<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  10.5.0.8 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 3/7/2024 11:48:25 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 3/7/2024 11:48:25 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompany" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompany" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureRecentAccountingPronouncements" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureRecentAccountingPronouncements" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementData" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementData" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligations" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeases" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntities" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformation" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareEps" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEps" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureContingencies" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureContingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyPolicies" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyFiscalYearsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyFiscalYearsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanySegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanySegmentInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyAccountingForContractsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyAccountingForContractsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyEstimatedUsefulLivesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyEstimatedUsefulLivesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyIncomeTaxesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataRestrictedCashDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataRestrictedCashDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableComponentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableComponentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableConcentrationRiskDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableConcentrationRiskDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataContractAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataContractAssetsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetTabularDisclosureDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetTabularDisclosureDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGeneralInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGeneralInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsCashFlowHedgeEffectivenessDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsCashFlowHedgeEffectivenessDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsCompositionDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsCompositionDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsClassificationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsClassificationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsNewCreditFacilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsNewCreditFacilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsPriorCreditFacilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsPriorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureDebtObligationsFutureDebtPaymentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsFutureDebtPaymentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillImpairmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillImpairmentDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAmountsAndAccumulatedAmortizationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAmountsAndAccumulatedAmortizationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationPeriodDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationPeriodDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesGeneralInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesGeneralInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesLeaseExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesRentExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesRentExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationStatementOfOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationStatementOfOperationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentAssetsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationUnallocatedCorporateAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationUnallocatedCorporateAssetsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationGeographicalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationGeographicalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationConcentrationRiskDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationConcentrationRiskDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityGeneralInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityGeneralInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityFullyVestedDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityFullyVestedDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityNonvestedDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityNonvestedDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityAwardsOtherThanOptionsActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityAwardsOtherThanOptionsActivityDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsGeneralInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsGeneralInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsTabularDisclosureDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsTabularDisclosureDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxRateDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxRateDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesOpenTaxYearsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesOpenTaxYearsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsComputationDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsComputationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" roleURI="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023/ecd-2023.xsd#InsiderTradingArrangements" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" />
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document - Document and Entity Information" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:label="CoverAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_638454521014901723" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType_638454521014901723" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentAnnualReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentAnnualReport_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentAnnualReport_638454521014901723" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_638454521014901723" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_638454521014901723" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber_638454521014901723" order="6" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName_638454521014901723" order="7" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_638454521014901723" order="8" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_638454521014901723" order="9" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_638454521014901723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_638454521014901723" order="10" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_638454521014911713" order="11" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_638454521014911713" order="12" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_638454521014911713" order="13" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_638454521014911713" order="14" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode_638454521014911713" order="15" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_638454521014911713" order="16" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle_638454521014911713" order="17" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityListingParValuePerShare" xlink:label="dei_EntityListingParValuePerShare_638454521014911713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityListingParValuePerShare_638454521014911713" order="18" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol_638454521014921722" order="19" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName_638454521014921722" order="20" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_638454521014921722" order="21" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_638454521014921722" order="22" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_638454521014921722" order="23" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_638454521014921722" order="24" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory_638454521014921722" order="25" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_638454521014921722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_638454521014921722" order="26" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_638454521014931725" order="27" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag" xlink:label="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_638454521014931725" order="28" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentFinStmtErrorCorrectionFlag" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFinStmtErrorCorrectionFlag_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFinStmtErrorCorrectionFlag_638454521014931725" order="29" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany_638454521014931725" order="30" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityPublicFloat_638454521014931725" order="31" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_638454521014931725" order="32" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_638454521014931725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_638454521014931725" order="33" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_638454521014941722" order="34" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_638454521014941722" order="35" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag_638454521014941722" order="36" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_AuditorName" xlink:label="dei_AuditorName_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AuditorName_638454521014941722" order="37" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_AuditorFirmId" xlink:label="dei_AuditorFirmId_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AuditorFirmId_638454521014941722" order="38" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_AuditorLocation" xlink:label="dei_AuditorLocation_638454521014941722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AuditorLocation_638454521014941722" order="39" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521014951731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent_638454521014951731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_638454521014951731" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent" xlink:label="wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent_638454521014951731" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent_638454521014951731" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_638454521014951731" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_638454521014951731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_638454521014951731" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521014961727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521014961727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521014961727" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_638454521014961727" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638454521014961727" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_638454521014961727" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521014951731" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_638454521014961727" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_638454521014961727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_638454521014961727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_638454521014971743" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableCurrent_638454521014971743" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521014971743" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_638454521014971743" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_638454521014971743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_638454521014971743" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521014981732" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521014981732" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_638454521014981732" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_638454521014981732" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_638454521014981732" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_638454521014981732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_638454521014981732" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_638454521014991722" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_638454521014991722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521014991722" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_638454521014991722" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014981732" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_638454521014991722" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_638454521014991722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_638454521014961727" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_638454521014991722" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00105 