1

Structural Engineer Government Jobs in California

Sr Structural Engineer - LA28

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role ...

Sr Structural Engineer - LA28

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role ...

Sr Structural Engineer - LA28

Orange, CA · On-site

$107K - $145K/yr

This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role ...

Sr Structural Engineer - LA28

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Structural Engineer Government jobs?

Cities in California with the most Structural Engineer Government job openings:

Infographic showing various Structural Engineer Government job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Structural Engineer (Critical Infrastructure)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE)
As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help design, build, activate and maintain some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate infrastructure that will enable orbital launch capability for the largest rocket in the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead multi-disciplinary engineers and third party engineers of record throughout the entirety of the civil and structural engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning process.
  • Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and concrete.
  • Develop and issue drawings, design documentation, calculations and reports for aerospace, industrial, and commercial type projects.
  • Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out.
  • Manage the civil and structural aspects of construction projects.
  • Interact with contractors, fabricators, owners, and clients.
  • Provide direct onsite engineering inspections and field observations.
  • Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real time.
  • Provide technical engineering support/information to ensure construction/maintenance complies with all standards, codes, and specifications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline.
  • 1+ years of professional experience as an engineer with a focus in design or build of structural infrastructure.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Knowledge of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Code (IBC).
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software.
  • Experience with SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, Etabs, or similar analysis software.
  • Knowledge of processes of governing permitting agencies such as building departments and/or environmental agencies.
  • Knowledge of other disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying.
  • Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management.
  • Experience with the following project delivery phases:
    • Conceptual layout and high level trade studies.
    • Detailed engineering design and development.
    • Request for proposals/quotes, contract issue.
    • Supervision of construction to completion.
    • Work punch lists and certificate of occupancy (CO) with building official.
  • Strong communication skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area.
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed.
  • Ability to stand, crawl, stoop, and push or lift up to 30 lbs. unassisted.
  • Ability to operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts when needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US