Technical Director Jobs in California

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a transformational leader to help shape the future of Kennedy Jenks technical project delivery. Based in any KJ market nationwide, this senior role provides the opportunity to lead technical professionals, strengthen project delivery and client relationships, develop future leaders, and advance technical excellence across the organization while supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure solutions for communities throughout the country.

What You'll Do

• Support the development and advise KJ’s Technical Services teams and discipline leaders including Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, CAD, Architectural and Instrumentation and Controls.
• Support the successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects across Kennedy Jenks.
• Promote efficient design delivery in accordance with Kennedy Jenks’ standards and procedures to assure compliance with standard of care.
• Promote collaboration across engineering, environmental, scientific, and technical disciplines.
• Partner with business managers, project managers, and business development leaders to align resources with business needs.
• Work collaboratively with Kennedy Jenks quality and risk programs to advance technical excellence, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• 25%-50% travel nationwide to collaborate with clients and various KJ offices and teams as needed.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Lead a multidisciplinary function that supports critical infrastructure projects nationwide.
• Influence technical excellence, workforce development, and project delivery across the firm.
• Solidify KJ’s position as a preferred consultant to our clients.
• Help shape the future of KJ’s core service and develop the next generation of leaders.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Technical Experience: 10+ years of design engineering consulting experience, preferably within water/wastewater.
• Management Experience: 4+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors, team leaders, and project teams.
• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing teams, departments, technical organizations, or business units, including the development and oversight of supervisors and other leaders.
• Experience supporting complex infrastructure, environmental, water/wastewater, industrial, or engineering consulting projects.
• Strong business acumen and ability to partner effectively across Operations, Business Development, Project Management, and Technical Services functions.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate competing priorities, make sound decisions, and drive organizational results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary engineering, project delivery, resource planning, and financial management.
• Proven success developing employees, mentoring leaders, and building high-performing teams through both direct leadership and influence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business management systems, along with excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $170,000 – $250,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits Summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.