Senior Civil Engineer

About the role

The Senior Civil Engineer will own the full lifecycle management of complex public works and infrastructure initiatives within assigned portfolios. This role requires ownership of planning, design development, construction administration, and long-term maintenance strategies for a wide range of public infrastructure systems. The position holder will act as the primary technical authority, guiding multidisciplinary teams through intricate engineering challenges while safeguarding public welfare and regulatory compliance. Decisions made by the Senior Civil Engineer will directly influence project viability, safety outcomes, and community impact. The individual will exercise significant judgment in resolving unforeseen technical issues and balancing competing stakeholder objectives under strict regulatory frameworks. Continuous improvement of project delivery methods and engineering best practices will be a core responsibility of this role. The position demands a proactive leader capable of mentoring junior staff and fostering a culture of precision, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of project requirements, constraints, and risks to formulate robust engineering solutions for public works initiatives.
• Develop, review, and supervise the preparation of detailed plans, specifications, and estimates for construction activities across multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead and direct engineering staff in performing complex design and field investigations, ensuring all work meets technical standards and regulatory mandates.
• Coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resources to guarantee timely delivery and financial control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Interface directly with clients, agency staff, utility companies, contractors, and other consultants to align project objectives and resolve integration issues.
• Evaluate and integrate the latest Caltrans, AASHTO, and California Building Code standards to ensure designs remain current and compliant.
• Oversee construction administration activities, including contract compliance, change order management, and quality assurance/quality control processes.
• Investigate and resolve intricate technical issues that emerge during design or construction phases using advanced engineering judgment.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and correspondence to communicate project status and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Perform additional engineering duties and special assignments as required to support organizational goals and project needs.
• Mentor and guide junior engineering personnel, providing technical leadership and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure all project deliverables adhere to contractual obligations, legal requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify innovative solutions that enhance project efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all engineering decisions, calculations, and approvals for future reference and audit purposes.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by a U.S. state or territory, with preference given to California licensure.
• Accumulate a minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience in roles involving increasing responsibility and technical complexity.
• Demonstrate extensive experience managing public works projects, including transportation, water resources, or municipal infrastructure systems.
• Exhibit proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate large-scale engineering projects from concept through completion.
• Show comprehensive knowledge of relevant Caltrans standards, AASHTO guidelines, and California engineering regulations and practices.
• Maintain a strong record of compliance with safety regulations, environmental considerations, and contractual obligations on past projects.
• Develop excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with clients, government agencies, and technical professionals.
• Cultivate strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities to address challenging engineering scenarios.
• Commit to upholding the highest standards of engineering ethics, professionalism, and integrity in all project activities.

Practical notes

The position requires employees to be available during standard business hours as defined by the client and project demands. Travel may be necessary to visit client locations, job sites, or other business-related venues in the course of performing job duties. Employees assigned to roles requiring driving must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and compliance with all local, state, and federal employment regulations. Candidates must reside within the State of California or locally within the designated area to be considered for this role, as relocation expenses are not provided by the organization.