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Federal Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field. * Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers ...

S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field ... Federal Team. This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S.

S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field ... This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team. This team works on projects connected to the U.S ...

D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field. * Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers ...

Responsible for SME innovation and administration, ensuring corporate compliance with all Local, State, and Federal engineering, construction, and safety regulations, and providing pragmatic ...

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Federal Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do federal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal engineering 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.

Does the FBI hire civil engineers?

The FBI generally does not hire civil engineers for its core investigative roles, but civil engineers may be employed in specialized positions related to infrastructure security, building assessments, or technical support. These roles often require relevant engineering licenses, security clearances, and knowledge of federal building standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Federal Engineering position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Federal Engineering role, you need a strong background in engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering), and experience with federally regulated standards and processes. Familiarity with government contracting systems, project management software, and security clearances (such as Secret or Top Secret) is often required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and within structured governmental environments. These combined skills are critical for maintaining compliance, delivering technical excellence, and supporting mission-critical federal projects.

What is a Federal Engineering job?

A Federal Engineering job involves designing, developing, and maintaining technical systems and infrastructure for government agencies. Engineers in these roles work on projects related to national defense, transportation, telecommunications, and environmental protection. They must comply with federal regulations and security requirements while ensuring efficiency and innovation. These positions often require security clearances and specialized knowledge in engineering disciplines relevant to government operations.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In federal engineering roles, high-level positions such as senior engineers, engineering managers, and specialized technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in areas like systems engineering, defense, or aerospace, and may include bonuses and benefits that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as aerospace, petroleum, software, and systems engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What types of projects or assignments can Federal Engineers expect to work on within government agencies?

Federal Engineers may work on a wide range of assignments, such as infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, defense system development, or environmental compliance projects, depending on the agency's mission. Daily responsibilities often involve coordinating with project managers, reviewing technical documentation, ensuring adherence to federal standards, and conducting site visits or system evaluations. Collaboration with stakeholders from various departments, contractors, and regulatory bodies is common and vital to project success. This variety of work offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and gain exposure to high-impact national projects, supporting both professional growth and public service goals.

How much does a federal engineer make?

Federal engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific agency. Salaries are often determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with higher grades and specialized skills leading to increased compensation. Certifications and security clearances can also impact salary levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Federal Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Federal Engineering jobs in California? For Federal Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Federal Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Federal Engineering job openings:
Vice President, Plumbing Engineering - Buildings

Vice President, Plumbing Engineering - Buildings

WSP

San Diego, CA • On-site

$191K - $247K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a Vice President, Plumbing Engineer to join our dynamic Property & Buildings team. This position is available at our offices located in Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Riverside, California.

Provides leadership within a sector of organization to ensure plumbing engineering subject matter, technical deliverables, building and infrastructure projects and programs are delivered with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry and company standards for design, safety, and functionality.  Responsible for SME innovation and administration, ensuring corporate compliance with all Local, State, and Federal engineering, construction, and safety regulations, and providing pragmatic direction to address current and future challenges in a rapidly-changing and complex business climate.

Your Impact

  • Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the plumbing engineering discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
  • Perform engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts, integrated management plans, and periodic construction inspections, to ensure that they comply with applicable state and/or federal regulations and sound engineering practice and standards.
  • Lead larger-scale more complex plumbing engineering projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
  • Provide expert technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues relating to plumbing, fire protection and suppression, and fluid flow systems.
  • Responsible for the pursuit and development of business and the successful execution of work for current and potential building and infrastructure work within a geography specifically for the large projects within the area. 
  • Lead technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings.
  • Support the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Plumbing Engineering work for WSP in assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on building and infrastructure opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, and strategic consulting and program/construction management). 
  • Responsible for the profitable performance of the individual projects and the successful completion of the projects within the specified area. 
  • Assist with the preparation of an annual update to business tactical action plans within the specified area.
  • Meet with various public or private entities or individuals to discuss issues relating to a variety of engineering/construction challenges and programs. 
  • Ensure that engineering discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition are developed and continuously improved.
  • Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys to align the engineering discipline's function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.
  • Schedule engineering discipline meetings, providing updates and recommendations to ensure that all reasonable and proper measures are taken to inculcate discipline expertise and innovation into project work.
  • Serve as one of the engineering discipline's lead representatives/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, architects, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
  • Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics - and accountable for planning, development and management of projects in compliance with all applicable City/State/Federal codes and regulations, and in accordance with all acceptable engineering practices.
  • Interpret and summarize data, including reports and documents that result in sound engineering and regulatory conclusions.
  • Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
  • Develop a client base for providing high level plumbing engineering services including identifying additional business development opportunities, and cross-selling of other WSP capabilities.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
  • Remain current in latest plumbing engineering techniques and practices.
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide "trusted advisor" service and future ready solutions for clients.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Plumbing or Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 12+ years of relevant post education experience in engineering, plumbing, mechanical, and infrastructure design.
  • Engineer license preferred
  • Advanced proficiency with plumbing and mechanical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, standard of care, and the application to project work-related issues.
  • Advanced proficiency with building and infrastructure design.
  • Strong working knowledge of relevant plumbing and mechanical engineering and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements, and the business impact upon the organization.
  • Advanced proficiency with making technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations. 
  • Works independently and provides guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Tactical lateral thinking and strong analytical skills with attention to detail and prioritization of responsibilities in a pressure work environment.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, clients, regulators, architects, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exits. 
  • Advanced proficiency with office automation, load calculations, discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, Revit), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Strong ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet business needs.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Degree in Engineering.
  • LEED certification desired.
  • Strong experience in managing the review and approval of documents and discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment is highly desirable.

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation: 

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $157,500 - $212,600

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.  

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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