Trainee Civil Structural Engineer Jobs in California

We are actively building a talent network of Civil and Structural Engineers and Civil and Structural Designers to support upcoming project needs across Eichleay’s operations in Ferndale, WA and throughout the Western United States. This posting is designed for experienced professionals seeking future opportunities in industrial, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects across sectors including refining, chemicals, power, life sciences, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing. Candidates who apply will be considered for upcoming Civil / Structural engineering or designer opportunities aligned to their experience as project demand continues to grow.

These roles are ideal for professionals who enjoy owning their work, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to projects that make a tangible impact in industrial and facility environments.

At Eichleay, you’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting both new construction and complex retrofit/expansion projects, where your ability to problem-solve, adapt, and deliver practical engineering solutions is highly valued.

Our Civil / Structural team draws on deep expertise in seismic design, building codes, and constructability to deliver solutions that are functional, resilient, and cost-effective. You’ll contribute to projects ranging from industrial infrastructure and site development to seismic retrofits, equipment foundations, and facility upgrades across diverse industries.

Employment Type

Full-Time with benefits

*Other options may exist including part time, fixed-term, and casual (as needed employment types)

Location

Ferndale, WA or other Western U.S. locations where Eichleay operates

Compensation and Benefits

We offer full-time employees competitive compensation and benefits that include Medical/Dental/Vision, HSA company contribution, company 401K match, and more.

Experience

Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in refining, chemicals, power, life sciences, food & beverage, advanced manufacturing, or related industrial industries.

General Core Responsibilities (may vary based on position)

• Demonstrate awareness and commitment to health, safety, and environmental issues to ensure zero harm on all projects.
• Deliver high-quality, accurate work while meeting project schedules and quality expectations.
• Support development of civil and structural engineering deliverables and construction work packages.
• Perform scope development and create technical specifications for civil/structural systems and modifications.
• Prepare material requisitions, technical bid evaluations, and vendor submittal reviews.
• Respond to construction RFIs and support field activities as required.
• Provide man-hour estimates and material quantity takeoffs to support proposals and cost estimates.
• Attend and participate in client and Eichleay project team meetings, including site visits as required.
• Maintain schedule and budget commitments.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support construction, commissioning, and start-up activities.

General Civil / Structural Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for industrial facilities, buildings, and infrastructure systems.
• Develop detailed structural calculations and engineering analyses.
• Support seismic evaluations and seismic rehabilitation of existing structures.
• Prepare and review construction documents including drawings and specifications.
• Perform site civil engineering tasks including grading, drainage, stormwater management, and earthwork coordination.
• Design structural systems such as foundations, steel and concrete structures, and equipment anchorage.
• Support design and evaluation of industrial structures, equipment foundations, and site layouts.
• Participate in building code analysis, structural investigations, and constructability reviews.
• Coordinate closely with BIM/CAD designers and multi-discipline teams to deliver fully integrated designs.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and permitting/approval processes.
• Support construction work packages, onsite engineering support, and field coordination.

Preferred Requirements / Skills (may vary based on position)

Education

• For Engineering roles: Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering (ABET accredited preferred); PE license or working toward licensure highly desired
• For Designer roles: Associate’s degree or technical training in drafting/AutoCAD or related field

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with document and markup tools (e.g., Bluebeam, Adobe, PDF editors).
• General understanding of structural codes and standards.
• Experience planning, coordinating, scheduling, and organizing engineering projects.
• Ability to coordinate with clients, vendors, and multi-discipline teams.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools in engineering workflows while maintaining responsible charge and accountability.

Technical Competence

• Experience preparing and reviewing construction documents (drawings and specifications).
• Proficiency in structural analysis and design for new building systems.
• Experience performing seismic evaluations and retrofit design.
• Experience developing structural calculations and technical reports.
• Experience coordinating engineering work with BIM/CAD design teams.
• Familiarity with building codes, seismic standards, and industry design practices.

Industry Requirements

Roles may require all or some of the following:

• Client-specific safety training and badging
• TWIC card or ability to obtain
• Background screening (employment, education, criminal history, driving record)
• Participation in random drug and alcohol programs

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of a position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb/balance, or stoop
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Work may be performed at a client site, production facility, or industrial/construction job site
• Overtime may be required based on project needs

Move Forward with Eichleay

Eichleay, Inc. is a dynamic organization with over 150 years of experience delivering integrated project management and engineering solutions across energy and chemicals, power generation, life sciences, mining, and food & beverage industries. We are committed to innovation, safety, and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other status protected by law or regulation. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence: At Eichleay, we embrace the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and decision-making across our operations, including recruitment.