Entry Level Engineering Jobs in Simi Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Plumbing Designer
Department: Design MEP West Coast
Reports to: Managing Director/Director
FLSA Status: This position may be classified as Hourly (non-exempt) or Salaried (exempt) based on the final compensation level. Classification will be determined in accordance with applicable California wage and hour laws, including minimum salary thresholds for exempt employees.
Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Plumbing Designer I supports the MEP team by producing construction documents and assisting with the design of plumbing systems for a variety of architectural and engineering projects. This entry-level professional applies fundamental engineering and design principles, develops technical skills, and gains exposure to multidisciplinary coordination. The Plumbing Designer I works under general supervision and is expected to steadily increase independence, accuracy, and efficiency.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plumbing Design & Technical Responsibilities

• Produce construction documents at an efficient pace while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Design basic plumbing distribution systems, including domestic water, sanitary waste, vent, and storm systems, with minimal assistance.
• Read, interpret, and coordinate Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical drawings.
• Understand how plumbing systems function independently and in coordination with other building systems.
• Accurately indicate pipe sizes, materials, specifications, notes, and other required information on drawings.
• Apply applicable plumbing codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements to designs.
• Perform calculations for system sizing, equipment selection, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible building practices.
• Retain and apply technical knowledge gained from previous projects to new assignments.

Project Support & Documentation

• Assist in preparing and editing plumbing specifications with minimal assistance.
• Assist with reviewing and replying to RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings with minimal supervision.
• Perform site surveys and document existing conditions clearly and accurately.
• Conduct construction site observations and document findings in coordination with the project team.
• Support the project team in maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout all project phases.

Coordination & Communication

• Communicate clearly and concisely within the office and with project team members.
• Produce well-written professional communications, including emails and technical documentation.
• Ask thoughtful questions when encountering new system types or unfamiliar conditions.
• Understand client needs and bring issues or required actions to the attention of the project manager or engineer.
• Positively contribute to teamwork, collaboration, and a cooperative office environment.

Organization & Professional Development

• Organize, prioritize, and perform effectively while managing multiple projects and shifting deadlines.
• Demonstrate accountability for assigned tasks and deadlines.
• Show initiative in learning firm standards, project workflows, and best practices.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and technical skill building.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Fundamental understanding of plumbing systems and building construction.
• Ability to read and understand multi-discipline construction documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Willingness to ask questions and learn new systems and technologies.
• Working knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Exposure to plumbing calculation tools or engineering software is a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of plumbing design or related A/E firm experience, including internships or co-op experience.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you'll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.
Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.
We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.
BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.
Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.
Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.
Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.
HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.
Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information. Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process. We look forward to reviewing your information.