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Structural Steel Design Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Avila Beach, CA · On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and ... You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections ...

Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Avila Beach, CA · On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and ... You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections ...

Be Seen First

Structural Design Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$95K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare design calculations, drawings, specifications, design analysis and construction cost ... Candidates with a Master of Science in Structural Engineering and knowledge of software such as ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Hayward, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $180K/yr

Senior Structural Engineer Location: Hayward, California (Predominantly Onsite) Salary: Up to $180 ... Strong experience with Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) / Light Gauge Steel design. * Advanced Autodesk ...

Senior Structural Engineer Location: Hayward, California (Predominantly Onsite) Salary: Up to $180 ... Strong experience with Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) / Light Gauge Steel design. * Advanced Autodesk ...

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Structural Design Engineer (4+ Years Experience) This is an in person role located in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA $80,000 - $90,000 per year On-Site Position (Not Remote) Full-Time Grow Your ...

Urgent

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Structural Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Structural Design Engineer (4+ Years Experience) This is an in person role located in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA $80,000 - $90,000 per year On-Site Position (Not Remote) Full-Time Grow Your ...

Urgent

CA

$75K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

About the Company Our client is a recognized leader in the structural steel industry, known for ... Review and interpret drawings, specifications, and design changes to ensure accuracy and ...

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understands steel and concrete behavior and applies engineering principles to real-world design challenges * Proficient in SAP 2000/SAFE, MS products, AutoCAD, and structural modeling software

Structural Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understands steel and concrete behavior and applies engineering principles to real-world design challenges * Proficient in SAP 2000/SAFE, MS products, AutoCAD, and structural modeling software

Develop engineering drawings, specifications, reports, and calculation packages for new ... Strong knowledge of structural steel, reinforced concrete, foundations, seismic design, and load ...

Showing results 41-60

Structural Steel Design Engineer information

What is the difference between Structural Steel Design Engineer vs Structural Draftsman?

AspectStructural Steel Design EngineerStructural Draftsman
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license often preferredDiploma or certification in drafting or CAD software
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, engineering firmsDesign offices, architectural firms, construction companies
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, consulting firmsArchitectural firms, engineering firms, construction companies

The Structural Steel Design Engineer focuses on creating and analyzing structural steel designs, ensuring safety and compliance. In contrast, the Structural Draftsman primarily prepares detailed drawings and plans based on engineers' designs. Both roles are essential in the construction process but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

How does a structural steel design engineer typically collaborate with architects and construction teams during a project?

Structural Steel Design Engineers frequently work alongside architects to ensure that the structural framework aligns with the building's design intent while meeting safety and regulatory standards. They also coordinate closely with construction teams to address fabrication details, resolve onsite challenges, and clarify design documents. Effective communication and collaboration are essential throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the steel structures are both practical to build and compliant with all requirements. This teamwork helps to identify potential conflicts early and promotes efficient project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural steel design engineer?

To thrive as a Structural Steel Design Engineer, you need a solid grasp of structural analysis, steel design principles, and a degree in civil or structural engineering, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, or Tekla Structures, as well as knowledge of relevant building codes, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, cost-effective, and code-compliant structural solutions.

What does a structural steel design engineer do?

A Structural Steel Design Engineer specializes in designing, analyzing, and overseeing the construction of steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Their work ensures that structures are safe, stable, and meet all relevant codes and regulations. They use advanced software to create detailed blueprints and collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineers throughout the project. Additionally, they may inspect sites and materials to verify compliance with design specifications.
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Steel Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Steel Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Steel Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Avila Beach, CA • On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Description
This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will lead a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
  • You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment, and foundations
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • BS in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of nuclear facility structures
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Valued, but not required:
  • MSCE degree
  • On site construction support experience
  • PE or SE license

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$118,023 - $180,313
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

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Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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