Principal Project Engineer

Bright Sky Recruiting; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected recruitment firm is seeking a Principal Project Engineer / Project Manager in Riverside, California. This leadership role focuses on Land Development projects, managing design and production for impactful developments. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, a California Civil Engineer license, 8–12 years of experience, and strong project management skills. The position offers the chance to lead teams in a collaborative setting while working on significant projects that shape the community.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Civil Engineering, focused on Land Development.
• Minimum of 3 years in a project management or supervisory role.
• Professional Civil Engineer license in California (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and production of construction documents for land development projects.
• Manage contracts, scopes of work, schedules, and budgets.
• Supervise and mentor engineering and design staff.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Land development expertise

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in your civil engineering career with a firm that values leadership, mentorship, and meaningful work? We’re partnering with a well-respected, multi-disciplinary firm that is seeking a Principal Project Engineer / Project Manager to join their team in the Riverside area. This is a confidential search for a leadership position focused specifically on Land Development projects—both public and private.

You’ll be part of a collaborative team that works on impactful, high-profile developments across the Inland Empire and beyond. If you're looking to grow within a forward-thinking environment while leading teams and working directly with clients, this may be the right fit.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE)
• Professional Civil Engineer license in California (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Civil Engineering, with a clear emphasis on Land Development
• Minimum of 3 years in a project management or supervisory role
• Strong client management and public agency coordination skills

What You’ll Be Doing:

Project Management & Leadership:

• Oversee design and production of construction documents for land development projects
• Manage contracts, scopes of work, schedules, and budgets
• Supervise and mentor engineering and design staff
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and fee estimates
• Lead client and agency meetings and maintain ongoing relationships
• Perform constructability reviews and support during construction

Technical Responsibilities:

• Conceptual and preliminary site planning (zoning, constraints, infrastructure, and regulatory review)
• Preparation and processing of improvement plans (grading, street, sewer, water, storm drain)
• Coordination with planners, surveyors, architects, and other consultants
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D is required

Ideal Candidate Traits:

• Deep understanding of California jurisdictional codes and entitlement processes
• Proven success leading land development projects from design through construction
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to lead a team and grow client relationships
• Comfortable working independently and making key decisions