Civil Design Engineer (3-5 Years)

KPFF Consulting Engineers; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules and work-life integration

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company contribution

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers is looking for a Civil Design Engineer for its San Francisco office. This role involves preparing engineering designs, supporting project planning, and conducting site visits.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, has 3-5 years of relevant experience, and is proficient with AutoCAD Civil 3D. A collaborative approach and strong problem-solving skills are essential.

The salary range is $75,000 - $125,000 along with bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of civil engineering design experience.
• Progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering designs for various civil projects.
• Support project planning and coordination efforts.
• Conduct site visits and data collection activities.

Skills

Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D

Effective communication

Organization skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.

Job Description

KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking a Civil Design Engineer to join our San Francisco office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technical expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.

As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.

What You'll Do

Design and Technical Development

• Prepare engineering designs for site development, grading, drainage, stormwater, utility, and roadway improvement projects.
• Perform engineering calculations, technical analyses, and design studies.
• Develop construction documents, specifications, and supporting technical documentation using Civil 3D and related design tools.

Project Delivery and Coordination

• Support project planning, scheduling, and coordination efforts throughout the design process.
• Assist with permitting, agency coordination, and regulatory approvals.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to support successful project delivery.

Field and Site Support

• Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.
• Evaluate existing conditions and verify design assumptions during project development and construction.

Professional Growth and Leadership

• Contribute to design reviews and quality control efforts.
• Provide guidance and support to junior staff as experience grows.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to help drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
• 3-5 years of civil engineering design experience
• Progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Effective communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct occasional site visits and field work
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment as needed

Additional Information

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $125,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance‑based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Why KPFF

At KPFF, you’ll find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe great engineering happens when talented people are trusted to lead, collaborate, and grow.

Our employees enjoy:

• Flexible schedules and work‑life integration
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Two floating holidays each year
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contribution
• Six weeks of paid family leave
• Professional development, mentorship, and career growth opportunities
• Support for professional licensure, continuing education, and industry involvement

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.