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Structural Engineer Government Jobs in California

Senior Structural Engineer

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Interface with government stakeholders, reviewers, and project managers * Support projects for ... Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred (or ability to obtain) * Experience * 10+ years of ...

Interface with government stakeholders, reviewers, and project managers * Support projects for ... Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred (or ability to obtain) * Experience * 10+ years of ...

The Role A Protective Design Structural Engineer performs building design for manmade hazards such ... These may include sports stadiums, transportation hubs, government buildings, and laboratory ...

Structural Engineer

Victorville, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $175K/yr

The Role Mach Energetics is seeking a Structural Engineer focused on design and stress analysis for ... Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 ...

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple ... S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S ...

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Showing results 1-20

Structural Engineer Government information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$98.1K

$150K

How much do structural engineer government jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineer government in California is $98,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Structural Engineer do in a government role?

A Structural Engineer in a government position is responsible for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and integrity of public infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and transportation facilities. They review construction plans, enforce building codes, and collaborate with other public agencies to ensure projects meet regulations and community needs. Their work helps maintain public safety and guides the development of sustainable, resilient infrastructure within cities and towns.

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

To thrive as a Structural Engineer in government, you need a strong background in civil and structural engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with structural analysis software (e.g., SAP2000, ETABS), CAD systems, and relevant building codes is essential. Strong project management, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in coordinating with public agencies and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient design and evaluation of public infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Structural Engineer Government vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Engineer GovernmentCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license, specialized structural certificationsEngineering degree, PE license, broader civil engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public infrastructure projects, regulatory complianceConstruction sites, urban planning, transportation, and infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, or local government agenciesPrivate firms, consulting companies, government projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, Structural Engineer Government focuses on designing and analyzing structures within government projects, requiring specialized structural credentials. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects across private and public sectors. Both roles often require similar licenses but differ in project focus and work environment.

What are some unique challenges faced by structural engineers working in government roles compared to the private sector?

Structural engineers in government roles often navigate more complex regulatory requirements and must ensure projects strictly adhere to public safety codes and standards. They frequently collaborate with various public agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders, which can add layers of coordination and communication not always present in the private sector. Additionally, government projects may have longer timelines and more rigorous documentation processes, but they offer excellent opportunities to work on impactful, large-scale infrastructure and public works projects that benefit communities.
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Engineer Government jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Engineer Government job openings:
Senior Structural Engineer

Senior Structural Engineer

K2 Staffing

Poway, CA โ€ข On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Summary

Our client is a specialized structural engineering consultancy providing exclusive design services for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). They are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to lead the analysis and design of mission-critical, secure, and high-reliability facilities supporting national defense infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to work on classified and unclassified defense projects including military installations, command facilities, secure operations centers, aircraft hangars, weapons storage facilities, and hardened structures. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise, federal design experience, and leadership capability.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership & Design
    • Lead structural analysis and design for DoD facilities including reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, and specialty systems
    • Develop structural calculations, design criteria, and construction documents for new construction, renovations, and retrofits
    • Design for blast, progressive collapse, seismic, wind, and force protection requirements
    • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards including:
      • UFC / DoD criteria
      • ASCE 7, ACI, AISC
      • IBC and applicable federal supplements
    • Perform and review advanced structural calculations using industry-standard software
  • Project Execution
    • Serve as Engineer of Record on assigned projects
    • Coordinate closely with architectural, civil, geotechnical, and MEP disciplines
    • Review shop drawings, RFIs, submittals, and construction change requests
    • Support construction administration, including site visits and field issue resolution
  • Federal & DoD Coordination
    • Interface with government stakeholders, reviewers, and project managers
    • Support projects for agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC, and other DoD entities
    • Prepare responses to government design comments and participate in design reviews
    • Maintain strict adherence to security, documentation, and quality control procedures
  • Mentorship & Leadership
    • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers
    • Support internal QA/QC reviews
    • Contribute to technical standards, best practices, and continuous improvement
    • Assist with proposal development and technical pursuits as needed
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Education & Licensure
    • Bachelors or Masters degree in Structural or Civil Engineering
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
    • Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred (or ability to obtain)
  • Experience
    • 10+ years of structural engineering experience
    • Demonstrated experience on federal or DoD projects
    • Experience with force protection, blast-resistant design, or hardened facilities strongly preferred
    • Prior Engineer of Record experience on complex projects
  • Technical Skills
    • Proficiency with structural analysis and design software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, RAM, SAFE)
    • Strong knowledge of reinforced concrete and steel design
    • Familiarity with DoD UFCs, federal design standards, and QA/QC processes
    • Excellent technical writing and documentation skills
  • Security Requirements
    • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (active clearance preferred)
    • Must be a U.S. citizen
Why Join Them?
  • Work exclusively on mission-critical national defense projects
  • Exposure to high-security, technically challenging facilities
  • Stable federal project pipeline
  • Highly specialized technical environment
  • Long-term career growth in the DoD sector
Employment Type: Full time Location: Poway, CA