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Entry Level Building Engineer Jobs in California

ABM Industries

Facility Helper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.81/hr

The Facility Helper supports the Building Engineering team in maintaining the safe, clean, and efficient operation of commercial building systems and facilities. This entry-level position assists ...

ABM Industries

Facility Helper

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.81/hr

The Facility Helper supports the Building Engineering team in maintaining the safe, clean, and efficient operation of commercial building systems and facilities. This entry-level position assists ...

ABM Industries

Facility Helper

Sacramento, CA

$27.81/hr

The Facility Helper supports the Building Engineering team in maintaining the safe, clean, and efficient operation of commercial building systems and facilities. This entry-level position assists ...

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All JobsBuilding Engineer JobsEntry Level Building Engineer JobsEntry Level Building Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Building Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$31

$51

How much do entry level building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level building engineer in California is $31.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level building engineer do?

An Entry Level Building Engineer assists in the maintenance, repair, and operation of building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general facilities upkeep. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers or facility managers, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting basic issues, and ensuring that equipment operates efficiently. This role often involves hands-on work, responding to service requests, and learning industry standards and safety procedures on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level building engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Building Engineer, you need a basic understanding of building systems, HVAC, and general maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS), power tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and good communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient building operations, quick troubleshooting, and effective teamwork in maintaining facility safety and functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level building engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level building engineers often encounter challenges such as learning complex building systems, adapting to preventative maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues. To address these, new engineers should proactively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in on-the-job training, and make use of available technical documentation. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as collaboration with facility managers, contractors, and other engineers is a regular part of the role. Embracing a willingness to learn and asking questions can help ease the transition and foster professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Building Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Building EngineerMaintenance Technician
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, or plumbing licenses; relevant certificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial or residential buildings, facilities managementSimilar settings, often hands-on repair and maintenance
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with building systems, monitor operations, perform basic repairsPerform repairs, troubleshoot equipment, routine maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageProperty management, facilities services, real estateFacilities management, property maintenance, service companies

Both roles involve maintaining building systems and require similar certifications. An Entry Level Building Engineer typically oversees building operations and assists with system management, while a Maintenance Technician focuses more on hands-on repairs and troubleshooting. The roles often overlap, but the Building Engineer may have broader responsibilities related to building systems management.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Building Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Building Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Building Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,404 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

McParlane & Associates, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

Locations: San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule)


About the Role


We're looking for an entry-level Lighting Designer to join our growing lighting department. You'll work directly under our Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) leadership, building the foundational skills of architectural lighting design on real projects from your first week. This is an ideal role for someone with solid Revit skills and a strong design eye who is eager to learn through mentorship, peer review, and hands-on project work, and to grow into a designer who leads work of their own.


Your Impact


  • Model lighting within Revit through all project phases, from schematic design through construction documentation.
  • Perform lighting photometric calculations and renderings to study target light levels and understand how a space looks and feels.
  • Generate light fixture schedules (Excel) and cutsheet packages.
  • Conduct submittal reviews (Bluebeam) and support quality checks.
  • Prepare and assist with design presentations (PowerPoint) for clients.
  • Collaborate with architects, our integrated MEP team, and clients from concept through construction.
  • Bring a designer’s eye—walk into a room or study a rendering and tell what is working, what is not, and why.
  • Support a broad spectrum of projects: healthcare, higher education, commercial office, life science, high-rise multifamily, public sector, retail/hospitality, exterior site, and themed campus.


What You’ll Bring


  • Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, architectural engineering, architecture, interior design, or a related field.
  • 0–3 years relevant experience (e.g., internships, coursework, or related work experience).
  • Proficiency in Revit required.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to client satisfaction.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to learn through self-driven professional study, mentorship and peer review.
  • A portfolio (required): completed projects, studio or competition work, personal explorations, or a curated set of images that showcase your eye and point of view.


Nice to Have (Preferred)


  • Familiarity with LightStanza or other lighting/photometric software.
  • Exposure to lighting controls and Title 24 Part 6.
  • Experience with light fixture schedules, cutsheet packages and submittal review workflows.
  • Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Procore, AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Claude


Benefits & Development


  • Mentorship and a clear career path with direct guidance from a Certified Lighting Designer.
  • Live projects from your first week, on a path toward leading design work of your own.
  • Competitive salary—$65K–$85K based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Schedule of four nine-hour days with a half day on Friday, so you get the most out of your weekend.
  • Hybrid working schedule: four days in the office, one day remote.


Why This Role is a Great Fit


  • Real-World Growth: work end-to-end on live projects, from concept and design through construction.
  • Career Foundation: mentored directly by a CLD on a clear path toward leading your own design work.
  • Integrated Team: sit inside an MEP engineering firm, so designs are well coordinated and deliverables are seamlessly integrated.
  • Design-First Culture: your input and your point of view are valued and developed here.


To apply, please send your resume, portfolio, and a letter of interest.

Apply