Entry Level Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Company Background: Founded in 1940 and headquartered in San Francisco, Degenkolb Engineers has more than eight decades of commitment to innovation, client service, and life-long learning. We deliver customized structural solutions in a variety of practice areas such as healthcare, education, science and technology, forensics, construction engineering, and federal buildings. We address every project need—whether meeting stringent codes, staying on budget, adhering to tight schedules, or creating landmark structural systems.

Position Description: We are currently reviewing candidates for this Entry-Level Structural Engineer | Designer position in our Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento offices for fall start dates. We are not currently accepting applications for those seeking 2027 start dates. Applicants may indicate interest in multiple locations on a single application—additional submissions are not necessary.

Ideal Candidate: A high-achieving master’s student (undergraduate GPA 3.40 or above) with a passion for structural engineering, seismic analysis (non-Michigan offices) and/or steel (Michigan). You want to be part of a high-performing team that supports your professional development with a challenging mix of projects, mentorship, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits: The pay rate for this position, across the various offices, generally ranges between $93,000 and $112,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to pay transparency laws. Actual pay rates will be based on various factors, including location, company geographic differentials, education level, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits include health and life insurance, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, 401(k) with company Profit Sharing contribution, employee ownership in a privately held stock plan, financial support for professional activities, company holidays, and a generous paid time off program.

Culture: We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule and a fun office environment! Our firm is highly collaborative and filled with experts united by a passion for industry involvement, pride in company ownership, and respect for personal lives. You will benefit from focused professional development within a supportive and transparent team environment, as well as opportunities for committee participation and leadership, variety in work assignments, and a pay scale set at the 75th market percentile. To learn more about the company, please visit: https://degenkolb.com/culture/

Job Description:
Create a safe and beautifully built environment through expert engineering consultation, with a commitment to serving the needs of our clients. The core technical tasks you focus on during this training period will prepare you for the Professional Engineering (PE) licensing exam.

Responsibilities:

• Review architectural and structural drawings for new and existing structures to provide structural design and analysis.
• Prepare engineering calculation packages, including assumptions and narrative to justify design methodology.
• Assist in solving client construction challenges by coordinating with other disciplines, responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and performing construction engineering.
• Gain exposure to new concepts in construction.

Minimum Requirements:

• MS in Structural Engineering (preferred) OR BS in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis with 1–2 years of relevant, post-degree, full-time work experience.
• Undergraduate GPA 3.40 or higher.
• Professional communication skills.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Unofficial Undergraduate and Graduate transcript submission.

Desired Qualifications:

• Passing grade on FE exam.
• Knowledge of software programs such as AutoCAD, Tekla, RISA, RAM, Revit, Excel, MathCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, Python, or others.
• Demonstrated leadership potential.
• Experience in seismic engineering analysis and design of buildings a plus.

Application Process: Please read through the job postings and apply to a single position for which you feel you are best qualified. Click the Apply Now button and complete the application.

Submit all of the following:

1. Resume
2. Unofficial transcripts—undergraduate and graduate, as applicable—required for consideration
3. Targeted cover letter describing why you want to work with Degenkolb and how your background aligns with this position—strongly encouraged