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Structural Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience leading design teams or mentoring junior engineers. * Hands-on experience with structural testing and data correlation. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 ...

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Structural Design information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$101.4K

$157.9K

How much do structural design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural design in California is $101,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by structural design professionals when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Structural design professionals often work closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams, which can present challenges such as aligning design intent with practical construction constraints and meeting various stakeholders' requirements. Coordinating schedules, integrating feedback from different disciplines, and ensuring compliance with building codes are also frequent hurdles. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to ensure that all elements of the project are cohesive and safe.

What is structural design?

Structural design is the process of creating safe, stable, and efficient frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures. It involves analyzing loads, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring that a structure can withstand environmental forces like wind, earthquakes, and weight. Structural designers use engineering principles and computer-aided design tools to develop plans that meet safety codes and client requirements. This field plays a crucial role in making sure that structures are both functional and durable.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Structural engineers, a specialized role within civil engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership positions such as project managers or firm partners. Such high salaries are typically found in senior roles, large firms, or in high-cost-of-living areas, often involving complex projects and specialized skills. Entry-level or mid-career salaries generally range lower, with significant variation based on location, industry, and individual qualifications.

Is structural design a good career?

Structural design is a stable and well-paying engineering field that involves creating safe and efficient structures such as buildings and bridges. It requires strong technical skills, knowledge of materials and codes, and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or Revit. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and typically requires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Designer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant degree and knowledge of building codes. Proficiency in CAD software, structural analysis tools like SAP2000 or ETABS, and familiarity with BIM systems are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative structural designs that meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

How much do structural designers make in the US?

Structural designers in the US typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior professionals or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $110,000 per year.

What can I do as a structural designer?

A structural designer creates and analyzes structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, ensuring safety and stability. They use engineering principles, design software, and building codes to develop plans and specifications for construction projects.

What is the difference between Structural Design vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural DesignCivil Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, structural engineering licenseEngineering degree, civil engineering license
Work EnvironmentDesigning frameworks for buildings, bridges, and infrastructureBroader infrastructure projects, site development, transportation
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction and architecture firmsWider industry including transportation, urban planning

Structural Design focuses specifically on creating safe, efficient frameworks for buildings and structures, requiring specialized engineering credentials. Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water systems. While both roles require engineering licenses and often work within the construction industry, Structural Design is more specialized in structural frameworks, whereas Civil Engineering encompasses a wider scope of infrastructure development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Structural Design jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Structural Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,428 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Experienced Structural Design Engineer

Experienced Structural Design Engineer

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA

$111K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 599 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 529 rated manufacturers


Job description

Experienced Structural Design Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is seeking an Experienced Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) to join the Airframe and Customer Support team based in Seal Beach, CA.

As a Structural Design Engineer, you will help resolve structural issues related to in-service airplanes.You will perform retrofit/repair design and drawing configuration analysis using Boeing standard design tools in support of fleet wide and individual airplane safety issues.

This position supports customers on a 24/7 basis, and operates on a variable shift and rotation schedule. Working periodic off-shifts, on a rotational basis, is expected as part of this job. The incumbent will travel to integrate with customers, suppliers and other organizations.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develops, integrates and documents structural requirements to establish airframe structural design

  • Develops new design/analysis processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of the development effort

  • Initiates and coordinates FAA major/minor determination and certification plan activities in support of fleet wide safety related projects, structural repair manuals (SRM), and service bulletins

  • Provides product definition support to other engineering teams and suppliers

  • Develops new design/repair processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality and efficiency of the customer service support

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • 3 + years of experience in aircraft structure, materials and properties, design criteria and release processes

  • 3+ years of experience with 3D CAD modeling

  • Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

  • Must be willing to support a 24/7 on-call rotation environment to support the needs of the customer

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 3+ years of experience working with 14 CFR Part 25 regulations

  • 3+ years experience supporting McDonnell Douglas heritage airplanes

  • Experience with structural design principles for aircraft primary structures (e.g., fatigue, damage tolerance, corrosion, stress analysis, statics, materials strength, material characteristics, and repair techniques)

  • Basic understanding of root cause and corrective action process

  • Basic understanding of load paths and initial sizing analysis based on internal loads

  • Experience with engineering tools such as CATIA, ENOVIA, PDM, NASTRAN and PATRAN finite element modeling software

  • Experience in Airplane Design, Stress Analysis, Liaison Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

  • Experience working transport category airplane certification or production/fleet support projects involving FAA approval

  • Design and manufacturing experience or background in production environment in regard to metallic as well as composite design and repair

  • Experience in supporting AOG repair solution especially for composite airplanes

  • MRB experience in production as well as out-of-production environment airplane

  • Experience in making major/minor determination on repair projects as certified Design Approval Engineer (DAE) in behalf of ODA

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process to all job descriptions moving forward.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Union:

This is a non-union represented position.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $111,350 - $150,650

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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