We are representing a boutique, design-forward civil engineering firm in Southern California that is seeking a Senior Civil Project Manager (P.E.) to take ownership of high-profile urban infill and land development projects across multifamily, mixed-use, and hospitality sectors.
This is not a backseat PM role.
This is a client-facing leadership position where you will be the driving force behind project execution, client relationships, and team direction — with a clear path toward Principal-level leadership as the firm continues to grow.
The team operates in a highly collaborative, hands-on environment where senior staff are empowered to make decisions, shape projects, and directly influence the trajectory of the business.
If you’re at a larger firm and feeling capped, this is an opportunity to step into true ownership and visibility.
- Lead civil engineering projects from early planning and entitlements through design, permitting, and construction support
- Take full ownership of project delivery including schedule, budget, and technical quality
- Oversee grading, drainage, utility design, and site development plans for complex urban infill projects
- Review and stamp plans, calculations, and technical deliverables
- Drive coordination across internal teams, subconsultants, and external stakeholders
- Serve as the primary point of contact for developers, architects, and ownership groups
- Lead client meetings, presentations, and agency coordination efforts
- Play a key role in maintaining and growing client relationships
- Support proposal development, scope definition, and pursuit strategy
- Navigate city and county agencies across Southern California (LADBS, Public Works, etc.)
- Lead plan check responses, approvals, and permitting strategy
- Coordinate B-permits, utility clearances, and entitlement processes
- Ensure compliance with grading codes, stormwater regulations, and local ordinances
- Manage project budgets, contracts, and fee tracking across multiple active jobs
- Monitor project performance, identify risks, and maintain profitability
- Oversee invoicing, change orders, and scope adjustments
- Mentor and guide Project Engineers, EITs, and design staff
- Provide technical oversight and elevate team performance
- Help shape internal standards, workflows, and project execution strategy
- Multifamily & Mixed-Use Developments
- Urban Infill & Adaptive Reuse Projects
- Grading & Drainage Design
- Street Improvements & B-Permits
- Wet Utilities (Water, Sewer, Storm Drain)
- Stormwater Management (LID / WQMP)
- Projects typically ranging from mid-size developments to large-scale infill housing and commercial sites
Qualifications
- P.E. license required
- 8–15+ years of civil engineering experience, with strong progression into project leadership
- Proven experience managing land development or site development projects in Southern California
- Strong background in grading, drainage, and utility design
- Experience leading projects through agency approvals and permitting
- Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining client relationships
- Proficiency in Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and standard design tools
- Strong communication skills — able to lead both technical and client-facing conversations
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required
Why This Role Stands Out
- Clear path to Principal-level leadership
- Direct exposure to clients, ownership, and decision-making
- Opportunity to step out of a “number in a large firm” environment
- Strong pipeline of multifamily and urban infill work across Southern California
- Tight-knit, high-performing team with real influence on project outcomes
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Support for continued professional development
