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Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering Jobs in California

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Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do fresh graduate civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate civil engineering in California is $81,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering job?

A Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering job is an entry-level position designed for recent graduates with a degree in civil engineering. These roles help new engineers gain hands-on experience in construction, design, project management, and site supervision. Responsibilities may include assisting senior engineers, preparing reports, conducting site inspections, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Employers typically seek candidates with strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn.

What opportunities for career progression can a Fresh Graduate Civil Engineer expect in the first few years?

As a Fresh Graduate Civil Engineer, you often start with entry-level roles such as site engineer, junior design engineer, or project assistant, typically working under the supervision of senior engineers. Over the first few years, you can gain experience in diverse projects, develop specialized skills (like structural analysis or transportation planning), and might have the chance to rotate across various departments. Progression often involves taking on increasing responsibility, pursuing professional certification (such as EIT or PE), and expanding your technical and leadership capabilities. Many organizations provide mentorship programs and opportunities for professional development to help you advance your career.

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

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and construction methods, supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and exposure to project management tools or internships is typically advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for adapting to real-world project demands and building a successful foundation in civil engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering jobs in California? For Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Civil Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 60% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,591 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Graduate Civil Engineer (0-3 Years Experience)

Graduate Civil Engineer (0-3 Years Experience)

KPFF Consulting Engineers

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$64K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

AtKPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just anengineering design firm. For over65 years, we have dedicated ourselves toinnovative, sustainable engineeringthat shapes thebuilt environmentand tacklescomplex infrastructure challenges. Ourteam cultureemphasizesbalance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member's professional journey withflexibility, generous benefits,and acollaborative approachto work-life integration.ย 

With over1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF'sdecentralized structureallows each office theflexibility to pursue projectsaligned with theirregional strengths. Learn more atwww.kpff.com.ย 

Job Description

KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking anย Entry Level Civil Engineer or Graduate Civilย Engineerย to join ourย San Franciscoย office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technicalย expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.ย 

As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.ย 

What You'll Doย 

Engineering Design and Analysis

  • Assistย with the design of site development, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
  • Perform engineering calculations and technical analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.ย 
  • Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering tools.ย 

Project Support and Coordinationย 

  • Assistย with project planning, scheduling, and documentation.ย 
  • Supportย permittingย efforts and coordination with public agencies and utility providers.ย 
  • Participate in project meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.ย 

Field Experienceย 

  • Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.ย 
  • Observe construction activities andย assistย with evaluating field conditions.
  • Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.ย 

Professional Development

  • Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in design reviews and quality control processes.ย 
  • Work closely with mentors and project managers to develop technicalย expertiseย and progress toward professional licensure.ย 
Qualifications

Required Qualificationsย 

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineeringย 
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within six months of hireย 
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suiteย 
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skillsย 
  • Understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and design principlesย 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skillsย 
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environmentย 
  • Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challengesย 

Physical Requirementsย 

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on design and technical tasksย 
  • Ability to conduct occasional site visits and navigate active project sitesย 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials as needed
Additional Information

Compensationย 

Theย anticipatedย base salary range for this position is $64,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role.ย 

In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.ย 

Why KPFFย 

At KPFF,ย you'llย find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe the best way to develop engineers is through meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.ย 

Our employees enjoy:ย 

  • Flexible schedules and work-life integrationย 
  • Generous paid time off and company holidaysย 
  • Two floating holidays each yearย 
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverageย 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributionย 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)ย 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)ย 
  • Company-paid life and disability insuranceย 
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contributionย 
  • Six weeks of paid family leaveย 
  • Professional development and mentorship opportunitiesย 
  • Support for FE, PE, and professional licensure goalsย 
  • Continuing education and industry involvement opportunitiesย 

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KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.