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Project Engineer Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$165K - $202K/yr

Additionally, the Project Engineer assists with managing consultant contracts and engaging with the public to provide information on programs and projects and gather community input. Responsibilities ...

Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Project Engineer will be reporting to the Project Manager and/or Superintendent. Job ... Review project specific submittals for compliance with the contract documents and process them for ...

Project Engineer will be reporting to the Project Manager and/or Superintendent. Job ... Review project specific submittals for compliance with the contract documents and process them for ...

Apply Early

Project Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Project Engineer The Project Engineer plays a vital role in supporting Project Managers across all ... Review and interpret project plans, specifications, contracts, and scope of work documents

New

Applies in-depth knowledge of customer contracts to engineering execution and change management. * Understands project cost build-up, gross margin, and cost drivers specific to Chemicals & Fuels ...

Project Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$165K - $202K/yr

Additionally, the Project Engineer assists with managing consultant contracts and engaging with the public to provide information on programs and projects and gather community input. Responsibilities ...

Project Engineer

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Maintain and organize project documentation including drawings, contracts, and specifications ... Coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to resolve field challenges * Attend ...

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Project Engineer

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Maintain and organize project documentation including drawings, contracts, and specifications ... Coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to resolve field challenges * Attend ...

Maintain and organize project documentation including drawings, contracts, and specifications ... Coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to resolve field challenges * Attend ...

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Project Engineer Department: Project Engineer Employment Type: Full Time Location: Irvine, CA ... Oversee the contract close out process (O&M manuals, As-Builts, etc.) * Create and organize all ...

Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The project engineer responsibilities span a broad spectrum, covering areas such as ... Project Planning, Cost Management, Time Management, Quality Management, Contract Administration ...

Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The project engineer responsibilities span a broad spectrum, covering areas such as ... Project Planning, Cost Management, Time Management, Quality Management, Contract Administration ...

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Showing results 1-20

Project Engineer Contract information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$89.5K

$134.2K

How much do project engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer contract in California is $89,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Contract vs Project Engineer Full-Time?

AspectProject Engineer ContractProject Engineer Full-Time
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, possibly temporary or project-specific licensesSame certifications, often with ongoing professional development
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, project-based settings, often with multiple employersPermanent employment within a company, consistent team environment
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering consulting, and infrastructure projectsStandard in manufacturing, construction, and engineering firms

In summary, Project Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-specific positions often involving multiple employers, while Project Engineer Full-Time roles are permanent positions within a single organization. Both require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment stability and work environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by Project Engineers working on contract assignments?

Project Engineers on contract assignments often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams and company processes, managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, and integrating into ongoing initiatives mid-cycle. Since contract roles can vary in duration and scope, it’s important to be proactive in communication and flexible in work style. Building strong relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders is key to delivering project objectives efficiently and positioning yourself for potential extensions or future opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Engineer Contract, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Contract, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often supplemented by PMP or similar certifications. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and contract administration systems is essential. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate stakeholders and manage contractual obligations effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.

What is a Project Engineer Contract?

A Project Engineer Contract refers to a temporary or fixed-term position where an engineer is hired to oversee and coordinate specific projects, often in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or engineering services. The contract outlines the duration, responsibilities, and expectations for the project engineer, who ensures that project objectives are met on time, within budget, and according to technical standards. This role typically involves planning, technical problem-solving, liaising between teams, and monitoring project progress. Contract positions offer flexibility for both employers and engineers, often focusing on specialized skills for particular projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Engineer Contract job openings:
Project Engineer

Project Engineer

City of Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$165K - $202K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description Career Opportunity The Engineering Services Division of the Public Works Department is recruiting for a Project Engineer to support the delivery of diverse, complex, and impactful Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This position will work on a variety of community-focused streets, sidewalks, transportation, and special projects that enhance public infrastructure, improve mobility, and advance the City's long-term goals. Additionally, the Project Engineer assists with managing consultant contracts and engaging with the public to provide information on programs and projects and gather community input.

