ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LPA Design Studios

Structural Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$87K - $145K/yr

Our structural engineering group has earned top awards from the American Institute of Steel ... In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation ...

GFT.

Structural Engineer/ Hydro Generation

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $176K/yr

GFT is looking for an experienced Structural Design Engineer with Substation experience in ... Determines client requirements and develops designs and contract documents. * Assists in the ...

GFT.

Structural Engineer/ Hydro Generation

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $176K/yr

GFT is looking for an experienced Structural Design Engineer with Substation experience in ... Determines client requirements and develops designs and contract documents. * Assists in the ...

GFT.

Structural Engineer/ Hydro Generation

Roseville, CA · On-site

$140K - $176K/yr

GFT is looking for an experienced Structural Design Engineer with Substation experience in ... Determines client requirements and develops designs and contract documents. * Assists in the ...

next page

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 Jun 12, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
Senior Structural Engineer (Hydraulic Structures)

Senior Structural Engineer (Hydraulic Structures)

HDR

Folsom, CA

$107K - $146K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 352 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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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 that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Are you looking for an opportunity with an industry-leading company? Do you thrive in a work environment with collaborative colleagues who do amazing work for clients who trust them to push open the doors to what's possible? That's what you'll find at HDR!

We're an employee-owned company with more than 100-years of making great things possible, together with our clients. Sure, we have hundreds of industry awards to prove it, but our pride is in our people. Smart, hardworking team members who take their employee ownership seriously and will have your back at every turn. Their expertise will inspire you to be your best and develop new and better solutions. 

We invite you to build your Water career at HDR. Our global team is looking for success-oriented Hydraulic Structures Engineers to work in a number of locations on a wide variety of projects in the Dams, Levees, and Civil Works world.

If you want to work for a company like HDR and you're motivated to deliver quality project work on-time and on-budget for major clients, we want you on our team.

The primary duties of the role are to:

  • Conduct structural analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations
  • Preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates including critical reports.
  • Lead design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, cofferdams, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations
  • Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique structural elements that have limited or no specific code based guidance
  • Coordinate structural design with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Work independently as project engineer and provide oversight and mentorship of project and junior staff if required. This role may include leadership and expansion of HDR's structural engineering services including client and strategic project development with Federal and State government agencies, water agencies and utilities, and power utilities
  • Review tasks undertaken by others in the group such that each design receives a complete check of design assumptions, calculations, criteria, load cases, code review and compliance with design standards
  • Perform inspections and structural assessments of existing structures and structures

Keywords:  Dams, Levee, Civil, Structural, Design, Engineering, Construction, Hydraulic, Flood Protection, Water Resources

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, Structural emphasis preferred
  • Strong background in finite element modeling and knowledge of computer-based design tools (such as CAD, SAP2000, LPILE, or equivalent). Use of commercially available programs that can be used for advanced analysis such as dynamic response spectrum or seismic time history analysis
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software
  • Experience in design calculations and layouts
  • Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood
  • Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis
  • 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

HDR logo

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

View All HDR Jobs

Apply