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Senior Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Engineer

La Habra, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer collaborates closely with the Project Management team to plan, coordinate, and ensure the successful execution of all phases of a project, from initial start-up to final ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

SR. PROJECT ENGINEER The Sr. Project Engineer has the responsibility of assisting the Project Manager or Estimator. The Sr. Project Engineer reports to a supervising Project Manager. This position is ...

Senior Project Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Are you a Senior Project Engineer with 6+ years of experience looking to grow your career? P2S is an award-winning engineering firm named "Best Place to Work " for the past 15 years. Employment Type ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Irvine, CA

$106K - $138K/yr

SR. PROJECT ENGINEER The Sr. Project Engineer has the responsibility of assisting the Project Manager or Estimator. The Sr. Project Engineer reports to a supervising Project Manager. This position is ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Jose, CA

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer works within the Project Management Team which is responsible for planning and overseeing the project to ensure a timely and cost-effective outcome. This includes ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer works within the Project Management Team which is responsible for planning and overseeing the project to ensure a timely and cost-effective outcome. This includes ...

Senior Project Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

We are representing a well-established real estate development and construction firm in West LA seeking a Senior Project Engineer or Assistant Project Manager, depending on experience level. This is ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$65.6K

$113.3K

$154.9K

How much do senior project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior project engineer in California is $113,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Project Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectSenior Project EngineerProject Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentLeading project teams, overseeing multiple phases, coordinating with clients and vendorsAssisting in project planning, executing tasks under supervision, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, infrastructure projectsConstruction, civil engineering, industrial projects

Senior Project Engineers typically have more experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities compared to Project Engineers. They oversee entire projects, coordinate teams, and liaise with clients, whereas Project Engineers focus on supporting project execution under supervision. The roles are distinct but interconnected within engineering and construction industries.

What is the highest salary for senior project engineer?

The highest salary for a senior project engineer can vary based on industry, location, and experience, but it typically ranges up to $130,000 to $160,000 annually in many regions. Factors such as certifications, technical skills, and the complexity of projects can influence compensation levels.

What does a senior project engineer do?

A senior project engineer oversees the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects, ensuring they meet technical specifications, budgets, and deadlines. They coordinate with teams, manage resources, and often use project management tools to track progress while providing technical expertise and leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

What are Senior Project Engineers?

Senior Project Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. They coordinate between various teams, ensure project milestones are met, and address technical challenges that arise during the project lifecycle. Senior Project Engineers also play a key role in budgeting, quality assurance, and maintaining safety standards. Their expertise ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the required specifications.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior project engineers in certain industries, such as oil and gas or large-scale construction, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually with experience, bonuses, and overtime. High-level engineering roles often require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive project management expertise.

What are some common challenges Senior Project Engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Senior Project Engineers often oversee projects that require collaboration among diverse teams such as design, procurement, and construction. A common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. To overcome this, Senior Project Engineers use strong leadership and organizational skills, facilitating clear communication and establishing structured workflows. Building trust and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for ensuring all team members work toward shared objectives and project milestones.

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

To excel as a Senior Project Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and relevant industry experience—often supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and industry-specific standards is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring successful project delivery, team coordination, and compliance with technical and safety standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior project engineers in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or large-scale construction can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and management responsibilities. High salaries often require advanced certifications, leadership roles, and working in high-demand sectors or regions with a high cost of living.
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 are popular job titles related to Senior Project Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Project Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Project Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Project Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Project Engineer job openings:
Project Engineer & Sr. Project Engineer

Project Engineer & Sr. Project Engineer

Citadel CPM

Pasadena, CA

$110K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

ABOUT CITADEL CPM
Citadel CPM is a California corporation, headquartered in Pasadena with offices in Fullerton, Long Beach, Riverside, and Sacramento, as well as Phoenix, Arizona. Citadel was established in 2006 to provide professional construction project management services to Federal, State, and municipal agencies in the justice, corrections, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and military market sectors.


ABOUT THE TEAM
Our team is dedicated to making our clients' vision a reality while delivering projects on budget, schedule, scope, and quality expectations.Our team iscommitted to resolving issues in a professional andcollaborative manner withintegrity always foremost in mind. We are proud to know that Citadel CPM is regarded as a team of reputable professionals that clients seek out to help them manage their construction projects, and thatindustry professionals aspire to join. Citadel's reputation has been built on a set of three principles that form our core values: Integrity, Professionalism, and Responsiveness.


ABOUT THE ROLE
Citadel CPM is in search of an experienced Project Engineer and Sr. Project Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be working with a project team on the development and construction of various types of capital improvement projects.


ABOUT YOU
You are a Project Engineer with 7 years or a Sr. Project Engineer with 12 years of professional work experience in the management of construction projects including infrastructure and healthcare. With your expertise in coordinating construction efforts, mitigating risks, and presenting project data with clarity to stakeholders, you'll be at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with a large capital improvement program and familiarity with relevant public codes.
  • Provide technical and engineering support to project team including Project Manager/Construction Manager
  • Coordinate with all project team members including contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, consultants, end users, and other client staff.
  • Monitor and coordinate with surveying, testing and inspection staff.
  • Coordinate with and manage the architect for timely and accurate responses to requests for information.
  • Confirm contractor's maintenance of record drawings prior to monthly progress payments.
  • Make field checks on scope of work of project to determine compliance with contract plans and specifications.
  • Document progress of scope of work, log progress photos, and complete daily reports and notes as required.
  • Log and track status of project change order proposals, field orders, and change orders.
  • Maintain project files and record drawings.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned and outlined in contract.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM).
  • Knowledge of Public Contracting Code.
  • Experience with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects.
  • Proficiency in web-based management and scheduling software.
  • Knowledge of various construction delivery methods including, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • BS/BA Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business, Construction Management, Urban planning or related degree. Additional qualifying experience in excess to the minimum stated in the basic qualifications may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.

Citadel is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. Citadel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, natural origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. To request an interview accommodation please send an email to recruitadm@citadelcpm.com


In compliance with the local law, we are disclosing compensation, or a range therefore for location where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, licenses, skill set, experience and/or performance.

Pay range for the Project Engineer is $100,000 - $120,000 salary per year.

Pay range for the Sr. Project Engineer is $110,000 - $135,000 salary per year.

Featured Benefits

Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
401K
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurances
Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal time, sick days, and holidays
Professional Development Reimbursement