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Structural Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Structural Design Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$84K - $103K/yr

As a Structural Design Engineer , you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that each project meets our high standards of quality and performance. Basic Job Functions: In this role ...

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level) to join our team, bringing expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to our industry-leading water solutions. At DN , we push the ...

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level) to join our team, bringing expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to our industry-leading water solutions. At DN , we push the ...

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level) to join our team, bringing expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to our industry-leading water solutions. At DN , we push the ...

Senior Structural Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are currently hiring a Senior Structural Design Engineer in our Long Beach, CA branch. Key Responsibilities: * Lift Drawings and Analysis: Provide engineered lift drawings showing rigging/lifting ...

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Showing results 21-40

Structural Design information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$101.4K

$157.9K

How much do structural design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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

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.

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 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 can I do as a structural design?

A professional in structural design creates and analyzes structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure safety and stability. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and structural analysis tools to develop plans, perform calculations, and collaborate with architects and construction teams. Certification as a licensed engineer and knowledge of building codes are often required for advanced roles.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,428 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Structural Design Engineer

Nucor

Lathrop, CA • On-site

$84K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Nucor rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Details
Division: Nucor Buildings Group West LLC
Location: Lathrop, CA, United States
Other Available Locations: N/A
Salary Range: $84,000-$103,000
Return on Asset Eligible: Up to 33% of annual eligible earnings
Profit Share 5-year Average: 20.17% of eligible yearly earnings
Structural Design Engineer
Are you a talented engineer with a passion for designing innovative structures?
Nucor Buildings Group is searching for individuals who can contribute to our sales growth and profitability by creating safe, accurate, and cost-effective metal building systems. As a Structural Design Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in the design process, ensuring that each project meets our high standards of quality and performance.
Basic Job Functions:
In this role, you will be responsible for designing all aspects of our metal building systems, including structural steel, wall and roof panels, secondary members, and stability bracing. Your duties will include, but aren't limited to:
  • Creative Design: Develop safe and economical structures that fulfill project requirements while adhering to industry codes and standards. Each project is unique!
  • Technical Analysis: Utilize our proprietary software for frame, secondary, bracing, crane, mezzanine, and panel analysis to ensure structural integrity and performance.
  • Collaborative Approach: Work closely with the Detailing Department and other team members to communicate design requirements effectively and ensure seamless project execution.
  • Oversight: Review and check structural drawings for accuracy.
  • Continuous Learning: Embrace opportunities to grow and develop as an engineer, collaborating with various teams throughout the division to find innovative solutions and explore unique career paths within our organization.

You can be an engineer anywhere, so why choose Nucor?
  • Unique Projects: Each project presents a new challenge, offering you the opportunity to design a wide range of structures and expand your skills.
  • Comprehensive Design: Design for the entire building, from the base plate up, giving you a holistic understanding of the construction process.
  • On-Site Fabrication Shop: For many of our divisions, the fabrication shop is conveniently located on-site, allowing you to see your designs come to life and ensuring quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Team Collaboration: Enjoy working with talented teammates from various departments, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and creativity thrives.
  • Professional Development: Explore different departments and roles through cross- training opportunities, empowering you to grow and excel in your career as an engineer.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Architectural Engineering from an ABET Accredited school.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam prior to hire date.
  • Proficient in verbal and written communication in English.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications:
  • An educational focus on structural engineering.
  • Basic knowledge of building construction.
  • Understanding of current building codes and standard industry practices.
  • Experience in the field of pre-engineered metal building systems.

About Us:
Nucor Buildings Group (NBG), a proud Nucor product group, is one of North America's largest and most experienced manufacturers of metal building systems. With multiple locations throughout the United States, NBG is proud to design world-class building solutions tailored to meet the needs of any market including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and institutional.Our brands include American Buildings, CBC Steel Buildings, Kirby Building Systems, and Nucor Building Systems.
NBG offers work/life balance and a variety of benefits and performance incentives. We take pride in connecting teammates to meaningful work and focus heavily on both personal and professional development. Whether your background is in engineering and design, information technology and software development, marketing, or sales, with Nucor Buildings Group you can go as far as your drive and ambition will take you.
Why Nucor?
When you join Nucor, America's largest steel manufacturer and recycler, you'll help create a variety of steel products that become so much more, for so many people. And you won't do it alone. Our supportive culture builds each other up, values family, relationships, and puts safety above anything else. With the freedom to take your ideas to the next level, there's no end to what you can achieve. This is your chance to build a lifelong career, give back to your community, make the world a better place - and BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER.
Job Security - Benefits - Bonus Program
With performance-based compensation, profit sharing, and a no-layoff practice, we take care of our teammates who design, engineer, fabricate, and support the products that define our company.
Join us in driving success and shaping the future of our division. Apply now and become an integral part of our team!
Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace

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About Nucor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nucor Corporation is an American producer of steel and related products based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the largest steel producer in the United States, the largest "mini-mill" steelmaker (i.e. it uses electric arc furnaces to melt scrap steel as opposed to blast furnaces to melt iron), and the biggest recycler of scrap in North America. As of 2021, Nucor was the 15th-largest steel producer in the world.

Industry

Primary metal manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1905

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