Top 5 MSPs for Engineering Firms in California (2026 Guide)

Finding the top MSPs for engineering firms in California wasn’t simple. Very few IT companies specialize in this industry, and even fewer can support the demands of CAD, BIM, large design files, multi-office collaboration, and strict project deadlines. After reviewing more than 50 MSPs across the state, only five providers had the service breadth, experience, and engineering-specific focus to make this list.

We evaluated each MSP using data from their websites, LinkedIn, Google, Clutch, and more… We looked at their size, years in business, track record, and the services that matter most to engineering firms.

These are the top MSPs we found.

What Engineering Firms Should Look For in an MSP

Engineering firms have unique needs that most MSPs never think about. You’re not just running laptops and email. You’re running large design files, rendering systems, field teams, and multiple offices that need constant access to shared data. Any slowdown affects productivity, deadlines, and client trust.

Here’s what matters most:

1. CAD/BIM Performance

The MSP should understand how to tune workstations, storage, networks, and cloud environments so CAD and BIM applications run smoothly.

2. Large-File Collaboration

Engineering firms need fast access to design files without corruption or version issues.

3. Reliable Cloud and Hybrid Environments

Teams move between job sites, offices, and home. Access must be secure and fast everywhere.

4. Strong Cybersecurity and Compliance

Engineering firms protect sensitive plans and intellectual property. They also work with clients who require compliance with CMMC, DFARS, ISO, SOC 2, or PCI.

5. Co-Managed IT Options

Many firms have internal IT or CAD managers. A good MSP enhances those teams, not replaces them.

6. On-Site Support in California

Local presence matters when workstations, networks, and project teams need hands-on help.

7. Ability to Scale

Small firms, mid-size organizations, and multi-office practices all need different levels of support.

Only five MSPs had the range and expertise to meet these needs.

Top 5 MSPs for Engineering Firms in California

1. Consilien – Best Overall MSP for Engineering Firms

HQ: Los Angeles, CA
Employee Count: 11–50
Years in Business: 24+

Consilien delivers the widest range of IT, security, and compliance services of any MSP on this list. Engineering firms rely on us when they need stable systems, fast collaboration, and strong protection of design files. Our team supports CAD and BIM environments, multi-office workflows, and project-driven teams across California.

Many of the engineering firms we support come to us during periods of growth. Adding new staff, expanding projects, or opening additional offices. They need IT that can scale with them, not hold them back. Consilien helps these firms improve performance, strengthen security, and build a foundation that supports long-term growth.

Breadth of Services

• Managed and Co-Managed IT and 24/7 monitoring
• CAD/BIM performance tuning
• Cloud and hybrid infrastructure design
• High-speed networking and job-site connectivity
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Full cybersecurity stack (SOC, XDR, endpoint protection, MFA, zero trust)
• Compliance (CMMC, DFARS, ISO, PCI, SOC 2, and more)
• vCIO and vCISO leadership
• Co-managed IT support
• IT governance and long-term planning
• Large project support and management

Review Highlights

• ⭐ Google: 5.0
• ⭐ Clutch: 4.9
• ⭐ UpCity: 5.0
• ⭐ Capterra: 5.0

Consilien is a strong choice for engineering firms that want reliable performance, stronger security, and hands-on guidance, not just helpdesk support. They focus on partnership, whether you need fully managed IT or Co-managed IT support for your internal team.

2. Synoptek – Best for Very Large Engineering Organizations

HQ: Costa Mesa, CA
Employee Count: 1,001–5,000
Years in Business: ~24

Synoptek is an enterprise-scale MSP that supports multi-location engineering firms. They list AEC as one of their served industries and have the staffing depth to manage complex infrastructure and high-uptime environments.

Breadth of Services

• Managed IT services
• Azure and cloud transformation services
• Infrastructure engineering and network design
• Enterprise cybersecurity (SOC, MDR, vulnerability management)
• Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity
• ERP and application support
• Strategic consulting and project management

Review Highlights

• ⭐ Google: 5.0
• ⭐ CloudTango: 4.8
• ⭐ FeaturedCustomers: 4.7
• ⭐ Glassdoor: 3.6
• ⭐ Trustpilot: 3.2

Synoptek is ideal for larger engineering firms that need scale, advanced infrastructure, and enterprise-level coverage.

3. Techmedics – Good Choice for Basic Engineering IT Support

HQ: Los Angeles, CA
Employee Count: 11–50
Years in Business: 25+

Techmedics is one of the few MSPs in California with a dedicated engineering/AEC services page. They understand CAD, BIM, rendering needs, and file performance workflows.

Breadth of Services

• Managed IT and proactive maintenance
• CAD/BIM workstation support and optimization
• Cloud collaboration for design teams
• High-speed networking and bandwidth tuning
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Endpoint security and monitoring
• Helpdesk and on-site support
• Workstation and server optimization

Review Highlights

• ⭐ Clutch: 5.0
• ⭐ Google: 5.0
• ⭐ UpCity: 5.0
• ⭐ Glassdoor: 4.5

Techmedics is a good option for small and mid-size engineering firms that need hands-on, basic IT support for design tools and collaboration. They lack the breadth of offerings and security/compliance leadership of other firms.

