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Licensed Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Licensed Professional Engineer in California. * Experience with computer-aided structural analysis and finite element modeling programs, including SAP2000, LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, ANSYS, or similar tools.

We're looking for an experienced and licensed Structural Engineer (PE) in California to join our team and lead the design of residential, multifamily, and commercial building projects. In this role ...

Senior Structural Project Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$108K - $147K/yr

This is a hybrid position, with employees working in the office Tuesday through Thursday and remotely on Mondays and Fridays . This role is ideal for a licensed Structural Engineer with 10+ years of ...

Civil Engineer, Structural Focus

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$113K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a licensed Civil Engineer with structural focus in Northern California to lead design and consulting services for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the ...

Civil Engineer, Structural Focus

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$113K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a licensed Civil Engineer with structural focus in Northern California to lead design and consulting services for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the ...

Showing results 21-40

Licensed Structural Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$98.1K

$150K

How much do licensed structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for licensed structural engineer in California is $98,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a licensed structural engineer?

A Licensed Structural Engineer is a professional who has met the education, experience, and examination requirements to be certified by a state or national board to design and analyze structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They are responsible for ensuring that these structures are safe, stable, and compliant with relevant codes and regulations. Licensing typically requires a degree in engineering, several years of work experience under a licensed engineer, and passing rigorous exams such as the PE (Professional Engineer) and sometimes the SE (Structural Engineer) exam. Licensed Structural Engineers play a critical role in construction projects from conception through completion.

What are some typical challenges a licensed structural engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Licensed Structural Engineers often collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineering specialists, which can present challenges such as aligning design visions, managing conflicting priorities, and coordinating timelines. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address design changes, site constraints, and evolving client needs. Navigating building codes, ensuring structural safety, and delivering cost-effective solutions while meeting project deadlines are also common aspects of the role. Building strong relationships with team members helps streamline coordination and leads to successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a licensed structural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Licensed Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and strong analytical and design skills. Familiarity with structural analysis software such as SAP2000, ETABS, AutoCAD, and building codes is essential, along with experience in project management tools. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help professionals collaborate effectively with architects, clients, and construction teams. These competencies ensure that structural designs are safe, efficient, and compliant, leading to successful project outcomes and public safety.

What is the difference between Licensed Structural Engineer vs Structural Designer?

AspectLicensed Structural EngineerStructural Designer
CredentialsProfessional Engineering (PE) license, engineering degree, experienceEngineering or architecture degree, possibly certification but no PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, review, and approval of structural projects; often responsible for safety and complianceCreating design drawings, specifications, and assisting in project development
Industry UsageRegulated by licensing boards; required for signing and sealing structural plansTypically employed in design firms; not authorized to sign off on official documents

The main difference between a Licensed Structural Engineer and a Structural Designer lies in licensing and responsibilities. Licensed Structural Engineers hold a PE license, enabling them to approve and sign structural plans, ensuring safety and compliance. Structural Designers focus on creating detailed designs and drawings but do not have licensing authority. Both roles are essential in the structural industry, but the engineer's license grants legal authority to oversee and approve projects.

How much do licensed structural engineers make?

Licensed structural engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers with advanced certifications and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas.

Is there a high demand for licensed structural engineers?

Licensed structural engineers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, construction, and renovation activities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as new buildings and infrastructure require specialized structural design and assessment skills, often requiring licensure and proficiency with design software. This demand is consistent across many regions with active construction markets.
Infographic showing various Licensed Structural Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Senior Structural Engineering Manager

Clark Pacific

West Sacramento, CA

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago


Clark Pacific rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Senior Structural Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers in the design and delivery of full precast structural solutions for mission critical projects, including data centers and semiconductor fabrication facilities. This position is responsible for the engineering of prestressed floors, beams, walls, columns, slabs, stairs, and related structural components, ensuring compliance with project specifications, codes, and tight schedules. The role carries significant responsibility for managing high-pressure project timelines, balancing workloads, and fostering effective collaboration across engineering, project management, and manufacturing. Work originates from Clark Pacific’s project portfolio of large, complex precast structures, requiring both technical expertise and strong leadership to achieve excellence in quality, safety, and innovation.

Competitive Compensation - $175,000 - $250,000 based on experience

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • Exercise a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when working with staff, projects, and proprietary information.
  • Lead and manage the structural engineering team in the design of full precast structural systems, including prestressed floors, beams, walls, columns, slabs, and stairs.
  • Serve as Engineer of Record on projects requiring a licensed Structural Engineer (SE), ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client specifications.
  • Direct and oversee the preparation of structural calculations, drawings, and submittals for multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.
  • Provide technical leadership in lateral design of concrete elements, delivering safe, efficient, and innovative solutions.
  • Manage and balance workloads across the team, addressing high-stress situations and uneven project demands with effective time and resource management.
  • Work closely with the project management department while also being available to represent Clark Pacific in a design capacity externally when required.
  • Mentor and develop engineers, promoting high emotional intelligence, communication, and professional growth within the team.
  • Champion continuous improvement by engaging in industry organizations such as PCI, contributing to advancement of precast concrete design and innovation.

Experience and Education:

Required:

  • Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in the state of California, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive structural engineering design experience, preferably with at least 4 years in a leadership or management role.
  • Demonstrated experience as lead design manager on multiple large-scale structural projects.
  • Hands-on experience in lateral design of concrete structures.
  • Proven track record of delivering high-quality engineering solutions under aggressive project timelines.

Preferred:

  • Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis.
  • Experience working in mission-critical sectors (data centers, semiconductor fabrication facilities, or other high-performance facilities).
  • Active involvement in industry organizations such as PCI, including committee participation, technical papers, or leadership roles.
  • Familiarity with precast manufacturing processes and erection practices.
  • Experience with design of precast and prestressed concrete elements, including floors, beams, walls, columns, slabs, and stairs.

Core Values:

  • Determination: Meet challenges head on!
  • Innovation: Always look for better!
  • Well-Being: Seek the success, health and happiness of all!

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation, being paid on a weekly basis.
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance with the options of using Kaiser and VSP for vision!
  • Medical FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA
  • Employer paid life insurance paid by Clark Pacific
  • Voluntary Ancillary Benefits such as Critical Illness, Accident Insurance and Whole life insurance.
  • 401k matching 100% of the first 3%, then 50% of the next 2%

*Benefits will be subject to a waiting period*

Interested? Want to learn more? If you’re a hard-working nice person who is smart and curious, and think that this position is right for you, we want to hear from you. Please apply and let’s begin the journey. Welcome to Clark Pacific. Let’s do great things together!

Clark Pacific is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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