Senior Project Manager – Civil Engineering

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Civil Project Engineer to join our engineering team in Orange County Civil – Newport Beach, CA. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a senior civil engineer who has led and managed complex projects and has a proven ability to build their own client base and successfully securing new work.

This position is ideal for a candidate with the vision to build their own practice within KPFF’s philosophy of a Supporting Business Organization, an environment that empowers individuals to take the lead in all aspects of running a successful consulting engineering business. This includes client developments, securing new work, negotiating fees, scope, schedule and contract, assembling a team to execute the work, and leading the project from beginning to completion.

This position is an ideal opportunity for an individual that has the vision and perseverance to pursue the type of work and clients he/she would like to be engaged in leveraging KPFF’s strengths and reputation in the AEC industry.

• Client and Business Development: Take responsibility for contributing to securing new work for the office.  This position provides the opportunity for the individual to pursue work in the market sectors they are interested in without limitation of geographic boundaries.  The type of work may include both prime and subconsultant.
• Lead Project Liaison: Take responsibility for all aspects of project delivery and serve as the main point of contact with clients. Responsibilities include client management, risk management, quality of work product, scheduling, staff management, and financial success.
• Lead Project Design and Development: Take primary responsibility for the design and development of civil engineering projects, while managing resources and timelines.
• Oversee Engineering Calculations and Documentation: Perform and review advanced engineering calculations, and ensure accuracy in detailed drawings, specifications, and technical reports using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other tools.
• Conduct Site Assessments and Project Feasibility: Lead site visits and field investigations, collect and interpret data, and assess project feasibility to align with client goals and regulatory requirements.
• Manage Project Schedules, Budget, and Compliance: Oversee project schedules, budgeting, and documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance and managing permitting processes in coordination with regulatory agencies.
• Provide Leadership and Mentorship: Actively participate in team meetings, collaborate with contractors, consultants, and clients, and provide mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Ensure Design Quality and Regulatory Compliance: Lead design initiatives, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and apply industry best practices to enhance project outcomes.
• Drive Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Conduct research on the latest industry standards and technologies, incorporating innovative solutions to improve project efficiency and quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• At least ten years of relevant experience in civil engineering project design and management
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required
• Experience in business development and marketing
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and MS Office Suite
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills for advanced civil design engineering
• Comprehensive understanding of civil engineering principles, codes, and regulations
• Proven experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical documentation
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical reporting and client interactions
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative approach to team-based problem-solving

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table.
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day and communicate over the telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit project sites. Site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or ladders, and exposure to outdoor elements such as weather, noise, or construction activity.

Compensation
The total compensation for this role includes a competitive base salary starting at $130,000+, combined with a performance-based bonus structure tied to the individual's contributions to the overall success and growth of the office. The base salary will be established based on the level of experience and contribution the individual can make. Additional details about the full compensation package will be provided during the interview process.

Culture and Benefits
At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated, and career growth is encouraged. We aren’t just colleagues; we’re a community dedicated to collaborative innovation, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects.

KPFF Employee Benefits

• Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary, plus AD&D.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed. 
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.

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KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.