Design Engineer - Land Development

BKF; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401k

Paid time off

9 paid holidays

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

Annual dues paid

Job summary

BKF is seeking a Design Engineer with 0-3 years of civil infrastructure design experience to join our onsite California Bay Area team. You will support Land Development projects, preparing designs from concept to construction documentation while learning from senior engineers.

Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D and a California E.I.T. certification are strong assets; a proactive mindset and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BSCE or related field required/preferred.
• 0–3 years of site development and public works design experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D is required.
• EIT certification preferred.
• Familiarity with documenting, specifications and design plans.
• Exposure to public agency standards and permitting processes.
• Ability to apply standard engineering techniques with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and development of site plans for residential, commercial, mixed-use, roadway, highway and public works projects.
• Prepare grading and drainage plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and standard engineering practices.
• Create designs for land development including potable water and wastewater systems per standards and permits.
• Participate in internal design reviews and help with scheduling and task prioritization.
• Support engineering reports, feasibility studies, and master planning documents.
• Prepare technical specifications and cost estimates for proposals and construction docs.
• Collaborate daily with project engineers and stakeholders to coordinate design efforts and meet milestones.
• Review plans and calculations for accuracy, completeness, and constructability.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Design fundamentals

Education

ABET-accredited BSCE

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

We’re looking for a Design Engineer with a couple years of experience in civil infrastructure design to join our collaborative onsite team in the California Bay Area. In this role, you’ll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments - from concept through construction documentation - while gaining hands‑on experience and growing within a supportive team. Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D and a California E.I.T. certification are strong assets, along with a proactive mindset and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of site plans for residential, commercial, mixed-use, roadway, highway, and public works projects

• Prepare grading and drainage plans and designs using standard engineering practices and software tools such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D

• Create designs and plans for land development projects, including potable water distribution and wastewater collection systems, in accordance with local standards and permitting requirements

• Participate in internal design reviews and contribute to project scheduling and task prioritization

• Support the preparation of engineering reports, feasibility studies, and master planning documents for various development projects

• Support the develop technical specifications and detailed cost estimates to support project proposals and construction documentation

• Collaborate daily with project engineers and across stakeholders to coordinate design efforts and meet project milestones

• Review plans and calculations for accuracy, completeness, and constructability, incorporating feedback from senior staff and clients

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited curriculum

• 0-3 years of experience and exposure to site development and design of residential/commercial subdivisions, utility systems, roadways, and public works

• Strong verbal and written communication and collaboration skills

• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D

• EIT certification preferred

• Familiarity with preparing documents, specifications, and design plans

• Exposure to public agency standards and permitting processes

• Ability to apply standard engineering techniques and judgment to support projects

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high‑stress, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

• The typical base salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $100,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is an hourly position paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages
• 9 Paid Holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• BKF offers competitive and award‑winning benefits and perks.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.