ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Civil Structural Designer Jobs in California

Anvil Corporation

Sr Structural Designer

Caspar, CA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY This position serves as a civil/structural designer on a large project or group of projects for industrial and petrochemical clients. Works closely with engineers to develop civil ...

Qcells

Senior Civil Engineer - Level 4

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $170K/yr

Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering FLSA Status: Exempt Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time ... Review and approve foundation designs, soil stabilization plans, and geotechnical analysis for ...

Qcells

Senior Civil Engineer - Level 4

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Manager of Civil / Structural Engineering FLSA Status: Exempt Position Status: Permanent ... Review and approve foundation designs, soil stabilization plans, and geotechnical analysis for ...

Bechtel

Ensures civil/structural systems designs comply with all applicable installation codes ... regulations, and standards Education and Experience Requirements: Requires bachelor's degree (or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCivil Structural Designer JobsSenior Civil Structural Designer JobsSenior Civil Structural Designer Jobs in California

Senior Civil Structural Designer information

See California salary details

$25

$48

$71

How much do senior civil structural designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior civil structural designer in California is $48.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $56.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior civil structural designer?

Senior Civil Structural Designers are experienced professionals responsible for creating and overseeing the design of structures such as buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. They use advanced engineering principles and software to develop detailed drawings and plans that ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with regulations. In addition to designing, they often coordinate with engineers, architects, and construction teams, review project specifications, and mentor junior designers. Their expertise is crucial for addressing complex design challenges and ensuring project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior civil structural designer?

To excel as a Senior Civil Structural Designer, you need a solid background in structural engineering principles, design codes, and construction methods, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation), structural analysis tools, and familiarity with industry standards (like AISC or Eurocodes) are essential, and certifications such as PE or CET can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart, especially when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective design and documentation of structures, directly impacting project success and compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by senior civil structural designers when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams?

Senior Civil Structural Designers often collaborate with architects, mechanical, electrical, and construction professionals. A key challenge is ensuring that structural designs align with architectural intent and mechanical/electrical requirements without compromising safety or constructability. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential to resolve conflicts and integrate feedback from different disciplines, especially during tight project timelines. Leveraging collaborative design tools and maintaining clear documentation can help streamline coordination and minimize rework.

What is the difference between Senior Civil Structural Designer vs Civil Structural Engineer?

AspectSenior Civil Structural DesignerCivil Structural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, with significant design experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, often with licensure (PE)
Work EnvironmentFocuses on detailed design, drafting, and project documentation within engineering teamsInvolves analysis, design, and oversight of structural projects, often with more engineering analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, construction companies, and engineering servicesCommonly employed in engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure projects

While both roles require a background in civil or structural engineering, the Senior Civil Structural Designer primarily handles detailed design and drafting tasks, whereas the Civil Structural Engineer is more involved in analysis, structural calculations, and project oversight. The roles often overlap, but engineers typically have licensure and broader responsibilities in project design and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs in California?

For Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Civil Structural Designer job openings:

Senior Civil Structural Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Civil Structural Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,469 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Senior Civil/Structural Engineer

SPEC SERVICES INC.

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$95K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About SPEC Services

SPEC Services is a 200+ person engineering services firm with more than 45 years supporting the energy sector. We are known for practical solutions, responsive service, and long-standing client relationships, with a culture focused on technical excellence and doing the work the right way in operating and brownfield environments.

Summary of the Role

As a Senior Civil/Structural Engineer, you will serve as a lead for civil and structural engineering projects supporting industrial, energy, utility, and infrastructure clients. You will lead analysis, design, detailing, drawing production, technical documentation, permitting support, and client coordination for multi-discipline projects. This role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer having 8 years of experience, with strong technical judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to build trusted client relationships while helping identify, pursue, and win additional work.

What Sets This Role Apart

  • Technical Leadership: Lead complex civil/structural design work with direct influence over technical approach, quality, and execution.
  • Client-Facing Impact: Work directly with clients, contractors, permitting agencies, and internal teams to solve practical engineering problems.
  • Project Variety: Support foundations, steel structures, platforms, pipe supports, site development, grading, drainage, and permitting for real-world industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities

Civil/Structural Engineering Leadership

  • Serve as the civil/structural engineering lead on assigned multi-discipline projects.
  • Prepare engineering calculations for concrete foundations, steel structures, anchorage, and related systems, including seismic and wind loading analyses.
  • Provide structural steel and concrete design, including pipe and cable tray supports, canopies, equipment platforms, access platforms, stairs, walkways, industrial buildings, pipe bridges, and foundations for equipment, buildings, tanks, vessels, light poles, and related structures.
  • Lead or support grading and drainage design, site development, stormwater hydraulics, and related civil design activities.
  • Apply sound engineering judgment and applicable codes and standards, including CBC/IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, and related civil/structural requirements.
  • Use engineering tools, including finite element analysis software such as RISA-3D.

Drawing Production, Permitting, and Documentation

  • Work closely with designers and drafters to develop complete, coordinated, and accurate civil/structural drawing packages.
  • Support permitting efforts by preparing submittals, reviewing agency comments, and providing responses related to civil/structural plans and calculations.
  • Prepare reports, proposals, and other technical documentation.

Client Leadership and Business Development

  • Communicate clearly with clients, internal project teams, contractors, and permitting agencies.
  • Build and maintain client trust through responsive communication, practical solutions, and reliable delivery.
  • Identify client needs and help develop scopes, budgets, and proposals for additional civil/structural work.
  • Support business development efforts by participating in client discussions, technical presentations, and proposal preparation.

Reporting & Organizational Fit

This position reports to civil/structural department manager and works closely with project managers, other discipline leads, designers, and client-facing teams. You’ll be part of a practical, technically strong engineering organization that values ownership, responsive communication, and high-quality work in operating and brownfield environments. 

Location & Work Schedule

This hybrid role supports SPEC’s Fountain Valley office and offers a flexible 9/80 work schedule. The position includes local project site visits for data gathering, field verification, coordination, and inspections, with occasional travel to other project locations as needed.

What You Bring

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to clients, reviewers, contractors, and internal teams.
  • A strong technical foundation in concrete, structural steel, foundations, seismic design, wind design, and industrial civil/structural engineering.
  • A practical, collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to engineering and project execution.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering required, with an emphasis in Structural Engineering preferred.
  • Valid California Professional Engineer license required.
  • Demonstrated experience designing concrete, steel, foundation, anchorage, and related civil/structural systems.
  • Engineering experience supporting industrial, energy, utility, or infrastructure projects preferred.

Skills and Attributes

  • Strong working knowledge of concrete, structural steel, foundation design, anchorage, grading, drainage, and related civil/structural engineering requirements.
  • Knowledge of seismic and wind design provisions in applicable codes and standards, including CBC/IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI.
  • Experience using finite element analysis tools such as RISA-3D.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Certifications

  • Additional state PE licenses are a plus.

Work With Impact. Rewards That Support You.

At SPEC Services, you’ll work directly with experienced professionals and clients on civil/structural engineering projects that support critical infrastructure and operating facilities. Our work is grounded in technical quality, practical problem solving, responsive communication, and long-term client relationships built on reliable delivery. 
 
We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) with profit sharing; and, for this position, performance-based incentives.

Equal Opportunity

SPEC Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to maintaining a workplace grounded in fairness, respect, and equal opportunity.

Employment Eligibility 

This is a drug‑free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.

Salary Range: $95-157K