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_638454521015001724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_638454521015001724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_638454521015001724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_638454521015001724" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_638454521015001724" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PreferredStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_638454521015001724" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_638454521015001724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_638454521015001724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_638454521015011725" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015011725" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommonStockNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521015001724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_638454521015011725" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeStatementAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015011725" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_638454521015011725" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CostOfSubcontractorServicesAndOtherDirectCosts" xlink:label="wldn_CostOfSubcontractorServicesAndOtherDirectCosts_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" xlink:to="wldn_CostOfSubcontractorServicesAndOtherDirectCosts_638454521015011725" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_638454521015011725" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="us-gaap_GrossProfit_638454521015011725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_638454521015011725" xlink:to="us-gaap_GrossProfit_638454521015011725" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LaborAndRelatedExpenseExcludingStockBasedCompensation" xlink:label="wldn_LaborAndRelatedExpenseExcludingStockBasedCompensation_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="wldn_LaborAndRelatedExpenseExcludingStockBasedCompensation_638454521015021723" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_OccupancyNet_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_OccupancyNet_638454521015021723" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_638454521015021723" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015021723" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_638454521015021723" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_638454521015021723" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_638454521015021723" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_638454521015021723" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_638454521015021723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_638454521015021723" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_638454521015031732" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_638454521015021723" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_638454521015031732" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015031732" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015031732" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015031732" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015031732" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015031732" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_638454521015031732" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015031732" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_638454521015031732" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521015031732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521015031732" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521015041714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521015031732" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521015041714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521015041714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521015031732" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521015041714" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521015041714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521015041714" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521015041714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521015041714" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521015041714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521015041714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521015041714" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521015041714" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_638454521015051724" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentMember_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentMember_638454521015051724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_638454521015051724" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_638454521015051724" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_638454521015051724" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_638454521015051724" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_638454521015051724" order="6" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_638454521015051724" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015051724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015051724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015061733" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_638454521015061733" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_638454521015061733" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_638454521015061733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_638454521015061733" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_638454521015061733" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_638454521015061733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_638454521015061733" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_638454521015061733" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_638454521015061733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_638454521015061733" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_638454521015061733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_638454521015061733" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_638454521015061733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_638454521015071726" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015071726" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521015071726" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015071726" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_638454521015051724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_638454521015071726" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015071726" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_638454521015071726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015071726" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_638454521015071726" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015071726" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_638454521015081728" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015081728" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_638454521015081728" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCashFlowImpact" xlink:label="wldn_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCashFlowImpact_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="wldn_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCashFlowImpact_638454521015081728" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_638454521015081728" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AccretionAndFairValueAdjustmentsContingentConsideration" xlink:label="wldn_AccretionAndFairValueAdjustmentsContingentConsideration_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="wldn_AccretionAndFairValueAdjustmentsContingentConsideration_638454521015081728" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_638454521015081728" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_638454521015081728" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables_638454521015081728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables_638454521015081728" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_638454521015091711" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_638454521015091711" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_638454521015091711" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_638454521015091711" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability_638454521015091711" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="wldn_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseAssets_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_638454521015081728" xlink:to="wldn_IncreaseDecreaseInRightOfUseAssets_638454521015091711" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015071726" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_638454521015091711" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521015091711" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521015091711" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521015101727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_638454521015101727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015091711" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_638454521015101727" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCashPayment" xlink:label="wldn_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCashPayment_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="wldn_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationCashPayment_638454521015101727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ProceedsFromCashDepositsToBeHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities" xlink:label="wldn_ProceedsFromCashDepositsToBeHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="wldn_ProceedsFromCashDepositsToBeHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities_638454521015101727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_PaymentsForCashDepositsHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities" xlink:label="wldn_PaymentsForCashDepositsHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="wldn_PaymentsForCashDepositsHeldInTrustForEnergyIncentiveRebatePaymentsRestrictedCashFinancingActivities_638454521015101727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_638454521015101727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_638454521015101727" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_638454521015111742" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_638454521015111742" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_638454521015111742" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_638454521015111742" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_638454521015111742" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_638454521015111742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockPlans_638454521015111742" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_638454521015121733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_638454521015121733" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_638454521015121733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_638454521015121733" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_PaymentsForProceedsFromRestrictedStockAwardAndUnitsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="wldn_PaymentsForProceedsFromRestrictedStockAwardAndUnitsFinancingActivities_638454521015121733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="wldn_PaymentsForProceedsFromRestrictedStockAwardAndUnitsFinancingActivities_638454521015121733" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_638454521015121733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_638454521015101727" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_638454521015121733" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_638454521015131740" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_638454521015131740" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_638454521015131740" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_638454521015131740" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6384545210151317401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6384545210151317401" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_638454521015141724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_638454521015141724" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_638454521015141724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_638454521015141724" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_638454521015141724" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_638454521015141724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_638454521015141724" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_638454521015141724" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_638454521015141724" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_638454521015141724" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_638454521015151736" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_638454521015141724" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_638454521015151736" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompany" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10101 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015151736" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015151736" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureRecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10201 - Disclosure - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_638454521015211773" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_638454521015211773" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementData" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10301 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_638454521015211773" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_638454521015211773" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10401 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10501 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10601 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015221763" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10701 - Disclosure - LEASES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LesseeOperatingAndFinanceLeasesTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_LesseeOperatingAndFinanceLeasesTextBlock_638454521015221763" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_LesseeOperatingAndFinanceLeasesTextBlock_638454521015221763" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10801 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10901 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11001 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_638454521015231713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_638454521015231713" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11101 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_638454521015231713" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEps" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11201 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_638454521015241717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_638454521015241717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureContingencies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11301 - Disclosure - CONTINGENCIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAbstract" xlink:label="LossContingencyAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LegalMattersAndContingenciesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LegalMattersAndContingenciesTextBlock_638454521015241717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LossContingencyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LegalMattersAndContingenciesTextBlock_638454521015241717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11401 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_638454521015241717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_638454521015241717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11501 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="SubsequentEventsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_638454521015241717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_638454521015241717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="20102 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Policies)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiscalPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiscalPeriod_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiscalPeriod_638454521015251718" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:label="us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_638454521015251718" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_638454521015251718" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_638454521015251718" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_638454521015251718" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_638454521015251718" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_638454521015251718" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_638454521015251718" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillPolicy_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillPolicy_638454521015261735" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_638454521015261735" order="16" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_638454521015261735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_638454521015261735" order="17" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_638454521015271780" order="18" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_638454521015271780" order="19" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" order="20" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" order="21" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" order="22" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_638454521015271780" order="23" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_OperatingCyclePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_OperatingCyclePolicyTextBlock_638454521015281739" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_OperatingCyclePolicyTextBlock_638454521015281739" order="24" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015281739" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_638454521015281739" order="25" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30103 