Resident Engineer - Plant

Jacobs; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 118,300 - 184,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Stock options

Paid time off (PPTO)

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Resident Engineer to lead construction management teams on complex wastewater treatment plant projects in Orange County, CA, acting as the main interface with the owner and coordinating with designers, contractors and operations staff to deliver timely results.

The role requires a BS in Civil/Structural Engineering, 10+ years as a Resident Engineer/PM/CM, experience reviewing plans and estimates for wastewater facilities, and strong contract management skills.

Qualifications

• BS in Civil or Structural Engineering required.
• 10+ years as Resident Engineer/PM/CM in engineering, environmental or construction.
• 10+ years reviewing plans, designs, specs and estimates for wastewater facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage construction management teams on wastewater treatment projects.
• Interface with owner, designer, contractor, and operations staff; lead project meetings.
• Oversee contract change process, RFIs, submittals, and commissioning plans.

Skills

Project management

Construction management

Contract management

Team leadership

Client relations

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

At Jacobs, we are not just passionate about infrastructure and water/wastewater projects, we push the limits of what’s possible to make the world smarter and more connected. We provide supplemental engineering services, including project management, construction management and commissioning oversight to support a large wastewater infrastructure capital improvement program in Orange County, California. We are looking for a Resident Engineer to lead construction management teams for successful delivery of complex wastewater treatment plant construction projects.

Resident Engineer – The role requires managing complex, technical engineering (wastewater/civil/mechanical/electrical/I&C) construction projects, leading construction project teams (Assistant REs, Inspectors, Schedulers, etc.), and encouraging teamwork and cooperation across departments and stakeholders. You will be the primary project interface for the owner, working with the owner’s project manager, designer, contractor, operations and maintenance staff, and leading project meetings to deliver results in a timely manner.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and participate in the contract change process, including responding to requests for information, issuing requests for proposals, preparing engineer’s estimates, negotiating field change orders, and reviewing construction submittals and commissioning plans for compliance with specifications.
• Ensure projects are constructed in compliance with contract documents, manage the project within budget and schedule, evaluate and mitigate time impacts, and develop recommendations to resolve construction problems and issues.
• Develop trusted relationships with the project team, contractor and client staff, emphasize safe construction practices (Beyond Zero) and high‑quality construction, and oversee safe practices on site.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience as a Resident Engineer, Project Manager or Construction Manager in an engineering, environmental or construction organization.
• 10+ years of increasingly responsible work experience reviewing preliminary plans, designs, specifications and estimates for wastewater treatment facilities, applying knowledge of construction management of wastewater plant projects.
• 10+ years of construction management experience in the construction of new and/or rehabilitation of wastewater facilities and pipeline projects.
• Strong working knowledge of pre‑design and pre‑construction, building systems/components and technology, contract management, project delivery methods, team building and client relationship.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving history.

Ideally You Will Also Have

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you and the things you care about, including medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, the option to purchase company stock at a discount, and eligibility for deferred compensation and executive deferral plans. Jacobs offers an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays and caregiver leave. Certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases, performance discretionary bonuses and stock.

Salary Range: $118,300.00 – $184,900.00 (determined by work location and other factors).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on July 16, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.