Project Engineer

KWC Engineers; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer paid health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Competitive PTO

Job summary

KWC Engineers, located in Southern California, seeks a motivated Project Engineer (PE) to lead the design and production of residential, commercial, and public works projects. This role requires a minimum of 5 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, and PE licensure. The Project Engineer will manage projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with design standards. A competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $145,000 is offered, along with a flexible hybrid work schedule and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in residential land development and/or public works design.
• Strong technical expertise in engineering concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and preparation of grading, street improvements, and utilities plans.
• Review agency comments and ensure compliance with design standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers, providing technical guidance.

Skills

Residential land development

Public works design

Mentorship

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

H2OMap Sewer

Water

Job description

This position is open to candidates located near any of our four Southern California offices: Irvine, Corona, Murrieta, or San Marcos.

KWC Engineers is a professional services firm providing Civil Engineering, Planning, Surveying, and construction support to clients in the private and public sectors throughout Southern California. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions while fostering career growth, leadership development, and a collaborative team culture. KWC Engineers is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Project Engineer (PE) to lead the design and production of residential, commercial, and public works land development projects. The ideal candidate will take projects from conceptual design through final punch‑out with minimal supervision, provide technical leadership, and mentor junior staff while ensuring compliance with design standards, codes, and agency requirements. This position offers an annual compensation range of $120,000 – $145,000, depending on licensure and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and preparation of grading, street improvements, utilities (storm drains, sewers, water lines), and underground infrastructure plans.
• Develop solutions to complex drainage, site layouts, and utility coordination challenges.
• Review agency comments, incorporate feedback into project drawings, and ensure compliance with design standards, codes, and client expectations.
• Oversee and prepare of WQMPs, SWPPPs, and technical reports for land development and public works projects.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, scopes, and work plans, coordinating with project teams and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers, reviewing work and providing technical guidance.
• Communicate effectively with clients, agencies, and team members to ensure successful project delivery.
• Participate in RFP responses, cost estimating, and design process improvements to enhance project quality and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in residential land development and/or public works design.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, H2OMap Sewer, and Water.
• Strong technical expertise in engineering concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in preparing infrastructure improvement plans for residential, commercial, and public works projects.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to guide junior engineers and designers.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in report writing.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team, depending on the assigned task.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of utilities, drainage, permitting, and site development practices.
• Experience in preparing technical reports and studies associated with land development projects for public agencies.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and initiative in the interpretation of policies and execution of projects.
• Other duties as assigned based on project needs and organizational priorities.

KWC Engineers offers a robust total reward package, including 100% employer paid health coverage for employees, vision, dental, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, and competitive PTO. We are a family‑first organization and allow a flexible, hybrid work schedule to accommodate personal time. Our benefits package is always changing to find special ways to support and care for our Team.

To support career growth and leadership development, KWC encourages employees to work in‑person at one of our office locations while also offering a Hybrid work environment. Our employees can collaborate and contribute to the KWC team from any of our office locations.

KWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with KWC is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

We regret that relocation assistance is not available and that we are unable to consider applicants residing outside of the Southern California area.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for this position. We are not able to sponsor work visas for this role.