Development Engineer Jobs at BKF Engineers with Visa Sponsorship
Development Engineer jobs at BKF Engineers offer civil and infrastructure consulting work, where licensure pathways and project complexity matter. The firm has sponsored permanent residency for this function, making it a viable target if you're building a long-term U.S. career in engineering consulting.
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INTRODUCTION
BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Vice President of Business Development will lead strategic growth initiatives and achieve annual financial goals (bookings, book-to-burn, and weighted pipeline) within the Planning and Government Solutions Division. BKF's Planning and Government Solutions Division provides services across a wide range of markets including government, transportation, water, power/utilities, and land development. In concert with the Planning and Government Solutions Division leadership team, select Division Priority and Emerging Clients annually and determine the annual financial goals for each client. Along with Regional Business Development Directors, this role involves working closely with seller doers and Key Client Leaders to develop and execute client-focused strategies to expand our market share and strengthen our brand across the West Coast. As a key member of the corporate business development leadership team, you will provide overall direction to achieve sustainable and profitable growth within our Planning and Government Solutions Division. This role is responsible for driving market expansion, client acquisition, and revenue growth. The VP will oversee a team of Regional Business Development Directors and Managers, with whom they will work closely to execute each initiative. The VP will collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Key Client Team, Marketing Leadership, and other BD Leaders to align business development efforts with the company's overarching goals of growing BKF's reputation as a leader in the AEC industry. This includes developing and expanding the geographic market by effectively partnering with top client/agency leaders, as well as forming strategic industry alliances. Leverage your key contacts within government agencies and other engineering and construction companies to develop project and program opportunities proactively. This position reports directly to Chief Business Development Officer and indirectly to EVP Planning and Government Solutions. This role is responsible for managing other Business Development leaders across our strategic geographies in Northern California. This is an external facing position that must be based in one of our Northern California office locations. While a combination of virtual and in-office presence is expected, frequent travel will be required across all BKF's regions.
Responsibilities
- Lead a comprehensive BD program annual financial goals (bookings, book-to-burn, and weighted pipeline) for the Division
- Develop and execute business development strategies for planning and government services sectors to enhance market share and profitability
- Identify synergies for cross-selling existing and new service lines
- Build and implement effective sales/marketing initiatives to drive market growth
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in water and transportation, fostering strong client relationships and partnerships
- Drive the Pursuit to Win process of business development from opportunity creation/identification through contract negotiation
- Manage complex win strategies and proposal efforts that entail both conventional/traditional contract and procurement methods as well as collaborative/alternative project delivery methods
- Uncover and lead Strategic Pursuits to wins
- Reporting to the CBDO, helping execute corporate strategy for the planning and government services vertical
- Collaborates with other division market leaders to ensure cross-selling is maximized
- Support and mentor Regional BD Directors in implementing regional growth plans and networking initiatives
- Provide strategic direction to the planning and government services marketing leader for key pursuits and go/no-go direction
- Optimize the sales funnel and client engagement processes for sustainable growth
- Facilitate and improve client experience, satisfaction, and loyalty through all touchpoints
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to promote brand visibility and thought leadership, requiring attendance at after-hour client events
- Ensures business development plans and budgets are planned, executed, and captured in CRM
- Ensures public agency and target client budgets are acquired and analyzed annually and utilized for business development planning
- Ensures that all client relationship activities are captured in CRM
- Actively communicate and collaborate with the internal Marketing & Business Development Team
- Ensure updated and accurate pipeline for the Planning & Government Division.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in business development, marketing leadership, and strategic planning within the A/E/C or infrastructure services sectors, preferably in California
- Located next to one of BKF's Northern California offices
- Proven success in leading teams, managing client relationships, strategic selling, and driving revenue growth
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Civil Engineering, or a related field
- Deep understanding of the overall life of a project (planning, design, construction, and land development)
- Proven leader in client relationship management, strategic planning, strategic teaming, and proposal strategy and negotiation
- Ability to leverage your key contacts with private organizations and state and municipal agencies within the region and build a robust sales pipeline for BKF
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Experience with CRM systems and data-driven business development practices
- Demonstrated ability to create impactful differentiated value propositions
- Skilled in coaching seller/doers and others in client relationship development and management
- Established relationship with strategic clients and a broad network of contacts in California relevant to the Planning & Government Division
Physical Demands
Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard, and mouse, and occasionally lift, pull/push, and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
Work Conditions
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
BENEFITS
- The typical base salary range for this position is $174,000.00 - $250,078.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
- Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k
- Generous paid time off packages
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
Tips for Finding Development Engineer Jobs at BKF Engineers
Align your credentials with PE licensure expectations
BKF Engineers operates in civil infrastructure consulting where EIT status and a clear path to Professional Engineer licensure carry weight. Documenting your engineering degree, any NCEES-recognized equivalency, and exam progress strengthens your candidacy before you apply.