Responsibilities include preparing staff reports and requests for proposals; evaluating proposals for professional services; supporting consultant selection and contract administration; coordinating public outreach efforts; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; and maintaining project documentation and as-built records. Ideal Candidate Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California Ability to exercise independent judgment and lead technical coordination with consultants, contractors, internal teams, and external agencies to resolve issues and support timely project delivery Strong interpersonal and communication skills that support effective coordination with project team, management, the public, and stakeholders, including the ability to adapt complex technical information for non-technical audiences Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent CIP projects, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, and documentation control Demonstrated experience in construction management and contract administration, including field inspections, contractor coordination, progress payments, change orders, and project closeout Knowledge of roadway and drainage design, including curb and gutter systems, roadway grading and cross-slope drainage, and integration of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) features such as bioretention into transportation projects Ability to prepare clear plans, specifications, reports, and project documentation for CIP delivery Proficiency with engineering and project management tools such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, StreetSaver, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and Excel Depending on the applicant's qualifications, the position will be filled at the appropriate level/salary of either: Project Engineer ($165,027.20 - $202,030.40 Annually) or Engineer ($153,524.80 - $187,928.00 Annually). The Engineer class differs from the higher classification of Project Engineer in that incumbents in the latter class perform advanced engineering assignments on a wide range of complex municipal projects, exercise a high degree of independent judgment, and serve in a project management capacity

Embark on this rewarding career. Apply today. Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan.

To learn more, click here. Benefits:The City offers a fantastic benefits package including: Schedule: Option of a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and career growth opportunities Education benefits: Potential enrollment for dependents in the Palo Alto Unified School District (pilot program, subject to change) Childcare support: $10,000 in childcare subsidies (pilot program, subject to change) Commute benefits: Incentives for walking, biking and taking transit to work. The City of Palo Alto participates in the Clipper Bay Pass program (Employee Cost: $5 per month).

Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan: with competitive pension benefits This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU). Essential Duties Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Manage assigned Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects from planning and design through construction and closeout, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and regulatory compliance Perform professional engineering work related to the design and delivery of public works projects, including researching data, verifying field conditions, and applying applicable engineering principles, codes, standards, and City policies In conjunction with City staff, develop and explore new concepts and ideas related to meeting new green building, environmental, and civil engineering standards and requirements Prepare, review, and coordinate project documents such as plans, specifications, engineer's estimates, schedules, reports, assessments, and technical justifications to support project implementation Administer public works contracts and related procurement processes, including review of bid documents, preparation of contracts and amendments, writting staff reports, processing progress payments and change orders, and ensuring compliance with applicable City purchasing procedures and contract requirements Respond to inquiries from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders; prepare presentation and outreach materials; attend public meetings; and communicate project impacts and technical information in a clear and accessible manner Provide technical guidance and work direction to engineering and technical staff, and may perform the duties of Senior Engineer on a relief basis including performing related duties and responsibilities as required To see full job description for Project Engineer, click here To see full job description for Engineer click here Minimum Qualifications Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through: Bachelor of Science degree in civil, mechanical, or other approved engineering curriculum depending upon assigned area; and, Equivalent to four years increasingly responsible engineering experience. (Note: PE Certificate or Master's Degree in Engineering may be considered in lieu of one year of experience.) Special Requirement for Project Engineer: Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California, or ability to obtain registration within one year of appointment to the classification or registration as a professional architect in the State of California

Possession of a valid California Driver's License. Special Requirement for Engineer: Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California required to attain top step in Engineer classification. Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Supplemental Information The Selection Process: This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy. Qualified candidates may be placed on an eligibility list. Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email.

Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates. Applications will be screened throughout the recruitment process, and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time. The screening process for this position will include panel interviews and a written assessment preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee Written Exam: Candidates invited for an interview will be expected to perform a written exam as part of the interview process

You will have 30 minutes to complete this exercise after your initial in person interview. Technical Support: Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.