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Research Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Ability to research and interpret technical documents * Experience in preparing and advancing plan ... civil engineering * Design naturally and physically built structures using knowledge of biology ...

This is the first registered level in the Engineer/Civil Engineer series. Incumbents are assigned ... research and revise County standards as required. Design difficult and complex public works ...

Associate Engineer/Civil Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site +1

$83K - $136K/yr

Performs historical document research and review; provides engineering analysis of potential ... CIVIL ENGINEER: EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management ...

Civil Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$121K - $147K/yr

... research and revise County standards as required. * Design difficult and complex public works ... Principles and practices of civil or traffic engineering * Engineering mathematics * Principles of ...

Sr. Civil Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$145K - $164K/yr

The engineering tasks include design work, research, and preparation of drawings and designs for ... Perform civil engineering calculations, cost estimates, technical reports, and construction ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do research civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research civil engineer in California is $81,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research civil engineer?

A Research Civil Engineer applies scientific principles to study, develop, and improve civil engineering materials, structures, and technologies. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and create models to solve engineering challenges. Their work often supports infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and construction efficiency. Research Civil Engineers may collaborate with universities, government agencies, or private companies to advance industry knowledge.

What types of projects and research topics might I work on as a research civil engineer?

As a Research Civil Engineer, your projects may involve studying new materials, developing sustainable construction methods, improving infrastructure resilience, or analyzing structural performance under various conditions. You could work on government-funded research, collaborate with universities, or partner with private industry stakeholders on cutting-edge innovations. Daily tasks often include conducting experiments, writing technical reports, and presenting findings to both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders. This role offers opportunities to contribute to advancements in transportation, water resources, structural systems, and environmental engineering, providing a diverse and intellectually stimulating work environment.

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

To succeed as a Research Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, advanced analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and structural analysis tools, as well as knowledge of relevant standards and certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you excel in interdisciplinary research environments. These skills are vital for accurately designing experiments, interpreting data, and presenting findings that drive innovation and improvements in civil engineering practices.

What are popular job titles related to Research Civil Engineer jobs in California?

For Research Civil Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Civil Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,591 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Assistant Engineer / Associate Civil Engineer

City of Healdsburg

Healdsburg, CA

$98K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Healdsburg is seeking to fill 2 vacancies at either the Assistant Engineer or Associate Civil Engineer level to join the Public Works Department. One vacancy will focus on work associated with public works Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, and one will focus on stormwater program coordination and development review. Either vacancies may be filled at either the Assistant Engineer level or the Associate Civil Engineer level.

Placement of the individual at a particular level will be based on a combination of factors including education, experience, certifications, and overall qualifications Assistant Engineer: $47.40 - 57.62 per hour Associate Civil Engineer: $60.10 - 73.05 per hour The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solution-oriented professional who is passionate about public infrastructure and serving the community. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Assistant Engineer - This is the entry level class in the professional Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have limited related work experience and work under general supervision while completing job tasks

The Assistant Engineer class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. Incumbents work under general supervision while completing job tasks, progressing to direction as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are refined. Associate Civil Engineer - This is the journey level class in the professional Engineer series and is distinguished from the Assistant Engineer level by the assignment of the full range of duties.

Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter performs complex duties requiring specialized knowledge and provides technical and functional supervision over assigned staff.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist with the planning and performance of engineering work in support of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects, as assigned. Assist with and provide review of private development projects for compliance with required standards. Coordinate project activities with City staff, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and other committees for compliance with storm water permits; coordinate with PG&E on utility projects; research and document utility conditions and locations in the field.

Perform standard engineering tasks including surveying, plan check activities and inspections of project work; participate in construction tasks; make mathematical engineering calculations; review and interpret construction and utility maps, diagrams and plans, assist with researching and preparing cost estimates; conduct special studies including traffic studies; complete accurate detailed reports. Oversee consultant procurement, project development, approvals, environmental review, design, construction and construction administration in accordance with funding requirements as administered by Caltrans and Caltrans Local Assistance. Assist staff, property owners or other members of the public in answering questions or resolving concerns related to public and private property.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect. Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Perform related duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Assistant Engineer Experience and Training Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Some technical experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field. License and Certificate Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Associate Civil Engineer Experience and Training Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three years of responsible experience similar to Assistant Engineer with the City of Healdsburg. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field.

License and Certificate Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Possession of a valid Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. Supplemental Information HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position.

Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may not be reviewed as part of the application screening process, unless the application specifically requests supporting materials.

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN APPLYING: Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process. List all employers and positions held within the last ten (10) years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.

You may include history beyond ten (10) years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one (1) employer, list out each position separately. Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

BACKGROUND SCREENING: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to fingerprinting and a background investigation prior to employment. Failure to comply with the background will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position

If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Healdsburg values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment that is representative of the community. The City is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.

We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by contacting Human Resources within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring.

You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 431-3376.