Drawing Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $119,364.00 - $147,360.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 261185-03
Department: Community Development
Division: Building & Safety
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
DEFINTION
Reviews complex construction drawings, engineering reports and calculations for conformance to building standards.
SUPERVISION
Works under the general supervision of the Principal Plan Check Engineer who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. Provides technical guidance and may coordinate the work of assigned staff.
Representative Duties
MAJOR DUTIES:
Reviews architectural and structural construction drawings, structural calculations and engineering reports for compliance with construction codes, local ordinances and state laws. Provides clear and understandable written responses related to review. Attends meetings with permit applicants for clarification of review comments and verification of corrections. Approves corrected architectural and structural drawings and related reports for permit issuance.
Advises staff on plan submittal, routing and record requirements, proper fee determination and approval status for permit issuance. Provides technical guidance to assigned staff.
Interprets building and energy code requirements for architects, contractors, property owners, construction inspectors and City staff. Provides preliminary plan review, as required.
Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the preparation, review and evaluation of requests for qualifications/proposals for professional services for plan review, inspection and review of specialized reports.
Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in the review and evaluation of work provided by outside consultants for plan reviews, material tests, geotechnical, energy and sound reports.
Assists the Principal Plan Check Engineer in assigning and reviewing work assignments performed by assigned staff.
Provides information to the public about division policies and procedures related to permit issuance and plan reviews.
Trains and coordinates the work of assigned staff.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and methods of structural engineering and related disciplines
State of California Building, Fire, Residential, Energy and Green Building Standards Codes
as they relate to moderate and highly complex buildings and structures
Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and related regulations
Seismic rehabilitation methods, preservation techniques and the State Historical Building
Code
Federal, state and local regulations pertaining to building construction including but not
limited to: disabled access, asbestos removal, energy conservation, air quality, lead
hazards, code adoption and
the licensing of design professionals and contractors
Mobile Home Park Act and related regulations
Current construction practices, methods and materials
Municipal zoning and land use principles
Effective customer service techniques
Effective supervisory techniques
Ability to:
Read and interpret architectural and structural drawings and specifications and determine
applicable building code violations for moderate to highly complex projects
Checks structural designs for conformance to the building code and acceptable standards of practice for moderate to highly complex projects
Review and evaluate material test reports, structural observation reports, soils reports and appeals for alternate methods of construction or equivalency of alternatives
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Provide effective customer service
Communicate City policies in a courteous and effective manner
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City
employees, private businesses and the general public
Resolve conflicts and propose solutions for both technical and non-technical issues
Train and coordinate the work of staff
Skill in:
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications to review and check
building design plans
Creating written engineering reports and plan review correction sheets
Managing multiple concurrent projects
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
Experience:
Four years of recent, paid work experience in civil or structural engineering or plan checking and/or electrical or mechanical plan checking. Municipal plan checking experience is desirable.
Licenses and Certification:
Possession of a valid California class C driver license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Registration as a Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.
Certification by International Code Council (ICC) as Building Plans Examiner must be obtained within six (6) months from date of hire.
International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official and California Access Specialist (CASp) certifications are desirable.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
NOTE: You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma and copies of your certifications from the International Code Council with your on-line application to qualify for the position. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the position filing deadline. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must attach a scanned copy of your college diploma or transcripts to your on-line application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Testing may consist of the following:

• Oral Interview: 100%

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed indoors in an office environment but may require frequent inspections at construction sites, abandoned buildings, and other outdoor work sites. Office work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen. Offsite work may include such factors as noise, dust, or slippery surfaces. Weekend work is occasionally required. Physical demands include standing, walking, climbing, sitting, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds and working at a computer workstation.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for person with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
01
The Senior Plan Check Engineer position requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. Do you meet this requirement? If YES, you must upload a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college-level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

• Yes
• No

02
The Senior Plan Check Engineer position requires registration as a Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineer in the State of California. Do you meet this requirement? If YES, you must attach a copy of your California State professional registration to your online application. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

• Yes
• No

03
The Senior Plan Check Engineer position requires certification as an ICC Building Plans Examiner within six (6) months from the date of hire. Do you currently meet this requirement? If yes, please attach a copy of your certification with your online application. Note: If you do not possess the Building Plans Examiner Certification at this time, you will be given six (6) from the date of hire to obtain it.

• Yes
• No

04
ICC Certification as a Certified Building Official id desirable. Do you possess this certificate? If YES, please attach a copy with your online application.

• Yes
• No

05
Describe your professional experience in the field of engineering and/or plan checking. Specifically include your work experience using the California Building Codes (CCR Title 24) for various projects. Describe your duties and responsibilities, and the number of years you have performed these duties. If you have no such experience, mark N/A.
Required Question