ASSISTANT ENGINEER (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT)

City of Torrance, CA

$81K — $109K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or an Engineer-in-Training certificate with relevant experience.
  • 1-2 years of professional engineering office experience or 4 years of responsible engineering experience.
  • Experience or training in CAD applications is desired.
  • Possess a valid California State driver's license.
  • Valid registration certificate by the California Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Perform professional engineering work in public infrastructure development.
  • Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
  • Investigate and resolve public complaints and issues related to engineering projects.
  • Prepare and present reports to the City Council and Commissions.
  • Coordinate engineering projects with other departments and utility companies.
  • Ensure compliance with subdivision policies and local/state regulations.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options available.
  • Life insurance and various voluntary benefits included.
  • Participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits.
Full Job Description
Salary : $6,772.13 - $9,082.67 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 07/06/2026

DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The Position

The Assistant Engineer is the entry/journey class in the professional level engineering series. This position performs professional level engineering work in the development, construction and maintenance of the City's public infrastructure (City-maintained utilities and street improvements). The Assistant Engineer reviews and approves engineering plans, drawings and specifications, cost estimates, contract provisions, legal descriptions, and maps, ensuring compliance with all subdivision policies and local and state codes, ordinances and regulations; investigates and resolves public complaints and problems; prepares and presents reports and agenda items to the City Council and City Commissions; coordinates projects with other City departments, agencies and utility companies; and performs related duties as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and one to two years of professional engineering office experience; or possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate and four years of responsible engineering experience.

Experience or training in CAD applications for computers is desired.
License and/or Certificates

Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California State driver's license.

A valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the nuances and complexities of civil engineering in a municipal context;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present information to City leadership, commissions, and the public;
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate project records, and meet deadlines;
  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, consultants, contractors, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and community members;
  • Customer-focused approach with the ability to respond professionally to public inquiries and resolve concerns with tact and diplomacy; and
  • Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment within established engineering policies and procedures.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at First review of applications will be those received by Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026

SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Govto find out more information about the City of Torrance.

The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::

For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
  • Yes
  • No

02

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
  • Yes
  • No

03

What is your highest level of education completed?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some College Coursework
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher

04

Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05

Do you possess a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?
  • Yes
  • No

07

Indicate the number of years of professional engineering office experience that you possess.
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • More than one year, but less than two years
  • More than two years, but less than three years
  • More than three years, but less than four years
  • Four years or more

08

Do you have experience or training in CAD applications for computers?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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