Civil Project Engineer / Project Manager

Heavy Tech; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Heavy Tech in California is seeking a Civil Project Engineer / Project Manager to join its land development team. This role blends hands-on Civil 3D design with project management, from concept through construction, and offers ownership of private land development and site projects.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in Civil 3D, understand private land development, grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater, and work independently while coordinating with clients, consultants, and internal

Qualifications

• Proficient in Civil 3D and land development workflows.
• Strong understanding of grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater.
• Experience collaborating with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop civil plans and designs for private land development projects.
• Prepare and maintain Civil 3D drawings, surfaces, grading plans, and construction documents.
• Design and coordinate grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems.
• Perform stormwater analysis and integrate drainage solutions into site designs.
• Review plans for technical accuracy, constructability, and standards compliance.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, surveyors, contractors, and agencies.

Skills

Civil 3D

Private land development

Grading design

Drainage design

Utilities design

Stormwater design

Civil plan development

Problem-solving

Communication

Coordination

Client meetings

Education

EIT Certification

PE license

Job description

An established civil engineering firm is seeking a Civil Project Engineer / Project Manager to join its land development team. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong civil engineering professional who enjoys hands-on design, problem-solving, and taking ownership of projects from concept through completion.

The ideal candidate is someone who is confident in Civil 3D, understands private land development and stormwater design, and can work independently while collaborating effectively with clients, consultants, and internal team members.

The Opportunity

This role will focus primarily on the design and management of private land development and civil site projects, with an emphasis on grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems.

Depending on experience and qualifications, responsibilities may range from detailed Civil 3D design and plan production to independently managing projects, coordinating with clients and consultants, and overseeing projects through various stages of development.

Responsibilities

• Develop civil engineering plans and designs for private land development projects
• Prepare and maintain Civil 3D drawings, surfaces, grading plans, profiles, and construction documents
• Design and coordinate grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems
• Perform stormwater analysis and incorporate appropriate drainage solutions into site designs
• Review plans for technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, surveyors, contractors, and reviewing agencies
• Assist with permitting and agency coordination
• Prepare project calculations, technical documentation, and design deliverables
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables as appropriate to experience level
• Lead projects independently from initial design through completion for qualified candidates
• Participate in client meetings and provide technical recommendations
• Review and respond to plan check comments
• Support and mentor junior engineering and design staff as experience permits

What We’re Looking For

• Strong proficiency with Autodesk Civil 3D
• Experience with private land development projects
• Solid understanding of grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater design
• Ability to independently develop accurate and constructible civil plans
• Strong technical problem-solving and attention to detail
• Ability to manage priorities and meet project deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Experience working with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• EIT, PE, or comparable professional experience preferred depending on level

Candidates May Come From Either Track:

• Demonstrated Civil 3D and land development experience
• Strong technical design capabilities
• Ready to take on increased project ownership and begin developing project-management skills
• EIT certification preferred
• Advanced Civil 3D and land development expertise
• Ability to independently manage projects
• Strong stormwater and site design knowledgePE license preferred or required for candidates taking full engineering responsibility

Work Schedule

• Full-time position
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Minimal overtime
• Primarily office-based with project and client coordination as needed
• Estimated salary range: $93,600 –$130,000 annually
• Compensation based on licensure, technical depth, Civil 3D proficiency, and project-management capability
• Opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated civil engineering professional who enjoys designing, solving problems, and seeing projects move from concept to construction.

Whether you are an EIT looking for the opportunity to take the next step toward project management or an experienced PE/Project Manager ready to independently lead land development projects, this position offers the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of your work while contributing to a collaborative engineering team.

If you are technically strong, comfortable working independently, and looking for a role where your experience and capabilities directly influence your level of responsibility, this could be an excellent opportunity.