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ScheduleOfByTypeAndReportableSegmentTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_ScheduleOfByTypeAndReportableSegmentTableTextBlock_638454521015281739" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_ScheduleOfByTypeAndReportableSegmentTableTextBlock_638454521015281739" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_638454521015281739" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_638454521015281739" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30303 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalDisclosuresTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30403 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_638454521015291727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30503 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTableTextBlock" xlink:label="srt_ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="srt_ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30603 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_638454521015301707" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_638454521015301707" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_638454521015301707" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30703 - Disclosure - LEASES (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LesseeBalanceSheetAndOtherInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_LesseeBalanceSheetAndOtherInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_LesseeBalanceSheetAndOtherInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LesseeOtherInformationAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_LesseeOtherInformationAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_LesseeOtherInformationAndSupplementalCashFlowInformationOfLeasesTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_638454521015311719" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30903 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingUnallocatedAssetsTextBlock" xlink:label="wldn_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingUnallocatedAssetsTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="wldn_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingUnallocatedAssetsTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31003 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedPerformanceBasedUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_638454521015321716" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardEmployeeStockPurchasePlanValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31103 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31203 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_638454521015331708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31403 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_638454521015341716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyFiscalYearsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Fiscal Years (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:label="dei_EntitiesTable_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_1" xlink:to="dei_EntitiesTable_638454521015341716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_EntitiesTable_638454521015341716" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015341716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015341716" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015341716" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015341716" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015341716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015341716" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015341716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:label="dei_EntityInformationLineItems_638454521015341716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_EntitiesTable_638454521015341716" xlink:to="dei_EntityInformationLineItems_638454521015341716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration_638454521015351733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems_638454521015341716" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration_638454521015351733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40102 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Variable Interest Entities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity_638454521015351733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_4" xlink:to="wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity_638454521015351733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanySegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40103 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Segment Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015361727" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyAccountingForContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40104 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Accounting for Contracts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015361727" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015361727" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015361727" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015361727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015361727" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015361727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015361727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015361727" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015361727" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrProgramsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrProgramsAbstract_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015361727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrProgramsAbstract_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_PercentOfTotalRevenueComprisedOfContractsWhichIncludeSeparatePhasesOrElements" xlink:label="wldn_PercentOfTotalRevenueComprisedOfContractsWhichIncludeSeparatePhasesOrElements_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrProgramsAbstract_638454521015371720" xlink:to="wldn_PercentOfTotalRevenueComprisedOfContractsWhichIncludeSeparatePhasesOrElements_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrProgramsAbstract_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage_638454521015371720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyEstimatedUsefulLivesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40105 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_638454521015371720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_638454521015371720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_638454521015371720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember" xlink:label="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" xlink:to="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015381734" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_638454521015381734" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember" xlink:label="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015371720" xlink:to="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VehiclesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_VehiclesMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_VehiclesMember_638454521015381734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_638454521015381734" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015371720" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015381734" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015381734" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015381734" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015381734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015381734" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015381734" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015381734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015371720" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015381734" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015381734" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_638454521015391730" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOperationsOfCompanyIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40106 - Disclosure - ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Income Taxes (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_638454521015391730" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_638454521015391730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_638454521015391730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_638454521015391730" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521015401730" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Restricted Cash (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521015401730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCash_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCash_638454521015401730" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_638454521015401730" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_638454521015401730" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableComponentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40302 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accounts Receivable - Components (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_638454521015401730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross_638454521015401730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGross_638454521015401730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015411716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_638454521015401730" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_638454521015411716" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40303 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accounts Receivable - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015411716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_638454521015411716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_638454521015411716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs_638454521015411716" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_638454521015421705" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_638454521015411716" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_638454521015421705" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccountsReceivableConcentrationRiskDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40304 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accounts Receivable - Concentration Risk (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521015421705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521015421705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_638454521015421705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521015421705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521015421705" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521015431756" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521015431756" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember_638454521015431756" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015431756" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015431756" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015431756" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember" xlink:label="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015431756" xlink:to="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521015431756" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember" xlink:label="wldn_ConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015431756" xlink:to="wldn_ConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521015431756" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521015421705" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521015431756" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_638454521015431756" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521015431756" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_638454521015431756" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataContractAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40305 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Contract Assets (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGrossCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGrossCurrent_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGrossCurrent_638454521015441715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionContractorReceivableRetainage_638454521015441715" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent" xlink:label="wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" xlink:to="wldn_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLossCurrent_638454521015441715" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_638454521015441715" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AccountsReceivableContractWithCustomerAssetConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss" xlink:label="wldn_AccountsReceivableContractWithCustomerAssetConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_7" xlink:to="wldn_AccountsReceivableContractWithCustomerAssetConstructionContractorReceivableRetainageAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_638454521015441715" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetTabularDisclosureDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40306 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net - Tabular Disclosure (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015441715" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015441715" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015441715" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_638454521015441715" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_638454521015441715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_638454521015441715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember" xlink:label="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" xlink:to="wldn_ComputerHardwareAndSoftwareMember_638454521015451792" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_638454521015451792" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember" xlink:label="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_638454521015441715" xlink:to="wldn_AutomobilesTrucksAndFieldEquipmentMember_638454521015451792" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_638454521015441715" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015451792" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_638454521015451792" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015451792" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015451792" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015451792" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40307 