Public Works Project Manager

tait; Santa Ana (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options (Remote, Hybrid,

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Professional growth

Company paid life insurance

Job summary

TAIT is seeking a Public Works Project Manager in Santa Ana, CA to guide the design and delivery of public roadway and utility improvements. You will lead client relationships, mentor engineers, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects.

Role emphasizes autonomy within a collaborative culture, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring technical excellence using Civil 3D and AutoCAD. Flexible work options include remote, hybrid, and in-person arrangements.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering is required.
• Current CA P.E. license is required.
• Experience writing construction specifications.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Interface daily with clients, develop proposals, negotiate scopes and fees, ensure timely billing and changes.
• Lead plan processing at public agencies.
• Manage project staff including design engineers and CAD operators; mentor junior staff.
• Assign tasks and keep team on track, within budget.
• Identify design criteria and oversee efficient design and plan preparation.
• Assist team with design tasks to develop skills.
• Support Director with marketing and client development.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Project management

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

CA P.E. license

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Lead the Vision, Build the Future — Drive Development as a Project Manager at TAIT

Why TAIT?

• Strategic Leadership — Own projects from start to finish with autonomy and support
• Multifaceted Role — Blend design, team leadership, and client collaboration
• Technical Mastery — Lead complex land development using Civil 3D and AutoCAD
• Career Growth — Mentor engineers and grow with a collaborative team
• Real Impact — Shape infrastructure across grading, drainage, and utilities

From vision to reality—lead the transformation at TAIT.

Role at a Glance

At TAIT, our Public Works Project Managers don’t just manage projects—they help shape communities. As a key leader in our engineering team, you’ll guide the design and delivery of public roadway and utility improvements that improve everyday life. You’ll have both the autonomy and support to lead meaningful projects, develop strong client relationships, and mentor emerging talent.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Interface daily with clients, develop proposals, negotiate scopes and fees, ensure timely billing and collections and change orders.
• Spearhead plan processing at public agencies.
• Manage project staff to include design engineers and CAD operators, with the ability to mentor junior design staff in basic engineering procedures and techniques
• Assign tasks and keep the team on track and within budget.
• Identify design criteria and oversee efficient design and plan preparation
• Assist team members with design tasks to help develop skills.
• Assist the Director with marketing and client development for the Division.
• Solve design problems using engineering calculations and following general design standards.
• Establish project controls and ensure accuracy and quality in plans; ensure technical quality, profitability, schedule, project staff coordination, client communications and follow-up.

Minimum Work Experience

• Minimum 6-10 years’ experience in a Project Manager position with experience in public roadway and utility improvement design.
• Minimum 6-10 years’ experience designing public roadway infrastructure projects and writing construction specifications.
• Minimum 6-10 years’ experience in a Project Manager position with exposure to technical applications, management of projects and staff interaction.
• Minimum 6 years’ experience designing public roadway infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience in Land Development design projects with private and public works.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering.
• Current CA P.E. license required.
• Ability and experience writing construction specifications.
• Valid & current Driver’s License.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Current knowledge and familiarity using AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Expertise in the preparation of grading plans, utility plans, site plans and the preparation of preliminary cost estimates; strong design skills using AutoCAD and Civil 3D for land development design.
• Ability to apply proven principles of civil engineering within the context of an aggressive service-oriented business environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills and a desire to function in a position of high visibility both internal and external to the company; superior leadership and interpersonal abilities.

Physical Requirements

• Walk job site locations as needed.
• Carry/ utilize survey equipment if needed on job sites.
• Ability to drive a vehicle to job sites when required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range $100,000/yr - $150,000/yr

Benefits

TAIT invests in you by providing a comprehensive compensation and benefits program along with the opportunity for professional growth and development. Our benefits package includes valuable and affordable options for health, dental, vision, employer paid life insurance, 401(k) with match, generous paid time off and other supplemental benefits. TAIT’s core value is its culture of kindness. With this, you’ll find a family-oriented environment and flexibility to manage work and life with a rewarding career. Here are some benefits you can find when you join the TAIT Team:

• Flexible Work Schedule Options - Remote, Hybrid, In-Person
• Medical options including PPO and HDHP with Health Savings Accounts (no extra charges for spouse or dependent coverage)
• Dental Plans with little to no deductible
• Vision PPO plan that’s accepted widely from local offices to large retailers
• Company paid Life Insurance
• ID Theft Protection & Monitoring
• Voluntary Life, Accident and Critical Illness plans
• Dependent Care and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off to relax and recharge with vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Annual memberships with Strava and Headspace for additional health and wellness benefits
• Maternity and Paternity leave time options to care for the newest little family members
• Support for professional growth and development.
• Corporate Lodging Program (CLC)

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TAIT is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or any other legally protected status. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company will make reasonable accommodations to assist in the application process upon the request of an applicant. No question on this application is intended to secure information to be used for discriminatory purposes.

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