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Heavy Lift Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Branch Engineer

Paramount, CA

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Branch Engineer is expected to support all areas of engineering (sales, design, and project ... lift and heavy transport projects. * Assist Sales Personnel by performing field walk-down ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Branch Engineer

Paramount, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Branch Engineer is expected to support all areas of engineering (sales, design, and project ... lift and heavy transport projects. * Assist Sales Personnel by performing field walk-down ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Branch Engineer

Paramount, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Branch Engineer is expected to support all areas of engineering (sales, design, and project ... lift and heavy transport projects. * Assist Sales Personnel by performing field walk-down ...

Pacific Fusion

Senior Structures Engineer

San Leandro, CA

$113K - $154K/yr

... heavy-lift, and high-precision alignment of large fusion machine components. * Design temporary ... Provide miscellaneous structural engineering support and detailed mechanical analysis, including ...

Bragg Companies

Rigging Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineered lift drawings showing rigging/lifting components, equipment positions, and ... Travel to field construction sites as needed and provide oversight for heavy lift operations.

Bragg Companies

Rigging Engineer III

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineered lift drawings showing rigging/lifting components, equipment positions, and ... Travel to field construction sites as needed and provide oversight for heavy lift operations.

Mayman Aerospace

Senior GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

It will be the smallest & fastest, heavy-lift micro-turbine powered VTOL aircraft ever designed. We ... Join our engineering team to develop the P100 aircraft control and navigation system designs.

Mayman Aerospace

Senior GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

It will be the smallest & fastest, heavy-lift micro-turbine powered VTOL aircraft ever designed. We ... Join our engineering team to develop the P100 aircraft control and navigation system designs.

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All JobsHeavy Lift Engineer JobsHeavy Lift Engineer Jobs in California

Heavy Lift Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$43

$69

How much do heavy lift engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy lift engineer in California is $43.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $51.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a heavy lift engineer?

Heavy Lift Engineers are specialized professionals who plan, design, and oversee the execution of lifting operations involving exceptionally large or heavy objects, such as industrial equipment, structural components, or offshore modules. They ensure that all aspects of a heavy lift, from rigging and equipment selection to safety protocols and structural analysis, are carefully considered to prevent accidents and ensure efficiency. Heavy Lift Engineers often work in industries like construction, oil and gas, shipping, and renewable energy, collaborating with project managers, crane operators, and other engineers to deliver successful lifting solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy lift engineers during large-scale projects?

Heavy Lift Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex logistics, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards, and managing communication across multidisciplinary teams. Projects may involve unpredictable variables such as weather conditions, equipment availability, and site constraints, all of which require proactive problem-solving. Successfully navigating these challenges demands strong planning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving project requirements while maintaining a focus on safety and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy lift engineer?

To thrive as a Heavy Lift Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or civil engineering, with expertise in structural analysis and heavy lifting methods, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, lifting simulation tools, and industry certifications such as ASME or relevant rigging qualifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring safety. These skills ensure that complex lifting operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Heavy Lift Engineer vs Crane Engineer?

AspectHeavy Lift EngineerCrane Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in lifting and riggingEngineering or technical diploma, crane operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial projects, offshore facilitiesConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, port terminals
Industry UsageHeavy lifting projects, infrastructure, oil & gasCrane operation, maintenance, and safety management

Heavy Lift Engineers focus on planning and overseeing large-scale lifting operations, ensuring safety and compliance. Crane Engineers specialize in the design, maintenance, and operation of cranes. While both roles require knowledge of lifting equipment, Heavy Lift Engineers handle complex logistics and project management, whereas Crane Engineers focus on crane functionality and safety. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial sectors, often working together on large projects.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Lift Engineer jobs in California?

For Heavy Lift Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Lift Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Lift Engineer jobs in California are:

Heavy Lift Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Lift Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,375 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Structural Engineer | Associate/Associate Principal for Construction Engineering Practice

Degenkolb Engineers

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$153K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Description: Are you a structural engineer eager to pivot into the exciting world of Construction Engineering to help contractors get their projects built? We are looking for creative Project Managers to leverage our core Structural Engineering expertise while pushing boundaries of scale, complexity, and schedule on some of the most diverse and challenging construction projects in the country.
We are hiring at our Los Angeles and Orange offices.
Ideal Candidate: This position is ideal for a Project Manager with exposure to Construction Engineering and an established client base in the following sectors: steel erection engineering and connection design, excavation shoring and building underpinning design, and/or on-call support for General Contractors on both new and existing building projects. Must bring a desire to lead the development and growth of our Construction Engineering Practice and enjoy partnering directly with contractors on fast-paced projects.
Company Background: Founded in 1940 and headquartered in San Francisco, Degenkolb Engineers has more than eight decades of commitment to innovation, client service, and life-long learning. We deliver customized structural solutions in a variety of practice areas: healthcare, education, science and technology, forensics, construction engineering, and federal buildings. We address every project need whether those needs are meeting stringent codes, meeting a bottom line, sticking to a hard construction schedule, or developing a structural system that creates a landmark.
Compensation and Benefits: The pay rate for this position, across the listed offices, generally ranges between $153,000 and $190,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to pay transparency laws. Actual pay rates will be based on various factors, including location, company geographic differentials, education level and candidate qualifications.
Benefits include health and life insurance, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, 401(k) with company Profit Sharing contribution, employee ownership in a privately held stock plan, financial support for professional activities, company holidays, and a generous paid time off program.
Culture: We offer focused professional development within a highly supportive and transparent environment, a flexible hybrid work schedule and a fun office environment! Our firm is highly collaborative and filled with experts who are united by a passion for industry involvement, pride in company ownership, and respect for our personal lives. We also offer opportunities for committee participation and leadership, and a pay scale set at the 75th market percentile. To learn more, please visit our website:
https://degenkolb.com/culture/
Skills & Requirements
Job Description: Construction Engineering Project Managers leverage our core Structural Engineering expertise and creativity to assist industry leading contractors with pushing boundaries of scale, complexity, and schedule on some of the most diverse and challenging construction projects in the country.
Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate the growth of the Construction Engineer Practice Area in the applicable office region by serving as an expert resource in CE work for Degenkolb, building upon and growing Degenkolb's relationships with contractors and sub-contractors, and generating a sustainable pipeline of CE work. Actively participate in Construction Engineering Practice Area meetings and strategic initiatives.
  • Plan, coordinate, and manage Construction Engineering projects to include steel erection engineering, excavation shoring design, connection design, heavy lift engineering, and/or general on-call support for General Contractors on both new and existing building projects.
  • Oversee work of junior engineers, designers and/or BIM drafters in production of structural construction documents including drawings, specifications, bidding, and construction administration for projects. Develop technical skills of junior staff with empathy and a genuine interest in the career progression of colleagues.
  • Prepare client proposals including scope, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
  • Maintain close relationships with clients during project development, execution, and completion. Leverage and build upon these relationships to generate repeat business.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering required (Master's Degree in Structural Engineering preferred).
  • 8-12 years relevant work experience with a stable history (Construction Means and Methods Engineering experience is preferred).
  • California Civil Engineering license required. Registration as a Structural Engineer in California preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff, and to collaborate effectively with contractors and other project team members.
  • Participation in the development of business development strategies to leverage professional network and generate new opportunities.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of Revit and Tekla families of software.
  • Active participation in professional or client-based activities.

Application Process: Click the Apply Now button. Please submit your resume and a targeted cover letter describing the alignment of your background with this position.
Degenkolb Engineers complies with Equal Opportunity Employer guidelines, meaning we do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where a wide range of perspectives, skills, and experiences are welcomed and respected.
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