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_4" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_638454521015461776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_638454521015461776" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation_638454521015461776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAbstract_638454521015461776" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation_638454521015461776" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_638454521015461776" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015461776" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_638454521015461776" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalFinancialStatementDataAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40308 - Disclosure - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accrued Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AccruedSubcontractorCosts" xlink:label="wldn_AccruedSubcontractorCosts_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="wldn_AccruedSubcontractorCosts_638454521015521753" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent_638454521015521753" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EmployeeWithholdings" xlink:label="wldn_EmployeeWithholdings_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="wldn_EmployeeWithholdings_638454521015521753" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CompensationAndPayrollTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="wldn_CompensationAndPayrollTaxesCurrent_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="wldn_CompensationAndPayrollTaxesCurrent_638454521015521753" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AccruedRebatesAndOtherCurrent" xlink:label="wldn_AccruedRebatesAndOtherCurrent_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="wldn_AccruedRebatesAndOtherCurrent_638454521015521753" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AccruedAccountingAndTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="wldn_AccruedAccountingAndTaxesCurrent_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="wldn_AccruedAccountingAndTaxesCurrent_638454521015521753" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_638454521015511723" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_638454521015521753" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGeneralInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40401 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - General Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_638454521015521753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_638454521015521753" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_638454521015521753" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_638454521015521753" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_638454521015531742" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable_638454521015521753" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates_638454521015531742" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_638454521015531742" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_638454521015531742" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_638454521015531742" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_638454521015531742" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates_638454521015541716" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsCashFlowHedgeEffectivenessDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40402 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_638454521015541716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_638454521015541716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationBeforeTax_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationBeforeTax_638454521015541716" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimatedNetAmountToBeTransferred" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimatedNetAmountToBeTransferred_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimatedNetAmountToBeTransferred_638454521015541716" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1_638454521015541716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_638454521015541716" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1_638454521015541716" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40403 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_638454521015551731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_638454521015551731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_638454521015551731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015551731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521015551731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_638454521015551731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015551731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521015551731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_638454521015551731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40404 - Disclosure - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentMember_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentMember_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ParentMember_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_638454521015561727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015561727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015561727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_638454521015571731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_638454521015571731" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_638454521015571731" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_638454521015561727" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015571731" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsCompositionDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Composition (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015571731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015571731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015571731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015571731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_638454521015571731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_638454521015571731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015581828" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015581828" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015581828" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member" xlink:label="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015581828" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="wldn_TermLoanMember_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_TermLoanMember_638454521015581828" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member" xlink:label="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015581828" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_TermAloanMember" xlink:label="wldn_TermAloanMember_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_TermAloanMember_638454521015581828" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember_638454521015581828" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_OtherDebtMember" xlink:label="wldn_OtherDebtMember_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015581828" xlink:to="wldn_OtherDebtMember_638454521015581828" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015571731" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015581828" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015581828" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_638454521015581828" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015581828" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015581828" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015581828" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015591722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015581828" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015591722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsClassificationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40502 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Classification (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_638454521015591722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_638454521015591722" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015591722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_638454521015591722" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015591722" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_638454521015591722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_638454521015591722" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_638454521015591722" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_638454521015591722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_638454521015591722" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_638454521015591722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsNewCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40503 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS - New Credit Facilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015601733" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member" xlink:label="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015601733" xlink:to="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="wldn_TermLoanMember_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015601733" xlink:to="wldn_TermLoanMember_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_RevolvingCreditFacility2023Member" xlink:label="wldn_RevolvingCreditFacility2023Member_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2023Member_638454521015601733" xlink:to="wldn_RevolvingCreditFacility2023Member_638454521015601733" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LetterOfCredit2023Member" xlink:label="wldn_LetterOfCredit2023Member_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_RevolvingCreditFacility2023Member_638454521015601733" xlink:to="wldn_LetterOfCredit2023Member_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015601733" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_638454521015601733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_638454521015601733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_638454521015611753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_638454521015611753" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015611753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015611753" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015611753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015611753" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015611753" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015611753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015611753" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015611753" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015611753" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015611753" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015611753" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015601733" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_638454521015621726" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015621726" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityContingentIncreaseAggregateMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityContingentIncreaseAggregateMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityContingentIncreaseAggregateMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015621726" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_638454521015621726" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_638454521015621726" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_638454521015621726" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_638454521015631733" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_638454521015631733" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageAnnually" xlink:label="wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageAnnually_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageAnnually_638454521015631733" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageForSecondAndThirdYears" xlink:label="wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageForSecondAndThirdYears_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="wldn_AmortizationOfDebtPercentageForSecondAndThirdYears_638454521015631733" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015631733" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNet_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsLineOfCreditArrangementsNet_638454521015631733" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DebtInstrumentCompositeInterestRate" xlink:label="wldn_DebtInstrumentCompositeInterestRate_638454521015631733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="wldn_DebtInstrumentCompositeInterestRate_638454521015631733" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015621726" xlink:to="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_638454521015641734" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsPriorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40504 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Prior Credit Facilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015641734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015641734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_638454521015641734" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015641734" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015641734" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member" xlink:label="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_638454521015651730" xlink:to="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_TermAloanMember" xlink:label="wldn_TermAloanMember_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015651730" xlink:to="wldn_TermAloanMember_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015651730" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_638454521015651730" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_638454521015651730" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CreditAgreement2019Member_638454521015651730" xlink:to="wldn_DelayedDrawTermLoanFacilityMember_638454521015651730" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015651730" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_638454521015651730" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_638454521015651730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015651730" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_638454521015651730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_638454521015651730" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember_638454521015661717" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015661717" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015661717" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015661717" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015661717" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015661717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015661717" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015661717" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_638454521015641734" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_638454521015661717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015661717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_638454521015661717" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_638454521015671738" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityThroughDateWhichFinancialStatementsAndComplianceDocumentsReceivedByAdministrativeAgentForFiscalQuarterEnding31March2023" xlink:label="wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityThroughDateWhichFinancialStatementsAndComplianceDocumentsReceivedByAdministrativeAgentForFiscalQuarterEnding31March2023_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="wldn_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityThroughDateWhichFinancialStatementsAndComplianceDocumentsReceivedByAdministrativeAgentForFiscalQuarterEnding31March2023_638454521015671738" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioAccessToAccordionFeatureHighEndOfRange" xlink:label="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioAccessToAccordionFeatureHighEndOfRange_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioAccessToAccordionFeatureHighEndOfRange_638454521015671738" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_638454521015671738" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_638454521015671738" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_638454521015671738" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioMaximumPermittedToMaintain" xlink:label="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioMaximumPermittedToMaintain_638454521015671738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsTotalLeverageRatioMaximumPermittedToMaintain_638454521015671738" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsMinimumFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsMinimumFixedChargeCoverageRatio_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_638454521015661717" xlink:to="wldn_DebtInstrumentCovenantsMinimumFixedChargeCoverageRatio_638454521015681732" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureDebtObligationsFutureDebtPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40505 - Disclosure - DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Future Debt Payments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearOne" xlink:label="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearOne_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearOne_638454521015681732" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearTwo" xlink:label="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearTwo_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearTwo_638454521015681732" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearThree" xlink:label="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearThree_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="wldn_LongTermDebtGrossFiscalYearMaturityYearThree_638454521015681732" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_638454521015681732" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015681732" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_638454521015681732" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract_638454521015681732" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_638454521015691737" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_8" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EnergyMember" xlink:label="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015691737" xlink:to="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember" xlink:label="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015691737" xlink:to="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015691737" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_638454521015691737" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521015691737" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521015691737" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_638454521015701784" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_638454521015701784" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_638454521015701784" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_638454521015701784" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521015701784" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_638454521015691737" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521015701784" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillImpairmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40602 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Impairment (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairmentAbstract_638454521015701784" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairmentAbstract_638454521015701784" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_638454521015701784" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairmentAbstract_638454521015701784" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_638454521015701784" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAmountsAndAccumulatedAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40603 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Finite-lived Intangible Assets - Gross Amounts and Accumulated Amortization (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015711759" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015711759" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember_638454521015711759" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_638454521015711759" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_638454521015711759" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_638454521015711759" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_638454521015711759" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015711759" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_638454521015711759" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_638454521015711759" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_638454521015721727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_638454521015711759" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015721727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationPeriodDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40604 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Finite-lived Intangible Assets - Amortization Period (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_6" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015721727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015721727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrderOrProductionBacklogMember_638454521015721727" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_638454521015721727" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_638454521015721727" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_638454521015721727" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_638454521015721727" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_638454521015731729" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015721727" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015731729" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015731729" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015731729" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015731729" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015731729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015731729" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015731729" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_638454521015721727" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015731729" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_638454521015731729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_638454521015731729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_638454521015731729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40605 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortizationAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_638454521015741729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40606 - Disclosure - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_638454521015741729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_638454521015741729" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_638454521015741729" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_638454521015741729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_638454521015741729" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_638454521015751717" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_638454521015751717" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_638454521015741729" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_638454521015751717" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesGeneralInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - LEASES - General Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_638454521015751717" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_638454521015751717" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015751717" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521015751717" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521015751717" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015751717" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521015751717" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015751717" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521015751717" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521015751717" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_638454521015751717" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_638454521015761721" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_638454521015761721" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_638454521015761721" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate_638454521015761721" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LesseeOperatingLeaseTerminateTerm" xlink:label="wldn_LesseeOperatingLeaseTerminateTerm_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="wldn_LesseeOperatingLeaseTerminateTerm_638454521015761721" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ResidualValueOfLeasedAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidualValueOfLeasedAsset_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidualValueOfLeasedAsset_638454521015761721" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientsPackage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientsPackage_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientsPackage_638454521015761721" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientUseOfHindsight" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientUseOfHindsight_638454521015761721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_638454521015761721" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeasePracticalExpedientUseOfHindsight_638454521015761721" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40702 - Disclosure - LEASES - Lease Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_638454521015771715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_638454521015771715" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_638454521015771715" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_638454521015771715" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCost_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCost_638454521015771715" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="7" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40703 - Disclosure - LEASES - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521015771715" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015771715" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015771715" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015781722" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015781722" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015781722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015781722" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedAmortization_638454521015781722" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521015781722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521015781722" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_638454521015791743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedAmortizationAbstract_638454521015781722" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_638454521015791743" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015791743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAndLiabilitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015771715" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015791743" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015791743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015791743" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015791743" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015791743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015791743" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015791743" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_638454521015791743" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityAbstract_638454521015791743" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_638454521015791743" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40704 - Disclosure - LEASES - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_638454521015801695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_638454521015801695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_638454521015801695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_638454521015801695" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_638454521015801695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_638454521015801695" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_638454521015801695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeDisclosureAbstract_638454521015801695" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_638454521015801695" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesRentExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40705 - Disclosure - LEASES - Rent Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_OperatingLeaseRentExpenses" xlink:label="wldn_OperatingLeaseRentExpenses_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_2" xlink:to="wldn_OperatingLeaseRentExpenses_638454521015811741" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40706 - Disclosure - LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_638454521015811741" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability_638454521015811741" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_638454521015811741" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015811741" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashFlowOperatingActivitiesLesseeAbstract_638454521015811741" xlink:to="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015811741" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40707 - Disclosure - LEASES - Operating Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_638454521015821710" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_638454521015821710" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_638454521015821710" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_638454521015821710" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_638454521015821710" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_638454521015821710" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015821710" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015821710" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015821710" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesOperatingLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40708 - Disclosure - LEASES - Operating Leases - Gross Difference (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_4" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015831729" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_638454521015831729" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_638454521015831729" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015831729" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015831729" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015831729" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015831729" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40709 - Disclosure - LEASES - Finance Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_638454521015891760" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_638454521015891760" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_638454521015901718" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_638454521015901718" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_638454521015901718" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_638454521015901718" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_638454521015891760" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015901718" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureLeasesFinanceLeasesGrossDifferenceDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40710 - Disclosure - LEASES - Finance Leases - Gross Difference (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_6" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_638454521015901718" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_638454521015901718" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_638454521015901718" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_638454521015901718" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_638454521015911735" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesGrossDifferenceAmountAbstract_638454521015901718" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_638454521015911735" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40801 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Employee Benefit Plans (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTable_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTable_638454521015911735" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTable_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_638454521015911735" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_638454521015911735" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_QualifiedCashOrDeferredArrangementMember" xlink:label="wldn_QualifiedCashOrDeferredArrangementMember_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_638454521015911735" xlink:to="wldn_QualifiedCashOrDeferredArrangementMember_638454521015911735" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DefinedContributionPlanMember" xlink:label="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanMember_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameDomain_638454521015911735" xlink:to="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanMember_638454521015911735" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTable_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTaxStatusExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTaxStatusExtensibleList_638454521015911735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTaxStatusExtensibleList_638454521015911735" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_638454521015921735" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionServicePeriod" xlink:label="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionServicePeriod_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionServicePeriod_638454521015921735" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAgeOfEmployees" xlink:label="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAgeOfEmployees_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAgeOfEmployees_638454521015921735" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_638454521015921735" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_638454521015921735" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionMaximumAmountPerEmployee" xlink:label="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionMaximumAmountPerEmployee_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="wldn_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionMaximumAmountPerEmployee_638454521015921735" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_638454521015921735" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanDisclosureLineItems_638454521015911735" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_638454521015921735" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndVariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40802 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Variable Interest Entities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_VariableInterestEntityPercentageOfCostsReimbursed" xlink:label="wldn_VariableInterestEntityPercentageOfCostsReimbursed_638454521015931716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="wldn_VariableInterestEntityPercentageOfCostsReimbursed_638454521015931716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity_638454521015931716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="wldn_CommitmentsDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="wldn_NumberOfVariableInterestEntity_638454521015931716" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Segment Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015931716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015931716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_638454521015931716" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_638454521015931716" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_638454521015931716" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40902 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Statement of Operations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521015941720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521015941720" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015941720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015941720" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015941720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015941720" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_638454521015941720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015941720" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521015941720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521015941720" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015941720" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015941720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015941720" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015941720" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EnergyMember" xlink:label="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015941720" xlink:to="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015951733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember" xlink:label="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015941720" xlink:to="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015951733" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521015941720" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521015951733" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015951733" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_638454521015951733" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_638454521015951733" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015951733" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_638454521015951733" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521015961705" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationFromSegmentTotalsToConsolidatedAbstract_638454521015951733" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521015961705" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationSegmentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40903 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Segment Assets (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_638454521015961705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_638454521015961705" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015961705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521015961705" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015961705" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015961705" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_638454521015961705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521015961705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015961705" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521015961705" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521015961705" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_638454521015971699" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_638454521015961705" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015971699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015971699" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015971699" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EnergyMember" xlink:label="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015971699" xlink:to="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015971699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember" xlink:label="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015971699" xlink:to="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015971699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTable_638454521015961705" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems_638454521015971699" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAssetReconcilingItemLineItems_638454521015971699" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_638454521015971699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40904 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_4" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingAxis_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingAxis_638454521015981699" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingAxis_638454521015981699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain_638454521015981699" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TimeAndMaterialsContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TimeAndMaterialsContractMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="us-gaap_TimeAndMaterialsContractMember_638454521015981699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_UnitBasedContractMember" xlink:label="wldn_UnitBasedContractMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="wldn_UnitBasedContractMember_638454521015981699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FixedPriceContractMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FixedPriceContractMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerBasisOfPricingDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="us-gaap_FixedPriceContractMember_638454521015981699" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015981699" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521015981699" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015981699" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CommercialMember" xlink:label="wldn_CommercialMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="wldn_CommercialMember_638454521015981699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_GovernmentsMember" xlink:label="wldn_GovernmentsMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="wldn_GovernmentsMember_638454521015981699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_PublicUtilityMember" xlink:label="wldn_PublicUtilityMember_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521015981699" xlink:to="wldn_PublicUtilityMember_638454521015981699" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015981699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015981699" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521015981699" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015991693" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EnergyMember" xlink:label="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015991693" xlink:to="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521015991693" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember" xlink:label="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521015991693" xlink:to="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521015991693" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521015991693" order="4" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521015991693" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521015991693" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2023/country-2023.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="country_US_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521015991693" xlink:to="country_US_638454521015991693" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_638454521015971699" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015991693" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015991693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_638454521015991693" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521015991693" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationUnallocatedCorporateAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40905 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Unallocated Corporate Assets (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521016001694" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_638454521016001694" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521016001694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_638454521016001694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent_638454521016001694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_638454521016001694" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_638454521016001694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_638454521016001694" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IntercompanyReceivables" xlink:label="wldn_IntercompanyReceivables_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="wldn_IntercompanyReceivables_638454521016011696" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_638454521016011696" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherReceivables_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherReceivables_638454521016011696" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_638454521016011696" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_638454521016011696" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521016011696" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638454521016011696" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_638454521016011696" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_AssetsIncludingIntercompanyReceivables" xlink:label="wldn_AssetsIncludingIntercompanyReceivables_638454521016011696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_638454521016001694" xlink:to="wldn_AssetsIncludingIntercompanyReceivables_638454521016011696" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationGeographicalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40906 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Geographical Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_638454521016021691" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_638454521016021691" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureSegmentAndGeographicalInformationConcentrationRiskDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40907 - Disclosure - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Concentration Risk (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521016021691" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521016021691" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521016021691" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521016021691" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_638454521016031699" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerSegmentBenchmarkMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerSegmentBenchmarkMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_638454521016031699" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerSegmentBenchmarkMember_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521016031699" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_638454521016031699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_638454521016031699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521016031699" order="3" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_638454521016031699" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_TopTenCustomersMember" xlink:label="wldn_TopTenCustomersMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_TopTenCustomersMember_638454521016031699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerMember" xlink:label="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerMember_638454521016031699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerMember_638454521016031699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerDukeEnergyAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember" xlink:label="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerDukeEnergyAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerDukeEnergyAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember" xlink:label="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndConsolidatedEdisonOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndDormitoryAuthorityStateOfNewYorkMember" xlink:label="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndDormitoryAuthorityStateOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_LosAngelesDepartmentOfWaterAndPowerAndDormitoryAuthorityStateOfNewYorkMember_638454521016041692" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_CityOfElkGroveMember" xlink:label="wldn_CityOfElkGroveMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_638454521016031699" xlink:to="wldn_CityOfElkGroveMember_638454521016041692" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521016041692" order="4" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_638454521016041692" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521016041692" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EnergyMember" xlink:label="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521016041692" xlink:to="wldn_EnergyMember_638454521016041692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember" xlink:label="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_638454521016041692" xlink:to="wldn_EngineeringConsultingServicesMember_638454521016041692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521016041692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521016041692" order="5" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521016051692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_638454521016041692" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521016051692" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023/stpr-2023.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="stpr_CA_638454521016051692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521016051692" xlink:to="stpr_CA_638454521016051692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023/stpr-2023.xsd#stpr_NY" xlink:label="stpr_NY_638454521016051692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_638454521016051692" xlink:to="stpr_NY_638454521016051692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521016051692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_638454521016021691" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521016051692" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_638454521016051692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_638454521016051692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_638454521016051692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityGeneralInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - General Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IncentiveStockOptionsMember" xlink:label="wldn_IncentiveStockOptionsMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016061698" xlink:to="wldn_IncentiveStockOptionsMember_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_NonStatutoryStockOptionsMember" xlink:label="wldn_NonStatutoryStockOptionsMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016061698" xlink:to="wldn_NonStatutoryStockOptionsMember_638454521016061698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016061698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016061698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016061698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_638454521016061698" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_638454521016061698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_638454521016061698" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_638454521016071692" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_StockIncentivePlan2006Member" xlink:label="wldn_StockIncentivePlan2006Member_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_638454521016071692" xlink:to="wldn_StockIncentivePlan2006Member_638454521016071692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_PerformanceIncentivePlan2008Member" xlink:label="wldn_PerformanceIncentivePlan2008Member_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_638454521016071692" xlink:to="wldn_PerformanceIncentivePlan2008Member_638454521016071692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016071692" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016071692" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521016071692" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521016071692" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521016071692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521016071692" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521016071692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016061698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_638454521016071692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_638454521016071692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_638454521016071692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_638454521016081692" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayrollContributionPercentageOfParticipantsEarnings" xlink:label="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayrollContributionPercentageOfParticipantsEarnings_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayrollContributionPercentageOfParticipantsEarnings_638454521016081692" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_638454521016081692" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016081692" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_638454521016081692" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIndividualMaximum" xlink:label="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIndividualMaximum_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIndividualMaximum_638454521016081692" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016081692" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_638454521016081692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016071692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_638454521016081692" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41002 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016091692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016091692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_638454521016091692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016091692" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_638454521016091692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41003 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Unrecognized Compensation Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016101708" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016101708" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedArrangementsToObtainGoodsAndServicesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedArrangementsToObtainGoodsAndServicesAbstract_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedArrangementsToObtainGoodsAndServicesAbstract_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedArrangementsToObtainGoodsAndServicesAbstract_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedAbstract_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedAbstract_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_638454521016101708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedAbstract_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_638454521016101708" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedAbstract_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_638454521016111698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016101708" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_638454521016111698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41004 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Stock Options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016111698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016111698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016111698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_638454521016111698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016111698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016111698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016111698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrossVestedImmediately" xlink:label="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrossVestedImmediately_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016111698" xlink:to="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrossVestedImmediately_638454521016121699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016111698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016121699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_638454521016121699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice_638454521016121699" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityFullyVestedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41005 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Stock Option Activity - Fully-vested (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016121699" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016121699" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016131698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_638454521016131698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_638454521016131698" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_638454521016121699" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_638454521016131698" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016131698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6384545210161316981" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_638454521016131698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6384545210161316981" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016131698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_638454521016131698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016131698" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_638454521016131698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_638454521016141692" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016141692" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_638454521016141692" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableNumber_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableNumber_638454521016141692" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_638454521016141692" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_638454521016141692" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_638454521016141692" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_638454521016141692" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityStockOptionActivityNonvestedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41006 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Stock Option Activity - Nonvested (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_638454521016151694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016151694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares_638454521016151694" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_6384545210161516941" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfSharesRollForward_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_6384545210161516941" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_3" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_638454521016151694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016151694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016151694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016151694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_638454521016151694" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016161695" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityAwardsOtherThanOptionsActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41007 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Awards Other than Options Activity (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016161695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016161695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016161695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016161695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016161695" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016161695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016161695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016161695" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_638454521016171694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_638454521016171694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_638454521016171694" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_638454521016171694" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6384545210161716941" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6384545210161716941" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016161695" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016171694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016171694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016171694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_638454521016171694" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_638454521016181697" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsGeneralInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41008 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Fair Value Valuation Assumptions - General Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016181697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016181697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016181697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_638454521016181697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016191696" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_638454521016191696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis_638454521016191696" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_638454521016191696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_638454521016191696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_638454521016191696" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016191696" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016191696" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521016191696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521016191696" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_638454521016191696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521016191696" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_638454521016191696" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016181697" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_638454521016201738" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_638454521016201738" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsNumber" xlink:label="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsNumber_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" xlink:to="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsNumber_638454521016201738" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsPercentageOfAwardVestingBasedOnEachMetric" xlink:label="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsPercentageOfAwardVestingBasedOnEachMetric_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016191696" xlink:to="wldn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodPerformanceMetricsPercentageOfAwardVestingBasedOnEachMetric_638454521016201738" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityFairValueValuationAssumptionsTabularDisclosureDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41009 