Civil Project Manager
Job description
About the role
Civil Project Manager at LPA Design Studios represents a pivotal opportunity to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex civil engineering initiatives within a nationally recognized sustainable design firm. You will own the full project lifecycle for civil engineering projects, acting as the primary point of contact and leadership for both internal technical teams and external client stakeholders. This position requires a deep commitment to integrating sustainable principles into every phase of site and infrastructure development, ensuring that environmental responsibility aligns seamlessly with functional and aesthetic goals. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of collaboration where ideas are valued and every team member has a voice in shaping the built environment. The role demands a high level of technical proficiency and organizational discipline to manage multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or design intent. Success in this position is defined by your ability to translate ambitious design concepts into constructible, code-compliant, and resilient civil solutions. You will play a key role in maintaining the firm's reputation for innovation and excellence in sustainable, high-performance architecture.
Key facts
What you'll do
Lead and manage the complete delivery of civil engineering projects, overseeing planning, execution, and close-out to ensure strict adherence to scope, schedule, quality, and budget.
Partner with internal multidisciplinary teams and external clients to develop and refine project objectives, ensuring alignment with high-performance design standards and community-centric goals.
Coordinate the full design sequence, including schematic design, design development, and the production of accurate and detailed construction documents.
Maintain rigorous technical accuracy and consistency across all project phases, implementing robust quality control measures to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to designers and project engineers, fostering professional growth and a culture of continuous improvement.
Champion proactive client relationship management, ensuring clear communication, transparency, and satisfaction from project inception through final completion.
Represent LPA Design Studios in professional industry forums and activities, actively participating in organizations that advance sustainable practices and technical innovation.
Leverage a working knowledge of local agencies and jurisdictional permitting processes to streamline approvals and navigate regulatory requirements efficiently.
Utilize proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D to develop precise design documents and models that support successful project execution.
Demonstrate expertise in site design, grading, accessibility, drainage, wet utilities, and stormwater management systems to deliver resilient and functional civil solutions.
Requirements
Hold a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution, which is mandatory for consideration.
Possess a minimum of 10 years of progressive technical experience encompassing all phases of civil engineering project delivery.
Maintain an active Professional Engineer license in the State of California, with a clean standing record.
Exhibit advanced proficiency in industry-standard software, specifically AutoCAD and Civil 3D, with demonstrated mastery in their application.
Showcase proven expertise in site design, grading, accessibility compliance, drainage analysis, wet utilities coordination, and stormwater management systems.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of local agency procedures, jurisdictional requirements, and the complex permitting processes within California.
Thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment, contributing effectively across diverse design disciplines and stakeholder groups.
Establish a strong track record of building and maintaining exceptional client relationships through professionalism and reliability.
Communicate with clarity and precision in both written and verbal formats, ensuring information is accessible and actionable for all project participants.
Lead civil design projects from initial concept exploration through to final construction documentation and project close-out with confidence and competence.
Nice to have
Not applicable; the source text does not specify any preferred or additional qualifications beyond the core requirements.
Practical notes
The position is based in San Jose, California, and operates on a full-time schedule.
The role is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus as part of the firm's compensation structure.
LPA Design Studios participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires.
The firm allocates 8 paid hours annually for volunteer service, encouraging team members to engage in community initiatives.
Professional Development Grants are available to support continued education and career advancement, with a substantial history of investment in employee growth.