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Graduate Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 8, 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 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.

Are civil engineering graduates in demand?

Civil engineering graduates are generally in demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and the need for sustainable design. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, proficiency in design software, and relevant certifications, making it a stable career choice in many regions.

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 master's in civil engineering?

A master's in civil engineering qualifies you for roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, geotechnical engineer, and project manager. These positions often require knowledge of design software, project management skills, and sometimes 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.

What jobs can a graduate civil engineer get?

A graduate civil engineer can pursue roles such as civil design engineer, site engineer, project engineer, or structural engineer. These positions typically involve working on infrastructure projects, construction sites, or design teams, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and engineering principles. Entry-level roles may also include internships or assistant positions to gain practical experience.
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 job categories do people searching Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in California 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,712 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

$70K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Westwood Professional Services, Inc has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients. A Graduate Engineer is expected to work on a team providing support to a licensed Civil Engineer while learning the company's standard practices and local agency codes. A large amount of time will be dedicated to becoming proficient in AutoCAD Civil3D. In pursuit of a Professional Engineering license, the applicant needs to be organized, self-motivated, and possess the ability to collaboratively solve complex issues on time and within budget.
Requirements
  • Prepare various exhibits and design drawings using AutoCAD Civil3D
  • Coordination with agency staff and internal support teams on designs, analysis, and issues
  • Preparation of entitlement documents in support of Tentative Maps, Vacations, Zone Changes, Entitlements, etc.
  • Calculation of quantities using Microsoft Excel and justification letters using Microsoft Word
  • Assist with construction drawings using AutoCAD Civil3D including grading plans; plan and profiles; construction details; storm drain, water and sewer facilities; signage and striping plans

Required Skills:
  • Outgoing, friendly, approachable (team player)
  • Strong communication skills with team members and clients, demonstrates active listening techniques
  • Proficient in computer software (Word, Excel, AutoCAD, Civil3D, Outlook, Microsoft Project)
  • Competent technical skills required to complete engineering tasks
  • Able to proactively pursue design solutions
  • Ability to be open to other's ideas and willing to compromise
  • Detail-oriented but also flexible enough to be big picture/conceptual
  • Able to compromise and accept other's ideas
  • Good reputation amongst peers, clients, and agencies
  • Able to follow general directions and guidelines for the firm's policies, practices, and procedures
  • A supportive team member with the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative environment

Required Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or the ability to obtain within 6-12 months
  • Engineer-in-Training Certificate, or the ability to obtain within 6-12 months
  • Basic knowledge of AutoCAD Civil3D software

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary Description
$70,000 - $88,000

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