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// Civil Engineering Recruiting — CA
Civil Engineering Recruiter
San Diego, CA
In the San Diego region, we connect firms with PEs and project leads driving the freeway, transit, and water-recycling programs shaping Southern California's southern gateway.
// San Diego Civil Engineering Recruiting
Specialized staffing for San Diego infrastructure
Metro Associates is a leading civil engineering recruiter providing specialized staffing solutions across San Diego and Southern California. We help firms hire licensed Professional Engineers (PE), project managers, and technical specialists who support Caltrans, federal agencies, and private development throughout the region.
From major corridors to municipal and resiliency projects, we match vetted talent to the operational, regulatory, and performance demands of publicly funded capital programs.
Recruiting expertise
- Transportation & Highway Engineering (AASHTO Standards)
- Bridge & Structural Engineering
- Water, Wastewater & Environmental Engineering
- Aviation & Airport Infrastructure (FAA Regulations)
- Federal & Defense Infrastructure (USACE / NAVFAC)
- Energy & Renewable Infrastructure
- Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI)
// Roles we place
Engineering roles we place in San Diego
01Civil Project Manager (PE)
02Senior Transportation Engineer
03Structural / Bridge Engineer
04Water Resources & Drainage Engineer
05Traffic & ITS Engineer
06Geotechnical Engineer
07Construction Manager & Resident Engineer
08VP of Infrastructure / Office Lead
09BIM & VDC Specialists
// Skills we screen for
Civil engineering skills & software we recruit for in San Diego
Every candidate we put forward is screened against the same bar: the design software, licensure, and code fluency the role actually demands.
AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStation / OpenRoads DesignerBentley InRoadsArcGIS / geospatial analysisHEC-RAS hydrology & hydraulics modelingHEC-HMSBentley SewerGEMS / WaterGEMSSynchro / SimTrafficPTV Vissim traffic simulationSTAAD.Pro / RISA structural analysisPavement design software (e.g. MicroPaver)Professional Engineer (PE) licenseProfessional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)OSHA 30-Hour certificationNICET certification (construction inspection)AASHTO design standards fluencyFHWA / State DOT design manual fluencyErosion & sediment control (SWPPP) designConstruction engineering & inspection (CEI)
// 2026 hiring trends
2026 San Diego civil engineering hiring
In 2026, the Southern California market is defined by long-term federal infrastructure funding and a sharp focus on climate resiliency. Remote collaboration has widened the talent pool, but demand for on-site licensed PEs and project leads across Caltrans programs remains at an all-time high.
Representative 2026 compensation
Civil Engineer (EIT)$70,000 – $95,000
Licensed PE (Mid-Level)$105,000 – $150,000
Senior Project Manager$140,000 – $190,000+
Regional Director$175,000 – $250,000+
Ranges vary by firm, licensure, and project mix; figures are directional for the San Diego metro.
// Programs we support
Supporting San Diego infrastructure programs
Caltrans District 11 freeway & interchange work
MTS trolley and transit expansion
Pure Water San Diego recycling program
Coastal rail realignment and bluff stabilization
San Diego International Airport redevelopment
// FAQ
Civil engineering recruiting in San Diego — FAQ
Do you place civil engineers in San Diego, CA?
Yes. Metro Associates is a specialized civil engineering recruiter serving San Diego and Southern California. We place licensed Professional Engineers (PEs), project managers, and technical specialists on transportation, bridge, water, and construction programs across the metro.
What civil engineering roles do you recruit for in San Diego?
Our San Diego placements span Civil Project Manager (PE), Senior Transportation Engineer, Structural/Bridge Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Traffic/ITS Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Construction Manager roles.
How quickly can you fill a civil engineering position in San Diego?
Because we maintain a national pipeline of pre-vetted engineers, we typically deliver a shortlist of qualified CA candidates within days — and every placement is backed by our guarantee.
Do you recruit licensed PEs for Caltrans and public infrastructure projects?
Yes — NCEES comity and multi-state PE licensure are part of how we screen. We recruit specifically for Caltrans, federal agencies, and publicly funded capital programs across California.
// Why partner with us
Why San Diego firms partner with Metro Associates
Multi-State Licensing Expertise
We understand NCEES comity and the complexities of multi-state PE licensure.
Passive Candidate Acquisition
Our recruiters reach high-performers who are not actively on job boards.
Scalable Staffing Solutions
From a single PE to an entire project team for a multi-year contract.
Federal & State Compliance
Fluency in hiring requirements for FHWA, FAA, and major State DOT projects.
Hiring civil engineers in San Diego?
Tell us about the role — we'll deliver a vetted shortlist of licensed CA talent, backed by our placement guarantee.
Other markets we serve
New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PADallas, TXAtlanta, GAMiami, FLSeattle, WADenver, COBoston, MAMinneapolis, MNDetroit, MICharlotte, NCNashville, TNPortland, ORLas Vegas, NVColumbus, OHSalt Lake City, UTKansas City, MOIndianapolis, INMilwaukee, WIRichmond, VABaltimore, MDNew Orleans, LALouisville, KYOklahoma City, OKCharleston, SCNewark, NJSan Francisco, CASan Antonio, TXAustin, TXJacksonville, FLOrlando, FLPittsburgh, PACincinnati, OHCleveland, OHSt. Louis, MORaleigh, NCWashington, DCHartford, CTAlbuquerque, NMBirmingham, ALMemphis, TNOmaha, NEBoise, IDProvidence, RIBuffalo, NY