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Fair Value Valuation Assumptions - Tabular Disclosure (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016201738" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016201738" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016201738" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016201738" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_638454521016201738" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016201738" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016211698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_638454521016211698" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="srt_WeightedAverageMember_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_638454521016211698" xlink:to="srt_WeightedAverageMember_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_638454521016201738" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016211698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_638454521016211698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_638454521016211698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_638454521016211698" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_638454521016211698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_638454521016211698" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_638454521016211698" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice_638454521016221693" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_638454521016221693" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016221693" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxRateDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41102 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Tax Rate (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_4" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_638454521016231696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_638454521016231696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41103 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_638454521016231696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_638454521016231696" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseNotSeparatelyDisclosedAmount" xlink:label="wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseNotSeparatelyDisclosedAmount_638454521016231696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseNotSeparatelyDisclosedAmount_638454521016231696" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveCompensationAmount" xlink:label="wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveCompensationAmount_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="wldn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveCompensationAmount_638454521016241696" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseIncentiveStockOptions" xlink:label="wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseIncentiveStockOptions_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseIncentiveStockOptions_638454521016241696" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseEnergyEfficientCommercialBuildingDeduction" xlink:label="wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseEnergyEfficientCommercialBuildingDeduction_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="wldn_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseEnergyEfficientCommercialBuildingDeduction_638454521016241696" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_638454521016241696" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch_638454521016241696" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitNetOperatingLossCaresAct" xlink:label="wldn_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitNetOperatingLossCaresAct_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="wldn_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitNetOperatingLossCaresAct_638454521016241696" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521016241696" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_638454521016241696" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016241696" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_638454521016231696" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016241696" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41104 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAccruedLiabilities_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAccruedLiabilities_638454521016251697" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_638454521016251697" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiability" xlink:label="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiability_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiability_638454521016251697" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_638454521016251697" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopment" xlink:label="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopment_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopment_638454521016251697" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_638454521016251697" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsExcessBusinessInterestLimitation" xlink:label="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsExcessBusinessInterestLimitation_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="wldn_DeferredTaxAssetsExcessBusinessInterestLimitation_638454521016251697" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_638454521016251697" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_638454521016251697" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_638454521016251697" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_638454521016261703" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetOfValuationAllowanceAbstract_638454521016251697" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_638454521016261703" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome_638454521016261703" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_638454521016261703" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_638454521016261703" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="wldn_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" xlink:to="wldn_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeaseRightOfUseAsset_638454521016261703" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_638454521016261703" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_638454521016261703" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet_638454521016261703" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet_638454521016261703" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41105 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_638454521016271694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016271694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016271694" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016271694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016271694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_638454521016271694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_638454521016271694" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_638454521016271694" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="wldn-20231229.xsd#wldn_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNotSubjectToExpiration" xlink:label="wldn_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNotSubjectToExpiration_638454521016271694" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_638454521016271694" xlink:to="wldn_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNotSubjectToExpiration_638454521016271694" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41106 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Tax Credit Carryforwards (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_638454521016281698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_6" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_638454521016281698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016281698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_638454521016281698" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016281698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016281698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016281698" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016281698" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016281698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016281698" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016281698" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016281698" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016281698" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016281698" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_638454521016291721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_638454521016281698" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_638454521016291721" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_638454521016291721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_638454521016291721" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_638454521016291721" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41107 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowance (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_638454521016291721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_638454521016291721" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesOpenTaxYearsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41108 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Open Tax Years (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_638454521016291721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_7" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_638454521016291721" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016291721" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_638454521016291721" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016291721" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_638454521016291721" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016301701" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016301701" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_638454521016301701" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_638454521016301701" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_638454521016301701" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_638454521016291721" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_638454521016301701" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_638454521016301701" xlink:to="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear_638454521016301701" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41109 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxUncertaintiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxUncertaintiesAbstract_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_8" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxUncertaintiesAbstract_638454521016301701" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_638454521016301701" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxUncertaintiesAbstract_638454521016301701" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_638454521016301701" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxUncertaintiesAbstract_638454521016301701" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_638454521016311720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsComputationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) - Computation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_638454521016311720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521016311720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_638454521016311720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_638454521016311720" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016311720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521016311720" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_638454521016311720" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521016311720" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016311720" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521016311720" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016321731" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521016321731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521016321731" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareEpsAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41202 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) - Antidilutive Securities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_638454521016321731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_638454521016321731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_638454521016321731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_638454521016321731" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_638454521016321731" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_638454521016321731" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_638454521016331714" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016331714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_638454521016331714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.willdan.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41401 - Disclosure - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_638454521016331714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_638454521016331714" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_638454521016331714" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016331714" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_638454521016331714" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_638454521016341744" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016341744" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016341744" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_638454521016341744" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_638454521016341744" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_638454521016341744" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_638454521016331714" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016341744" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016341744" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_638454521016341744" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521016341744" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_638454521016341744" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_638454521016341744" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995445 - Disclosure - Insider Trading Arrangements" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
</link:linkbase>