4. Clare Computer Solutions – Best for Northern California AEC Firms

HQ: San Ramon, CA
Employee Count: 11–50
Years in Business: 28+

Clare Computer Solutions serves AEC firms across the Bay Area and Northern California. They offer dependable managed IT services to keep project workflows running.

Breadth of Services

• Managed and co-managed IT
• Network monitoring and patching
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Cloud services and migrations
• Cybersecurity tools and training
• Email security and remote access
• Helpdesk and site support

Review Highlights

• ⭐ Google: 4.8
• ⭐ Yelp: 3.0
• ⭐ Glassdoor: 3.5
• ⭐ Indeed: 3.0

Clare is a good fit for small and mid-sized firms that want straightforward IT and security wrapped into one service model.

5. Surf City Systems – Best for Very Small Engineering and Construction Teams

HQ: Orange County, CA
Employee Count: 2–10
Years in Business: Not listed

Surf City Systems focuses on construction and engineering firms in Southern California. Their small size makes them better suited for very small firms.

Breadth of Services

• Managed IT and helpdesk
• CAD and design file support
• Cloud and file access solutions
• Job-site and field connectivity
• Backup and recovery
• Basic cybersecurity
• Remote and on-site support

Review Highlights

• ⭐ Google: 5.0
• ❌ No Clutch, Yelp, UpCity, or CloudTango listings

Surf City works well for firms under 12 users that want a local provider for basic engineering IT needs.

Which MSP Should You Choose?

Finding the right MSP depends on the type of engineering firm you run and the level of support your teams need. Every provider on this list brings something different. Larger engineering organizations may lean toward enterprise-scale support. Very small shops may prefer a local boutique firm. Northern California companies might want someone closer to home.

But most engineering firms in California fall into the same category: small to mid-sized teams that depend on stable systems, fast collaboration, secure file access, and predictable costs. These firms often run multiple projects at once, operate across office and field environments, and rely heavily on CAD, BIM, and cloud workflows. That’s where Consilien stands out.

Many engineering firms come to us when they’re growing and need more than basic IT fixes. They need systems that can scale, stronger security, and a partner who helps them modernize without slowing their teams down. Consilien is built for firms that want reliable everyday support and a clear plan for what comes next.

Consilien offers a broader and more complete service mix than other MSPs in this segment. We bring together managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance, cloud architecture, backup and recovery, vCIO/vCISO guidance, and co-managed IT support in one framework. This gives engineering teams the stability they need day to day and the planning they rarely get from traditional MSPs.

We understand how engineers work, how deadlines drive projects, and how important it is to keep design files secure and accessible. If your engineering firm wants systems that stay fast, protected, and ready for the next project, Consilien is a strong place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do engineering firms need a specialized MSP?

Engineering firms work with CAD, BIM, large design files, and field teams that move between sites. These systems need fast performance and stable access. Most MSPs focus on basic office IT. They are not set up to support the heavy workloads and deadlines that engineering teams deal with every day. A specialized MSP understands how to tune workstations, networks, and cloud setups so engineers can work without delays.

What makes engineering IT support different from regular managed IT?

Engineering IT goes beyond email, laptops, and helpdesk tickets. It deals with file collaboration, rendering speeds, multi-office workflows, and project-driven environments. Even small slowdowns can create missed deadlines or rework. A good engineering MSP knows how to optimize CAD and BIM, handle large file transfers, and set up secure access for office and field teams.

Do engineering firms really need strong cybersecurity and compliance?

Yes. Engineering firms protect designs, plans, and intellectual property. Many work with clients who expect compliance with CMMC, DFARS, ISO, SOC 2, or PCI. One breach can break trust and put contracts at risk. A strong MSP provides layered security, monitoring, and the policies needed to meet these requirements.

What should small and mid-size engineering firms look for in an MSP?

Most firms want stable systems, fast collaboration, and predictable costs. Look for an MSP that offers managed and co-managed IT, CAD and BIM support, cloud design, cybersecurity, backup and recovery, and long-term planning. These services help teams stay productive and make it easier to grow without constant IT problems.

Why does local on-site support matter?

Engineering teams often need physical help with workstations, networks, plotters, and file servers. A local MSP can send someone on-site quickly, which keeps projects moving. Remote-only support can slow down deadlines when hardware or connectivity issues happen.

How do I know which MSP on the list is right for my firm?

It depends on firm size, project demands, and how fast you are growing. Larger firms may prefer enterprise-level providers. Very small firms may want a local boutique MSP. Most engineering teams fall in the middle and need a partner that understands design workflows, cloud setups, and security. Consilien stands out here because they support firms during growth, handle complex environments, and provide both everyday support and long-term planning.