Planner Jobs in Irvine, CA
Planner jobs in Irvine are concentrated in the Irvine Spectrum, the Irvine Business Complex, and the Great Park Neighborhoods, with strong demand across real estate development, defense, healthcare systems, and municipal planning. Employers actively hiring include Typsa, CDM Smith, and Parker Hannifin. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
- Preferred locations for this position include Greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership and strategic oversight of CEQA/NEPA environmental and planning projects.
- Developing project documentation of proposed activities for compliance, with federal and state environmental/planning regulations and guidance.
- Craft compelling and technically rigorous reports that influence environmental policy and decision-making.
- Providing quality reviews of CEQA/NEPA documents/projects.
- Champion the development of emerging professionals through mentorship and advanced training, building the next generation of CEQA/NEPA experts.
- May supervise the work of junior planning and environmental staff on project work.
Skills & Abilities:
Master complex principles and innovative methods for large-scale land use planning, with deep insight into strategic cost-benefit analysis and sustainable development solutions. Expert knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Expert knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts with clarity and persuasion to diverse audiences, from clients to regulatory agencies.
Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. AICP, PTP, PE, CEP or approved certification in a related field. Or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree or 9 years of experience with Master's degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications:- Expertise/knowledge of CEQA and NEPA processes and requirements.
- Expertise in writing CEQA and NEPA documents for a variety of agencies and project types and sizes.
- Transit and Aviation CEQA/NEPA experience.
Amount of Travel Required: 10% or less EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Background Check and Drug Testing Information: CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Additional Compensation : All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position. Pay Range Min: USD $120,266.00 Pay Range Max: USD $210,434.00 Visa Sponsorship Available : No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
See All 18 Planner Jobs in Irvine
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Find Planner JobsPlanner Job Market in Irvine
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
Planner Jobs in Irvine: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a planner job in Irvine?
The strongest path into Irvine's planning market is targeting the sectors that drive most of the local demand: real estate development, defense and aerospace contractors, healthcare campuses, and the City of Irvine itself. Candidates who know Irvine's master-planned growth framework, have experience with entitlements or supply chain scheduling, and can point to work near the Spectrum or Great Park corridor stand out in this market.
Which companies hire planners in Irvine?
Irvine planner roles are posted by Typsa, CDM Smith, and Parker Hannifin and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Irvine's employer mix is broad, ranging from large defense and tech firms in the Irvine Business Complex to real estate developers and healthcare organizations clustered around the Spectrum and Hoag-affiliated campuses.
Are there remote planner jobs in Irvine?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the type of planning work, since site-dependent roles like urban or construction planning are largely on-site while demand and financial planning roles are far more flexible. About 43% of planner openings tied to Irvine are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Analytical and supply chain planning roles at Irvine's tech and healthcare employers are where most of the remote flexibility concentrates.
How can I get a planner job in Irvine with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is targeting coordinator or junior planner roles at Irvine's large defense contractors and healthcare systems, which regularly hire from UC Irvine and local community colleges. Internships through the City of Irvine's planning department or with master-planned community developers like those active in the Great Park district provide direct local experience that moves resumes to the top of the pile for full-time roles.
Which industries hire the most planners in Irvine?
The sectors hiring the most planners in Irvine are Consulting & Professional Services and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Irvine's identity as a master-planned city with a major university, active defense presence, and large-scale real estate development creates sustained, multi-sector demand that keeps planner hiring relatively consistent year-round.
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