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Graduate Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Arcata, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

Civil Engineer

Northridge, CA ยท On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... RESPONSIBILITIES As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$58.7K

$83.9K

How much do graduate civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate civil engineer in California is $58,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job Description of a Graduate Civil Engineer?

As a graduate civil engineer, your daily duties vary depending on where you work and whether or not you work in the private or public sector. Some of your responsibilities in this career may include designing and building infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or water supply systems. You may be part of the development and planning team or the layout design process, or you may be responsible for the documentation of repair needs in various infrastructures, such as bridges, buildings, or tunnels.

What jobs can a civil engineering graduate get?

A civil engineering graduate can pursue roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, geotechnical engineer, or construction manager. These positions typically involve designing, planning, and overseeing infrastructure projects, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and relevant certifications like Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

What do civil engineers do after graduation?

After graduation, civil engineers typically start in entry-level roles such as design, construction, or project management, often working under supervision to gain practical experience. They may pursue professional engineering licensure and develop skills in CAD software, surveying, and project planning to advance their careers.

What are some common challenges Graduate Civil Engineers face when transitioning from university to their first professional role?

Graduate Civil Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project constraints, learning to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and understanding how their academic knowledge translates into practical solutions. They must also become familiar with industry-specific software, safety regulations, and communication protocols while working within multidisciplinary teams. Receiving mentorship and being proactive in seeking feedback can help ease this transition and accelerate professional development.

What jobs can I get with a masters in civil engineering?

A master's in civil engineering qualifies you for advanced roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, or project manager. These positions often require knowledge of design software like AutoCAD or Revit and may involve obtaining professional licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

What does a Graduate Civil Engineer do?

A Graduate Civil Engineer typically assists with the planning, design, and management of construction projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to gain practical knowledge and develop technical skills. Their tasks may include preparing drawings, conducting site visits, and ensuring that projects comply with safety and environmental regulations. This role serves as an entry point for recent graduates to build a foundation for a career in civil engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a solid understanding of engineering principles, and strong mathematical skills. Familiarity with CAD software, structural analysis tools, and knowledge of relevant standards or codes are typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project challenges. These skills ensure that engineering solutions are technically sound, efficiently delivered, and meet safety and regulatory requirements.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Graduate civil engineers typically earn lower starting salaries, with higher earnings possible as they gain experience, specialize in high-demand areas, or take on managerial roles. Senior civil engineers or those working on large infrastructure projects in certain regions can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in California? For Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Civil Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Civil Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in CA? For Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Civil Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,712 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Graduate Civil Engineer (0-3 Years Experience)

Graduate Civil Engineer (0-3 Years Experience)

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Sacramento, 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 Sacramento 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 Analysisย 

  • 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.ย 
  • Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.ย 

Professional Developmentย 

  • Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.ย 
  • 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 Qualifications

  • 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.