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Professional Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Registration as a Professional Engineer or Structural Engineer in California * 10 - 15 years of experience as a Structural Engineer, preferably in the Civil Wet Infrastructure and Water Storage space

Registration as a Professional Engineer or Structural Engineer in California * 10 - 15 years of experience as a Structural Engineer, preferably in the Civil Wet Infrastructure and Water Storage space

$115K - $125K/yr

Role Overview The Professional Services Engineer is responsible for executing and delivering complex IT modernization projects based on solution designs developed by the Systems Architect. This role ...

Professional Services Engineer, Claris

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Join Claris, an Apple company, as a Professional Services Engineer. Claris empowers people and organizations to solve complex business problems through powerful, flexible technology. We are seeking ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$95.8K

$134.7K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in California is $95,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in CA?

For Professional Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,792 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Professional Engineer, Structural Engineering

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Oakland, CA

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Professional Engineer, Structural Engineering provides structural engineering services with emphasis on repair and rehabilitation of constructed works, investigation and performance evaluation, and adaptive re-use of existing structures.  The Engineer will be expected to conduct structural evaluations, repair design, design, and investigative projects; complete and review analysis and design calculations; execute and manage the preparation of drawings and specifications; manage project budgets and schedules; assist with mentoring of junior staff; interact with clients; and manage construction projects.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Work on a wide range of structural-engineering projects involving steel, concrete, masonry and wood structures. The role will focus on seismic assessment/retrofit, as well as repair/rehabilitation/restoration of existing buildings.
  • Plan and conduct site investigations to document existing conditions.
  • Execute the construction-administration phase of projects, including bid assistance, submittal review, site meetings, observations of completed work, etc.
  • Serve as a manager on projects that may include:
    • Condition assessments of existing buildings
    • Design of repair/rehabilitation/restoration measures for existing structures and preparation of construction documents
    • Design and details of structural components for adaptive re-use and modifications of existing building structures
    • Investigation of structural failures and adverse performance issues
    • Preparation of technical reports
  • Responsible for direct client contact within context of assigned work.
  • Pursue professional activities to gain professional recognition.
  • Publish articles/papers and give technical presentations.

What You'll Need:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in structural analysis and design of concrete, steel, masonry, and wood-frame structures. 
  • MS in Structural Engineering.
  • Professional Engineering license (PE) required; a Structural Engineering license is preferred.
  • Proficient in writing and editing of project specifications, technical reports, field reports, project correspondence, and proposals.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage project budgets.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Proficient in the use of computer analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAP, RISA, RAM, SAFE, PERFORM 3D, etc.)
  • Ability to travel to remote job sites not accessible by public transportation, and if applicable, an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.