Project Engineer - Civil / Land Development

Our client is a growing civil engineering and land surveying firm with a strong reputation throughout Southern California and an expanding footprint into Northern California. They are looking for a Project Engineer who enjoys the technical side of design, wants to work on a variety of land development and infrastructure projects, and is ready to play a meaningful role in the growth of the firm.

This is not a “sit in a corner and crank out redlines all day” type of role.

The right person will be involved in projects from early planning and due diligence through design, construction administration, and closeout. You will work closely with Project Managers, mentor junior staff, help solve real design challenges, and contribute to the continued growth of a team that values technical quality, accountability, collaboration, and practical problem-solving.

The firm offers a strong project backlog, a low-ego culture, modern tools, and a leadership team that gives good people room to grow.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will help lead the civil design effort on multiple projects while coordinating closely with Project Managers, clients, internal staff, and outside consultants. You will be involved in identifying design criteria, developing practical solutions, preparing engineering plans, reviewing technical work, and helping ensure projects stay on schedule and meet client expectations.

You will also be expected to provide guidance to junior engineers and designers, helping them understand not just what needs to be done, but why it needs to be done that way. This is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys mentoring, problem-solving, and being a key technical resource within a growing team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead civil engineering design efforts for multiple land development and infrastructure projects
Identify design criteria and develop effective, technically sound design solutions
Plan, organize, and help supervise project activities from preliminary design through construction support
Work closely with Project Managers and junior staff to keep projects moving forward
Advise staff on land development operations, project-specific requirements, and technical tasks
Help ensure project tasks are completed accurately and schedules are met
Provide solutions to grading, utility, drainage, layout, and site design challenges
Supervise the preparation of technical reports and prepare reports directly when needed
Assist with site investigation, due diligence, utility research, conceptual drawings, site layout, grading, earthwork analysis, utility system design, WQMP / LID reports, feasibility studies, and stormwater management
Support construction administration, agency coordination, and project closeout efforts
Contribute to the technical strength, culture, and continued growth of the civil engineering team

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate has strong civil design experience, solid judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail. You do not need to know everything, but you do need to be proactive, technically curious, dependable, and willing to take ownership of your work.

This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys design, wants more responsibility, and is looking for a firm where they can continue growing into a stronger Project Manager or technical leader over time.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
EIT required
PE preferred
5 to 10 years of civil engineering experience
Strong land development / site civil design background
Excellent attention to detail, analytical ability, and technical judgment
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently
Strong communication and coordination skills
Proven ability to build positive working relationships with internal staff
Flexible and adaptable as client, project, employee, and company needs evolve
Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to producing high-quality work
Consistent ability to deliver technically sound plans, reports, and design documents

Software / Technical Skills

Required:

Autodesk Civil 3D
Bluebeam Revu

Preferred:

Hydrology and drainage software experience, including CivilDesign, HydroCalc, SWMM, routing software, or similar tools

Why This Opportunity Is Worth a Look

This firm offers the type of environment where strong engineers can have real impact. You will not be buried under layers of bureaucracy or treated like just another production person. You will be trusted to contribute, solve problems, support clients, mentor junior staff, and help move projects forward.

The company also offers several benefits and perks that are legitimately worth noting:

$1-for-$1 401(k) match up to $10K. You are not misreading that.
Defined and fully transparent bonus program
All-expenses-paid 3-day getaway with a guest at your 5-year anniversary
Strong project backlog
Collaborative, low-ego team environment
Opportunity to grow with a firm that is continuing to expand

For a civil engineer who wants to keep developing technically, take on more responsibility, and be part of a growing Southern California-based team, this could be a very strong next step.