engineering degree, professional certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, freelance or temporary roles, on-site or remoteFull-time employment, office or site-based
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, construction projects, freelance workEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies

Contract Structural Engineers typically work on a project basis, often as freelancers or consultants, focusing on specific projects with temporary contracts. Structural Engineers usually hold full-time positions within firms or companies, providing ongoing engineering services. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment type and work setup.

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

To thrive as a Contract Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or Chartered Engineer status). Proficiency with structural analysis software like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD, and familiarity with building codes and standards, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams effectively. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective structural solutions within project constraints.

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

The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Structural Engineer jobs in California?

For Contract Structural Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Structural Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Structural Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Structural Engineer job openings:

Contract Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Structural Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Structural Engineer

HDR

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

In the role of Structural Engineer, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • Prepare structural analysis models under the guidance of senior engineers using software such as ETABS, RAM Structural system, SAFE and Risa.
  • Develop digital building models and details in Revit.
  • Work independently on medium to large projects or assists more senior engineers on larger projects. 
  • Review structural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
  • Write and edit structural specifications, select procedures, materials and their respective sizes, and complete necessary calculations
  • Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through the design development and contract document phases of a project
  • Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
  • Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project site in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
  • Take responsibility for coordinating workload through design development and construction document phases to complete the documents on schedule
  • Coordinate and assist with affected disciplines, with any addendum, requests for information, change proposal requests and change orders, and incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
  • Perform site visits and structural observation.
  • Perform other duties as needed


 

Preferred Qualifications 
 
  • Master's degree in architectural or structural engineering        
  • Experience with data center design.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Previous structural engineer experience
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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