Civil Project Engineer Jobs in California
Civil project engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, with consistent demand concentrated in transportation infrastructure, water systems, land development, and public works across roles from entry-level EIT to senior project manager. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego anchor the majority of openings, where firms like Jacobs, AECOM, and WSP maintain large California operations and regularly bring on civil project engineers. High-growth specialties in the state include stormwater and flood control, transit and rail, and mixed-use land development tied to California's ongoing housing and climate resilience programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Overview
our client is seeking an energetic and highly skilled Senior Civil Project Manager specializing in Land Development to lead complex infrastructure projects from conception through completion. This pivotal role involves overseeing all phases of land development projects, including planning, design, permitting, and construction management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for civil engineering excellence, possess strong leadership capabilities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Your expertise will drive project success while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and delivering innovative solutions that meet client expectations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage land development projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to project scope, budget, and quality standards.
- Oversee project scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization using advanced project management tools.
- Collaborate with clients, agencies, and stakeholders during the permitting phase to secure necessary approvals efficiently.
- Develop detailed technical engineering reports, hydrological models, and stormwater management plans utilizing tools such as Hydrologic Engineering Centers (HEC), SWMM (Storm Water Management Model), and GIS platforms like ArcGIS.
- Prepare accurate construction estimates and budgets by applying construction estimating techniques and cost analysis.
- Review and approve design schematics created with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, and other CAD software to ensure precision and compliance with project specifications.
- Conduct construction inspections to monitor progress, quality control, safety protocols, and adherence to design intent throughout the construction phase.
- Manage client communication proactively by providing regular updates on project status, technical reports, and resolving issues promptly.
Skills
- Extensive experience managing civil infrastructure projects within land development sectors.
- Proficiency in project scheduling software and construction management platforms to coordinate complex timelines effectively.
- Strong technical skills in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation; along with GIS tools including ArcGIS for spatial analysis.
- Knowledge of hydrological modeling tools like HEC-HMS, SWMM, Hydrologic Engineering Centers' River Analysis System (HEC-RAS), and hydrologic analysis techniques.
- Expertise in stormwater systems design, water treatment processes, water resource management, and stormwater permit applications.
- Ability to generate comprehensive technical engineering reports with clarity and precision; experience in technical writing is essential.
- Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
- Excellent team leadership capabilities with a focus on mentoring junior engineers and fostering collaborative work environments.
Join our client as a Senior Civil Project Manager - Land Development to shape resilient communities through innovative infrastructure solutions! Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering impactful projects that stand the test of time while advancing your career in a dynamic environment dedicated to excellence in civil engineering.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
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Find Civil Project Engineer JobsCivil Project Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Project Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers18
- Granite Construction7
- KPFF Consulting Engineers6
- Psomas4
- PacRim Engineering4
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services33
- Construction & Real Estate10
- Technology & Software2
- Chemicals & Materials1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil project engineer jobs across California.
- California Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and subconsultant coordination on civil projects
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or comparable civil design software
- Familiarity with Caltrans standards, local agency guidelines, and California Building Code requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for agency submittals and client reporting
Civil Project Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil project engineer in California?
Becoming a civil project engineer in California starts with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn your Engineer-in-Training registration. After gaining qualifying experience under a licensed engineer, you sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists to earn your California PE license, which most project-level roles require.
How much do civil project engineers make in California?
Civil project engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire civil project engineers in California?
Employers hiring civil project engineers in California right now include BKF Engineers, Granite Construction, and KPFF Consulting Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's scale of public infrastructure investment and private land development keeps large consulting and engineering firms staffed year-round across the state.
Which California cities have the most civil project engineer jobs?
The cities with the most civil project engineer openings in California are Sacramento, Irvine, and San Francisco. Los Angeles dominates due to its sheer volume of transportation, utility, and development projects, while San Francisco draws heavily from regional transit and water agency work, and San Diego sustains demand through military infrastructure, coastal engineering, and border-area development.
Are there remote civil project engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Civil project engineering is fundamentally a field-adjacent role, and most positions require periodic site visits, agency meetings, or in-office coordination. About 31% of civil project engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the most remote-eligible work concentrated in design production, environmental review, and project controls phases rather than construction administration.
How can I get hired as a civil project engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for junior engineer or engineer-in-training roles at large California-based consulting firms and public agencies, which regularly hire new graduates into structured project support positions. Firms like Jacobs, AECOM, and major county transportation agencies in Los Angeles and the Bay Area run formal new-grad programs. Completing your EIT registration through the California Board and building AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency before applying gives candidates a clear edge over those without either credential.
Where can I find and apply to civil project engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to civil project engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience level and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
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