Target roles tied to active project pipelines
Consulting firms sponsor when project demand justifies headcount. Research BKF's publicly listed infrastructure and land development work in California to identify offices actively building teams, then tailor your application to those project types and geographies.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified sponsorship openings
Not every Development Engineer posting at a consulting firm comes with confirmed sponsorship intent. Use Migrate Mate to surface BKF Engineers roles already verified for EB-2 or EB-3 eligibility, so you're applying where the pathway is established.
Clarify your visa category before the offer stage
EB-2 requires a job that demonstrably requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability, while EB-3 covers roles with a standard bachelor's requirement. Confirm with BKF's HR which category they intend to file under before negotiating your offer, since this affects your PERM timeline.
Understand the PERM recruitment window and your role in it
Once BKF initiates PERM with the DOL, they must run a documented recruitment process before your labor certification can advance. You won't participate directly, but knowing this phase takes several months helps you set realistic expectations and avoid accepting counteroffers prematurely.
Prepare a project portfolio that maps to BKF's service lines
BKF's Development Engineer roles span civil, transportation, and water infrastructure. A portfolio that demonstrates CAD, grading, or utility design experience on projects comparable to their California municipal and private development work distinguishes you from candidates with generic civil backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BKF Engineers sponsor H-1B visas for Development Engineers?
BKF Engineers' documented sponsorship activity for Development Engineer roles falls under permanent residency categories rather than the H-1B visa. If you're currently on H-1B status through another employer, you'd need to assess whether BKF would file a transfer petition. The firm's primary sponsorship track for this role is employment-based Green Card, so clarify your current status and timeline directly with their HR team during the offer process.
Which visa types are commonly used for Development Engineer roles at BKF Engineers?
BKF Engineers has sponsored Development Engineers through employment-based immigrant visa categories, specifically EB-2 and EB-3. EB-2 applies when the role requires an advanced degree or the equivalent, while EB-3 covers positions with a standard bachelor's requirement. Both pathways involve PERM labor certification filed with the DOL before USCIS adjudicates the immigrant petition, so your priority date and country of birth significantly affect overall timeline.
What qualifications and experience are expected for Development Engineer roles at BKF Engineers?
BKF Engineers is a civil engineering consultancy, so Development Engineer candidates are generally expected to hold a degree in civil, structural, or a closely related engineering discipline. Practical experience with site development, grading, drainage, or utility design is consistently relevant across their project types. EIT registration and demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD or Civil 3D are recurring expectations, and progress toward Professional Engineer licensure strengthens your profile considerably.
How do I apply for Development Engineer jobs at BKF Engineers?
Search for current Development Engineer openings at BKF Engineers through Migrate Mate, which aggregates roles from firms with confirmed sponsorship history so you can filter specifically for positions relevant to your visa situation. When applying, submit a resume and portfolio that reflect civil consulting experience aligned with BKF's infrastructure and land development project types. Follow up with their recruiting team to confirm sponsorship eligibility for your specific visa category before advancing through interviews.
How long does the sponsorship process take for a Development Engineer at BKF Engineers?
Employment-based Green Card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 involves three phases: PERM labor certification with the DOL, which typically takes six to eighteen months; the I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS; and adjustment of status or consular processing once a visa number is available. Your country of birth determines whether a visa number is immediately available or whether you'll face a multi-year backlog before the final step. Confirm your priority date scenario early.