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Temporary Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... or temporary engineer vacancies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the first line supervision class in the professional engineering series. The Senior Civil Engineer is distinguished from the ...

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$92K - $124K/yr

... or temporary engineer vacancies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the first line supervision class in the professional engineering series. The Senior Civil Engineer is distinguished from the ...

Temporary Document Assistant

Pasadena, CA

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team ... Summary The Temporary Document Assistant provides administrative support by organizing, filing ...

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Temporary Engineer information

See California salary details

$9

$46

$86

How much do temporary engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary engineer in California is $46.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $60.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Temporary Engineers face when adapting to new projects or teams?

Temporary Engineers often move between projects and organizations, which means they must quickly acclimate to varying workflows, technologies, and team cultures. One common challenge is understanding project-specific procedures and expectations in a short timeframe. Additionally, building rapport with permanent team members can take extra effort, but a proactive approach and open communication help smooth the transition. Adapting quickly and demonstrating flexibility are key to succeeding in these dynamic environments.

What are temporary engineers?

Temporary engineers are professionals who are hired for a fixed duration or to complete specific projects within an organization. They typically fill short-term needs, such as covering staff absences, managing increased workloads, or contributing specialized expertise to projects. Temporary engineers may work through staffing agencies or be directly contracted by companies. Their roles and responsibilities are similar to permanent engineers, but their employment is limited to the duration of the contract. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the employer and the engineer.

What Are Temporary Jobs for an Engineer?

Temporary jobs for an engineer include mechanical and manufacturing roles in a variety of industries. In these jobs, you work for a company with temporary staffing needs. Job duties can vary widely, and many companies hire temporary engineers to work on short-term projects. As a temporary engineer, you may operate equipment, oversee manufacturing operations, and handle other duties as necessary. You typically work with teams to carry out design goals and meet deadlines. Other responsibilities include supervising project management tasks as well as teams of employees to fulfill organizational needs.

What is the difference between Temporary Engineer vs Contract Engineer?

AspectTemporary EngineerContract Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, sometimes entry-levelSimilar certifications, often with specialized skills
Work EnvironmentTypically on-site, project-based, short-termOn-site or remote, project-specific, fixed-term
Employer UsageUsed by companies for short-term needs or seasonal projectsEngaged for specific projects, often through staffing agencies

Temporary Engineers and Contract Engineers both fill short-term engineering roles, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology and contractual arrangements, with 'Temporary Engineer' emphasizing a short-term position directly with an employer, while 'Contract Engineer' often involves working through staffing agencies or on specific project contracts.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Engineer, you generally need a relevant engineering degree, technical proficiency in your discipline, and prior hands-on experience in similar roles. Familiarity with industry-specific software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB), safety protocols, and any required certifications like EIT or PE is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills help temporary engineers quickly integrate into new teams and projects. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable engineers to contribute immediately and effectively in short-term assignments, ensuring project continuity and quality.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,657 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

$92K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs

Senior Civil Engineer
Recruitment #18-S98-002
Public Works Department
Salary: $92,849.33 - $124,419.57/Year

INTRODUCTION
Are you a natural leader with proven professional civil engineering experience managing water and wastewater capital improvement projects? Are you a registered California professional civil engineer?  The City of Ventura is accepting applications for a Senior Civil Engineer vacancy in our collaborative Public Works Department.  To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs.
To learn more about the City of Ventura's Public Works Department, visit  https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/189/Public-Works.

THE POSITION
Under general direction, performs difficult and responsible field and office civil engineering work and supervises the design and delivery of major capital improvement projects, including the preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for complicated City projects related to sewers, water systems and innovative water and wastewater public works projects.
An eligibility list is being established to fill the current vacancy focusing on water and wastewater project management in the Public Works Department, as well as future related full-time, part-time or temporary engineer vacancies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first line supervision class in the professional engineering series. The Senior Civil Engineer is distinguished from the Civil Engineer class by the greater degree of independence exercised in accomplishing the work, by the level and complexity of the assignments and the supervision of registered or non-registered engineers.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Understands the techniques of managing, scheduling and monitoring multiple engineering projects on time and within budget.
Has an excellent track record of water and wastewater project management experience.
Is a collaborative leader with proven ability to effectively direct the work of staff and contractors.
Uses a team-oriented approach and works cooperatively and collaboratively with others.
Has excellent oral and written communications skills.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Plans, develops, coordinates and directs major engineering projects, performing difficult engineering work in the planning and designing of major public works projects. Manages, schedules and monitors multiple projects. Prepares comprehensive engineering reports.
Assists the Principal Civil Engineer in the development of capital improvement programs and related budgets.  Develops fees for permits and updates standard construction details.
Plan checks, directs, and personally reviews engineering designs, drawings, specifications and estimates for development of related projects. Reviews and interprets construction drawings and specifications; plans and conducts pre-construction activities.   Works with other government agencies to process permits and coordinate activities.
Plans, schedules, supervises and evaluates the work of assigned professional and paraprofessional staff, including technicians; determining job assignments, reviewing work products, and training staff as necessary.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and four years of professional civil engineering experience which includes some project management experience, and one year in a lead capacity, preferably with a public agency.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES
License:  Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.
Certificates:  Must possess a State of California Civil Engineering registration at time of application.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.