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Project Engineer Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quiring General LLC

Project Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$83K - $92K/yr

As a Project Engineer with us, you'll immerse yourself in a hands-on work environment where your ... Assists with preparation of prime contract and subcontract change orders in conjunction with the ...

Jimmy Jazz

Project Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$83K - $92K/yr

As a Project Engineer with us, you'll immerse yourself in a hands-on work environment where your ... Assists with preparation of prime contract and subcontract change orders in conjunction with the ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Hill Construction Company

Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Bachelor's Degree (Construction Management, Engineering, or related field). * 1-2 years minimum direct experience with project schedules, RFIs, estimates, budgets, and contracts. * Ability to read ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Actalent

Project Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$60 - $75/hr

Description Zephyr Rail is hiring a Project/Field Engineer to support owner-side construction ... Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, contract documents, RFIs, submittals ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Goodall Brazier

Project Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Project Engineer Bay Area, California | Up to $110,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits ... Assisting with contract administration and compliance requirements. * Collaborating with field ...

Hill Construction Company

Project Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Bachelor's Degree (Construction Management, Engineering, or related field). * 1-2 years minimum direct experience with project schedules, RFIs, estimates, budgets, and contracts. * Ability to read ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProject Engineer Contract JobsProject Engineer Contract Jobs in California

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 Sep 10, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer contract?

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 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 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.

How to get contract work as a project engineer?

To secure contract work as a project engineer, build a strong professional network, showcase relevant experience and certifications such as PMP or PE, and actively search on specialized job boards or staffing agencies that focus on contract roles. Demonstrating technical skills, project management ability, and flexibility with schedules can improve your chances of landing contract 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 Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,457 per year, or $43 per hour.

Project Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Swinerton Management and Consulting
See more jobs at Swinerton Management and Consultingexternal

$63K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Compensation Range

$63,000.00 - $95,400.00 Annual Salary

Job Description Summary:

Swinerton Management & Consulting (SMC) is the professional services organization at Swinerton
SMC is not a builder and provides strategic consulting, program management, project management and construction management services for Owners on their design and construction projects.

Job Description:

The Project Engineer position is an entry-level career position at SMC. The ideal Project Engineer(PE) candidate is an individual with a graduate degree in architecture, engineering or constructionmanagement with a minimum of two (2)years experience representing the Owner/Owner's Teamon a design or construction project.

The successful Project Engineer candidate can support multiple projects concurrently. Thecandidate should have very good written and verbal communication skills and can translatetechnical construction issues into common language so clients can make informed decisions. Agood part of the work is documenting project issues, taking OAC meeting notes, producing DailyReports, overall management of the RFI and submittal process, and meeting coordination.

Key responsibilities include setting up and maintaining project documentation on behalf of anOwner in multiple electronic document platforms (i.e., Procore, E-Builder, etc.). Adherence toOwner procedures and protocols and SMC procedures is needed. Candidates that have experiencebeing an Owner representative is highly preferred.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer
responsibilities.
Attend and document project meetings (write minutes), including OAC
meetings, Client Stakeholder meetings, and AHJ meetings.
Set up and maintain electronic ling system.
Update and maintain all sets of drawings, specications and logs (RFI,
Submittal, COR, etc.)
Evaluate and understand basic construction means and methods.
Distribute all documents to the General Contractor and other contractors and
vendors hired separately by the Owner, maintain document logs.
Evaluate eld problems and review Contractor generated PCI's and log all
PCI's.
Prepare and maintain PCI logs on the Owner's electronic management
system.
Review, log, and transmit submittals.
Maintain submittal logs.
Perform expediting functions.
Review and log change order submittals.
Maintain progress photo album.
Review contract close out documents (O&M manuals, as-builts, etc.) for
adherence to contract requirements.
Maintain record set drawings.
Document punch list work.

Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Engineering, Construction Management, or Architectural degree, or
completion of Construction Management Certicate Program, or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of construction-related experience, preferably representing
an Owner, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
Construction related internship experience preferred.
Basic estimating and scheduling skills
Basic computer skills
Ability to read and understand plans and specications.
EUective organizational skills
EUective written and verbal English language communication skills. Ability to
present before Owner and Stakeholder groups.
Ability to use independent judgment; self-starting.
Drafting and Advanced computer skills a plus
Knowledge of virtual construction technology systems preferred.
Participate in Project Interviews to secure new work.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

This role is eligible for the following benefits:medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), individual stock ownership, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, bereavement leave, employee assistance program, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, basic term life insurance and AD&D, business travel accident insurance, short and long term disability, financial wellness coaching, educational assistance, Care.com membership, ClassPass fitness membership, and DashPass delivery membership. Voluntary benefits include additional term life insurance, long term care insurance, critical illness and accidental injury insurance, pet insurance, legal plan, identity theft protection, and other voluntary benefit options.

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