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Engineering Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified GPS Gradesetter for our Grading Division for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local contractor that is based in Loomis and ...

MAI

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Procurement Administrator/Compliance Analyst

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

We are a Southern California based general engineering contractor with operations consisting of primarily street and highway construction, and rock, sand, and gravel quarry operations with related ...

MAI

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Estimator/Project Manager - Pico Rivera, CA

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

We are a Southern California based general engineering contractor with operations consisting of primarily street and highway construction, and rock, sand, and gravel quarry operations with related ...

MAI

Be Seen First

Estimator/Project Manager - Pico Rivera, CA

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

We are a Southern California based general engineering contractor with operations consisting of primarily street and highway construction, and rock, sand, and gravel quarry operations with related ...

Cass Arrieta

Equipment Operator

San Bernardino, CA

$20 - $27.25/hr

Cass Arrieta is a General Engineering Contractor specializing in wet utilities, dry utilities, structural concrete, and associated scopes of work within the public and private markets. With a ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

Laborer

Loomis, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Laborer for our Paving Division for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local contractor that is based in Loomis and performs ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground, and Paving Divisions for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground, and Paving Divisions for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local ...

Azuria Water Solutions

Project Engineer

Fullerton, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

Caliagua, Inc., a subsidiary of Azuria, is a general engineering contractor. Since 1978, our engineering and construction skills have served our clients in the private, commercial & building sectors ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEngineering Contractor JobsEngineering Contractor Jobs in California

Engineering Contractor information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do engineering contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering contractor in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering contractor?

Engineering contractors are professionals or companies hired on a temporary basis to provide specialized engineering services for specific projects. They often work independently or through agencies, taking on contracts in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or infrastructure. Their responsibilities can include design, project management, consulting, and technical oversight. Unlike permanent employees, engineering contractors typically work for a set period or until a project is complete, offering flexibility and specialized expertise to organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering contractor?

To thrive as an Engineering Contractor, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and relevant industry qualifications such as a bachelor's degree in engineering and, often, professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools like MS Project, and construction codes is typically required, along with certifications such as PMP or OSHA safety training. Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills help build client relationships and manage multidisciplinary teams effectively. These abilities are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to required specifications while ensuring client satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by engineering contractors when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Engineering Contractors often juggle several projects at once, which can lead to challenges such as balancing competing deadlines, coordinating with various stakeholders, and adapting to differing project requirements. Effective time management, clear communication, and strong organizational skills are crucial for success in this role. Contractors must also stay up-to-date with industry standards and ensure compliance across all projects, which can be demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy dynamic work environments.

What is the difference between Engineering Contractor vs Engineering Consultant?

AspectEngineering ContractorEngineering Consultant
CredentialsEngineering licenses, certifications, project management skillsEngineering licenses, specialized expertise, industry certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site project execution, construction sites, manufacturing facilitiesOffice-based, client meetings, project planning
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, engineering firms, industrial companiesConsulting firms, engineering firms, corporate clients

Engineering Contractors primarily focus on executing engineering projects on-site, managing construction and installation. Engineering Consultants provide expert advice, planning, and design services, often working remotely or in offices. Both roles require engineering credentials but differ in their scope and work environment.

Can engineering contractors work as contractors?

Yes, engineering contractors are typically hired on a contractual basis to complete specific projects or provide specialized services. They often work independently or through staffing agencies, and their work may involve project management, design, or technical expertise, usually requiring relevant certifications and skills. Contract work allows flexibility in scheduling and scope of work for engineering professionals.

How much do engineering contractors make?

Engineering contractors' earnings vary based on experience, specialization, location, and project scope, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Many contractors work on a project basis or hourly rates, often requiring technical skills and certifications in engineering disciplines.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Engineering Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Engineering Contractor job openings:

Engineering Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Sr. Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor

Cohu

San Diego, CA • On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description


Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor
Thermal Control System Development
Company: Cohu, Inc.
Location: San Diego, CA
Duration: 3 Month Contract (potential extension)
Work Arrangement: This is a full-time contractor position on-site role (minimum of 32 hours per week) at Cohu's semiconductor test handler & thermal systems innovation center located in San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo).
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor to develop firmware for a high-performance multichannel thermal control system based on an STM32H7 microcontroller. The controller performs fast simultaneous temperature acquisition, executes multiple independent PID control loops, and communicates system data through a 100 Mbps Ethernet interface.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable developing embedded firmware and troubleshooting hardware in the laboratory.
Responsibilities
  • Develop bare-metal firmware for an STM32H7-based thermal control platform.
  • Implement simultaneous temperature acquisition from I2C and RTDs
  • Develop, implement, and tune multiple independent PID-based control loops.
  • Support hardware bring-up, integration, and validation activities.
  • Debug peripherals and interfaces like ADCs, I2C, PWM, Ethernet, and GPIOs.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to diagnose and resolve board-level and system-level issues.
  • Participate in system testing, performance characterization, and firmware optimization.

Required Qualifications
  • BS degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or closely related field and 7+ years of embedded firmware development experience OR MS degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related field and 4+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
  • Experience developing and tuning temperature control systems, power control systems, or other real-time feedback control applications.
  • Strong C programming skills.
  • Extensive experience with development on STM32H7 devices.
  • Experience implementing PID or other closed-loop control algorithms.
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, prototype validation, and schematic review.
  • Proficiency using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters to troubleshoot firmware and hardware integration issues.

Expected Deliverables
During the contract period, the contractor is expected to deliver:
  • Successful bring-up and validation of the STM32H7-based hardware platform.
  • A reliable, production-ready thermal control firmware architecture supporting multiple independent control channels and meeting measurement accuracy specifications.
  • Ethernet communication infrastructure supporting at least 50 Mbps data throughput.
  • Well-structured, maintainable, and thoroughly commented source code suitable for long-term product support and future development.
  • Firmware designed for robustness, reliability, fault detection, and recovery in a production environment.
  • Technical documentation sufficient to support future maintenance, testing, and product release activities.

Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $75 -$85 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu's good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this contractor position.
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About Cohu

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Poway, CA, US

Year founded

1947

Social media

Twitter

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