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Senior Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring administrative, contractual, financial and technical aspects of the assigned project(s) being executed. Senior Project Engineer will be ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring administrative, contractual, financial and technical aspects of the assigned project(s) being executed. Senior Project Engineer will be ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring administrative, contractual, financial and technical aspects of the assigned project(s) being executed. Senior Project Engineer will be ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring administrative, contractual, financial and technical aspects of the assigned project(s) being executed. Senior Project Engineer will be ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer provides advanced project coordination, technical support, and administrative leadership for construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role is ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer provides advanced project coordination, technical support, and administrative leadership for construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role is ...

Senior Project Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Role Reporting to the Assistant Project Manager, The Senior Project Engineer leads all Project Engineer responsibilities and mentors the PE's development on the project. The SPE works closely ...

Senior Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Project Engineer II / Sr. Project Engineer (DOE) to join our Southern California Regional in the City of San Diego and build a long-term career at one of ...

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 ...

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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 Sep 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 a senior project engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior project engineer?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California 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:

Infographic showing various Senior Project Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,263 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Sr. Project Engineer

La Palma, CA • On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Thermal Engineering International (USA) Inc. is currently seeking a motivated and experienced Sr. Project Engineer to join our talented team.The Senior Project Engineer is tasked with the responsibility for maintaining the overall design responsibility for specific projects to which he/she has been assigned, and is the primary contact for the project manager, workshops, vendors, and the client.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for mechanical/structural design in compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.
  • Preparation and issuance of engineering RFQs/Requisitions in a timely manner.
  • Submission of company drawings and documentation in accordance with contract specifications.
  • Examine and authorize all documentation and drawings from vendors.
  • Review and disposition non-conformance reports generated by the manufacturing facilities.
  • Develop installation and operations manuals tailored to specific job requirements and submit them to the client.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering and/or Mechanical Engineering.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience Designing and Project Engineering.
  • Experience working with a manufacturing company in field of design and drafting.
  • Design experience in heat transfer products.
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer is preferred.
  • Reviewing design drawing/model developed in AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Inventor.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Proficiency in Excel, Visual Basic or VBA preferred.

To provide greater transparency to candidates, we include base pay ranges for all US-based job postings that encompass all potential locations and levels for the open positions. Our base pay ranges are set based on the function, discipline, level and regional location and are benchmarked against companies in the same or similar industry. Final offers may vary based on multiple factors including education, depth and relevance of work experience, relevant licenses and certifications, and may vary from the amounts listed in the job posting.

Compensation: $110,000 - 135,000 annually DOE

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