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Structural Engineer Government Jobs in California

Sr Structural Engineer - LA28

Orange, CA ยท 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

Orange, CA ยท 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 ...

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

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 ยท 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 ...

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

... federal/government projects. The Project Engineer will work independently while under the direct supervision of the Engineer of Record to aid in the overall structural project design team in the ...

Structural Project Engineer

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

... federal/government projects. The Project Engineer will work independently while under the direct supervision of the Engineer of Record to aid in the overall structural project design team in the ...

Structural Project Engineer

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

... federal/government projects. The Project Engineer will work independently while under the direct supervision of the Engineer of Record to aid in the overall structural project design team in the ...

... federal/government projects. The Project Engineer will work independently while under the direct supervision of the Engineer of Record to aid in the overall structural project design team in the ...

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 Aug 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:

Infographic showing various Structural Engineer Government job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Sr. Structural Engineer, Advanced Analysis

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

We want someone passionate about engineering mechanics and problem solving.

Our Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure (EMI) team at SGH is seeking an individual with an advanced degree in Structural Engineering or Engineering Mechanics to join our team. EMI applies engineering mechanics, materials science, numerical simulation, innovative technologies, and collective expertise to solve our clients' toughest problems in an inspiring work environment that nurtures life-long learning and growth. We provide significant advancement opportunities commensurate with performance. The EMI group in Newport Beach and San Diego provides services to facilities located in the United States and internationally requiring advanced state-of-the-art analysis, such as nuclear and non-nuclear power generation facilities, national defense installations, pipelines and tanks, precision structures, and other non-building structures and systems. These services include seismic design and evaluation, probabilistic risk assessment, finite element analysis, dynamic structure response analysis, aircraft impact analysis, fragility analysis for seismic and other external hazards, and safety evaluations.

SGH works on challenging projects for commercial utilities, national laboratories and other government organizations, research institutes, other engineering firms, and contactors on a wide spectrum of projects that include nuclear and defense.

What You'll Be Doing:ย 

Under the direction of the Principal and project supervisor, the engineer plans and performs engineering analyses of structures, systems, and components for extreme events (e.g. earthquakes, wind, explosions, and impact loads) and unconventional requirements (e.g. innovative materials/construction, resilience, business interruption, rapid deployment, monitoring, etc.).ย  Responsibilities include:

  • Work on routine problems independently and on project teams.
  • Perform field walkdown assessments of power generation, national defense, industrial, and petrochemical facilities.
  • Develop finite element models of structures using commercially available software and perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses using these models.
  • Perform seismic soil-structure interaction analyses of building structures.
  • Prepare calculations and reports documenting engineering analyses.
  • Review work by analysts, technicians, draftsmen, and others assisting the project team.
  • Assist in preparation of proposals, letters, reports, calculations, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication.

What You'll Need:

  • 8+ years of professional experience in structural engineering or engineering mechanics
  • Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or similar field.
  • Education must have an emphasis on structural analysis, structural dynamics, and/or engineering mechanics.
  • Strong background in structural analysis, structural dynamics, structural design, and engineering mechanics is required.
  • Knowledge and understanding of probabilistic concepts such as risk and reliability, uncertainty quantification, random vibrations, and/or stochastic processes.
  • Familiarity with commercial finite element analysis computer programs such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, and/or SAP2000.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) registration.
  • Strong written and verbal English language communication skills.
  • Ability to interact professionally with technical staff and clients.
  • Proficiency with use of computer programming and scripting tools for engineering computations, such as Mathcad, MATLAB, Python, and/or VBA.
  • Ability to travel and perform field inspection of structures under supervision.
  • May be required to work on projects that are subject to passing a security clearance check.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report, if applicable.