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Entry Level Structural Engineering Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

All JobsEntry Level Structural Engineering JobsEntry Level Structural Engineering Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Entry Level Structural Engineering information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$51.3K

$101.9K

$155.8K

How much do entry level structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineering in Santa Maria, CA is $101,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $115,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry-level structural engineer expect in their first year?

As an entry-level structural engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with calculations, drafting structural plans using CAD software, and helping to prepare project documentation. You'll likely support senior engineers in conducting site visits, reviewing construction drawings, and ensuring compliance with building codes. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineers is common, offering valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork. Over time, you'll gradually take on more independent tasks as you build your technical knowledge and confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in engineering and understanding of fundamental design principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools like SAP2000 or ETABS, as well as passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, is usually expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project collaboration and client interactions. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of structural designs while supporting project success within multidisciplinary teams.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry level structural engineer assists in designing and analyzing structures like buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure they are safe and stable. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping with calculations, preparing drawings, and reviewing construction materials. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software and collaborating with architects and construction teams. Entry level structural engineers also help ensure projects comply with relevant codes and regulations, and they may visit construction sites to observe progress or resolve issues.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Structural or Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting companiesTransportation, environmental, construction, and design projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysis of buildings and bridgesBroader scope including infrastructure, transportation, and environmental projects

Entry Level Structural Engineering focuses specifically on designing and analyzing structures like buildings and bridges, requiring specialized knowledge in structural systems. Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects, including transportation and environmental work. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but structural engineering is more specialized within the civil engineering field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA? For Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Entry Level Structural Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs near you
Civil Engineering | Engineer

Civil Engineering | Engineer

RRM Design Group

San Luis Obispo, CA

$36.75 - $45.75/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

Join the vibrant team at RRM Design Group - a powerhouse of innovation and creativity! As a 100% employee-owned company, we're not just a firm; we're a community of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, and surveyors. Throughout California, we undertake projects from conception to realization, resulting in authentic, innovative, and timeless designs that strive to make a lasting and positive impact on those who encounter them.
In our Civil Engineering department, adventure awaits as we tackle an exhilarating array of projects in land development. From building essential infrastructure to crafting breathtaking parks and trails, our team pushes boundaries and sparks change. Plus, you'll have the chance to work alongside brilliant minds across different disciplines, fostering innovation and unleashing your full potential.
Ready to embark on an exciting journey? Join us now as we seek entry to upper-level civil engineers to be part of our dynamic team. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Requirements

What you'll bring to the table:

Entry Level: Engineer I - Engineer II

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 1 -3 years

Mid to Upper Level: Project Engineers - Project Managers

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 5 -10 years
  • A valid California PE license is strongly preferred. Alternatively, candidates who have passed the national portion of the exam and are actively pursuing the CA portion are also encouraged to apply.


Above & Beyond:

Some work experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, or planning firm.

We're eager to learn more about your qualifications and interest in joining our team!


*Psst...at RRM, we recognize that factors such as imposter syndrome or the confidence gap may deter some applicants from applying. However, we encourage you to apply anyways, as we recognize these restraints do not reflect an applicant's abilities, and we don't want them to get in the way of us meeting potential RRMers!


ABOUT US:


Ensuring the health and happiness of our RRMers is paramount to how we run our business. RRM Design Group is a 100% employee-owned multidiscipline design firm with a full spectrum of services including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County to the Bay Area. Over one-third of our workforce has been with us for a decade or more and we work on engaging projects in several diverse markets throughout the state.


We value the diversity of intersecting identities and strive to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. We expect our work environments to be places of diverse engagement and informed discourse. Ultimately, we acknowledge that our standards of excellence as a multidiscipline design firm are not separate from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


COMPENSATION: The hiring ranges below depend on skills and experience.

Engineer I - $36.75 -$40.88 per hour.

Engineer II: $41.00 - $45.75 per hour.

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