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Truss Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Utilize CAD and component engineering software daily; must be comfortable working on-screen for ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Utilize CAD and component engineering software daily; must be comfortable working on-screen for ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Associate Truss Designer Classification: Hourly Pay Range: $23-$25 Location: Santa Maria, CA ... Utilize CAD and component engineering software daily; must be comfortable working on-screen for ...

MiTek USA Inc

Design Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Design truss components based on specified parameters from customers and use their knowledge of engineering and the building codes along with collaboration with other engineers in the office to ...

84 Lumber Company

84C Design Mgr

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

Responsibilities Interpretation and design of engineered components and panels from architectural prints to produce placement layouts and engineered truss drawings. Supervise and direct designers ...

New

84 Lumber Company

84C Design Mgr

Bakersfield, CA

Responsibilities Interpretation and design of engineered components and panels from architectural prints to produce placement layouts and engineered truss drawings. Supervise and direct designers ...

New

Tait

Production Designer/Drafter

La Mirada, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic ... truss structures for entertainment and special events. From coast to coast, Gallagher builds the ...

Bevyhouse LLC

Finish Carpenter

Ventura, CA · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... with engineering and production teams to resolve constructability challenges in modular design ... framing, truss rolling, and field-fit adjustments * Maintain accurate documentation of field ...

TAIT

Warehouse Associate

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic ... truss structures for entertainment and special events. From coast to coast, Gallagher builds the ...

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All JobsTruss Design Engineer JobsTruss Design Engineer Jobs in California

Truss Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$64.3K

$105.1K

How much do truss design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for truss design engineer in California is $64,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a truss design engineer?

Truss Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing structural frameworks, called trusses, which are used to support roofs, bridges, and other structures. They use engineering principles and software tools to create safe, efficient, and cost-effective truss designs that meet building codes and client requirements. Truss Design Engineers often collaborate with architects, builders, and manufacturers throughout the design and construction process. Their work helps ensure that truss systems are structurally sound, optimized for materials, and suitable for the intended application.

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

To thrive as a Truss Design Engineer, you need a strong background in structural engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and typically a degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, truss design programs like MiTek or Alpine, and relevant building codes is crucial, and some roles may require professional engineering (PE) licensure. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients, architects, and construction teams. These skills and qualifications ensure that truss designs are structurally sound, compliant, and clearly communicated for safe and efficient construction.

What are some typical challenges a truss design engineer faces when collaborating with architects and builders?

Truss Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as reconciling architectural design intent with structural feasibility and cost constraints. They must carefully interpret architectural drawings and communicate design limitations or alternative solutions to architects and builders. Effective collaboration is critical, as last-minute design changes or incomplete information can impact timelines and require quick problem-solving. Building strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication with project stakeholders helps ensure that truss designs meet both aesthetic and structural requirements.

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

AspectTruss Design EngineerStructural Draftsman
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil/Structural Engineering, certifications in CADDiploma or certification in drafting/CAD
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sitesDesign offices, architectural firms
Industry UsageStructural and truss manufacturing companiesArchitectural and engineering firms
Primary FocusDesigning truss systems, ensuring structural integrityCreating detailed structural drawings and plans

While both roles involve working with structural designs, a Truss Design Engineer focuses on designing truss systems for buildings, ensuring safety and functionality. A Structural Draftsman primarily prepares detailed drawings based on engineers' specifications. The roles often overlap in design environments but differ in responsibilities and expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Truss Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Truss Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Truss Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Truss Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Truss Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Truss Design Engineer job openings:

Truss Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Truss Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,336 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Associate Truss Designer

Hayward Lumber

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Title: Associate Truss Designer
Classification: Hourly
Pay Range: $23-$25
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Reports To: Truss Production Manager
About the Company:
For 100 years and four generations of Hayward family leadership, Hayward Lumber has been committed to meeting and exceeding the needs of builders. Beyond full-service lumberyards, we offer window, door and cabinet design centers, pro-oriented hardware stores, and innovative building solutions designed to save time and money. Hayward Lumber is a family-oriented company that treats every employee as such. Our average tenure companywide is over 10 years and we pride ourselves in creating an environment in which you can learn, grow, and prosper. Hayward Lumber provides a competitive compensation structure, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, and paid time off including vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Learn more at www.haywardlumber.com
Mission:
Hayward will be the most dependable supplier of products, services and solutions to the construction market, as it has been since 1919.
Position Summary:

The Associate Truss Designer plays a key support role within our Design & Estimating team by assisting in the preparation of accurate and optimized layouts for residential roof and floor truss systems. This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills, an interest in structural design, and a collaborative mindset. Working closely with Lead Designers, Estimators, and Production teams, the Associate Truss Designer helps ensure each project is accurately designed, efficiently produced, and exceeds customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support Lead Designers by creating layouts and preliminary designs for residential roof and floor truss systems using specialized design software.
  • Interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and specifications to ensure design accuracy and code compliance.
  • Communicate proactively with Designers, Estimators, and external stakeholders to clarify project requirements, resolve discrepancies, and confirm changes.
  • Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely and accurate customer proposals.
  • Assist in reviewing completed designs prior to release to production, verifying accuracy and completeness of design and material takeoffs.
  • Maintain well-organized records of production drawings and project files for future reference and quality control.
  • Coordinate with the Production Manager to improve manufacturing standards and ensure buildable, cost-effective designs.
  • Alert the Production Manager and Lumber Buyer to projects requiring special materials or large-volume orders.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues by identifying root causes and recommending effective solutions.
  • Provide occasional job-site support or customer consultation as needed.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in all internal and external communications; maintain high standards of customer service, accuracy, and responsiveness.
  • Utilize CAD and component engineering software daily; must be comfortable working on-screen for extended periods.

Requirements

  • Experience with CAD or structural design software preferred.
  • Previous experience in truss design, drafting, or construction is a plus.
  • Strong math, computer, and organizational skills required.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction documents.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to learn.

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life insurance
  • 401K
  • Paid time off including vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
  • No weekends