Principal Engineer, SoCal Land Development Leader

Wood Rodgers, Inc.; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Wood Rodgers, Inc. in Orange, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer to establish and grow our Southern California land development presence. You will lead client development, strategic growth, and market expansion while building a high‑performing local team.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects, manage client relationships, and guide opportunities from pursuit to delivery, with ownership of profitability and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and active California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Extensive leadership experience in Southern California land development with a strong network and proven ability to develop clients, win work, and drive market growth.
• Deep understanding of the Southern California development process, including entitlements, agency approvals, infrastructure, permitting, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated success leading complex land development projects, managing business performance, and converting opportunities into profitable assignments.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams while building long-term client relationships.
• Strong business acumen, negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of Wood Rodgers’ Southern California land development practice through strategic business development, client engagement, and market expansion.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with developers, homebuilders, public agencies, institutions, and other key clients to secure new project opportunities.
• Direct project pursuits, including proposal development, scope and fee preparation, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
• Collaborate with company leadership and multidisciplinary teams to identify market opportunities, deliver exceptional client service, and expand Wood Rodgers’ presence in the region.
• Provide executive oversight of project delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, client satisfaction, and effective risk management.
• Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing local team while representing Wood Rodgers within the industry and broader community.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Market growth

Entrepreneurship

Negotiation

Communication

Team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Wood Rodgers, Inc. in Orange, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer to establish and grow our Southern California land development presence. You will lead client development, strategic growth, and market expansion while building a high‑performing local team.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects, manage client relationships, and guide opportunities from pursuit to delivery, with ownership of profitability and risk management.