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Licensed Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$170 - $200/hr

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.

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 ...

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.

Principal Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Professional Engineering (PE) and Structural Engineering (SE) license is required * Requisite knowledge and application of structural design codes, standards, and applicable building codes * Strong ...

Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in the State of California; Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to obtain SE licensure may be considered for candidates with significant relevant experience

Structural Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$103K - $159K/yr

Eng.) license * Structural engineering experience should be in at least one of marine infrastructure (ports, harbors), coastal engineering, bridges, tunnels, other heavy civils * The ability and ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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 Engineer

Schnabel Branding Colors

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$170 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabelโ€™s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Our Sacramento office is seeking a Senior Engineer (equivalent to a Senior Associate level) Structural Engineer with specialized expertise in dam design and hydraulic structures. We are looking for a highly motivated, technically proficient engineer to perform structural engineering analysis and design for dams, hydraulic structures, and heavy civil infrastructure, while helping lead and grow our structural engineering team.

Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will perform and lead structural engineering tasks including:

  • Perform engineering activities throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, including investigation, evaluation, analysis, design, and engineering services during construction.
  • Perform structural analyses and prepare detailed design calculations for dams, hydraulic structures, and related heavy civil infrastructure.
  • Perform quality control reviews of work prepared by other team members.
  • Prepare and review construction drawings, technical specifications, design memoranda, and engineering reports.
  • Develop, guide, and mentor junior structural engineers in the preparation of structural analyses and finite element models using programs such as SAP2000, LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, and ANSYS.
  • Apply applicable codes, standards, and design criteria for loads, analysis procedures, and structural requirements, including ASCE 7, ACI 318, ACI 350, the Steel Construction Manual, IBC, and other relevant guidance.
  • Prepare responses to contractor submittals, requests for information, and technical questions during construction.
  • Collaborate effectively with owners, contractors, architects, and multidisciplinary design teams.
  • Travel as needed to project sites, client meetings, and other Schnabel offices.
  • Work collaboratively within the Sacramento office and across Schnabelโ€™s broader office network to support project delivery and balance workload among available resources.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Masterโ€™s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in structural engineering, from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 20+ years of structural engineering experience, with demonstrated proficiency in concrete and steel design for dams, hydraulic structures, and heavy civil structures.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and multidisciplinary projects throughout the project lifecycle.
  • 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.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings, technical specifications, calculations, and engineering deliverables.
  • Experience working directly with owners and contractors during project design and construction phases.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic, sound engineering judgment, and a commitment to performing at a high professional level.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Licensed Structural Engineer in California, or willingness and ability to pursue and obtain an SE license.
  • Prior working experience on projects with FERC and DSOD regulatory authority.
  • Consulting engineering experience, particularly on dam, hydraulic structure, or heavy civil infrastructure projects.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for this position is between $170,00 to $200,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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