Senior Engineering Manager

Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surveyors; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid holidays

Free snacks

Much more!

Job summary

Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surveyors is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager in Irvine, CA to lead project execution, client relationships, and internal operations. The role blends project management, design oversight, and marketing responsibilities to drive successful outcomes.

The position emphasizes senior leadership, mentoring, and strategic growth, with a focus on complex site development and regulatory compliance. Exceptional communication and PE credentials are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of land development experience with PE license.
• PMP and other certifications are a plus.
• Proven record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Strong client relationships with repeat business and leadership ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management across phases and KPI tracking.
• Initiate and plan projects; manage contracts and proposals.
• Oversee budgets, costs, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Direct QA/QC throughout the lifecycle and review deliverables.
• Mentor junior staff and support design challenges.
• Lead business development and client relationships.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client relations

Team management

Budget & cost management

Communication

QA/QC

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineering License

PMP certification

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bluebeam

Agtek

StormCAD

Hydrology/Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

SENIOR ENGINEERING MANAGER - Irvine, CA

What we're looking for?

The Senior Engineering Manager holds the highest level of responsibility and accountability. The success of a project is dependent on their expertise in project management, design and execution, client and employee relationships. This leadership role combines project responsibilities, internal operational responsibilities and marketing/business development responsibilities.

What you will do

Project Management

• Expert level knowledge and experience in all phases of project management. Responsible for all project KPI’s.
• Project Initiation & Planning
• Contract & Proposal Management
• Budget & Cost Management
• Schedule Management
• Team & Resource Management
• Client & Stakeholder Communication
• Quality Assurance & Control
• Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Project Closeout

Technical

• Manages a large book of business - in excess of 1.5 million
• Independently design site grading, drainage, utility systems, and stormwater infrastructure in accordance with jurisdictional standards and environmental regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive civil engineering plans from concept through construction using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other relevant design tools.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic calculations, develop SWPPPs, and prepare supporting engineering reports.
• Use modeling software to analyze utility systems, stormwater behavior, and water quality performance.
• Develop and maintain construction drawings, CAD models, and technical exhibits to support design development and permitting.
• Lead construction cost estimating and assist in constructability reviews to ensure feasibility and alignment with project budgets.
• Review technical drawings, reports, and deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead QA/QC procedures throughout the project lifecycle and provide peer review support across engineering teams.
• Guide junior staff by preparing constraint drawings and offering design input, particularly in resolving complex site or utility design challenges.
• Ensure all entitlement and permitting documentation is complete, coordinated, and aligned with agency requirements.

Coordination & Communication

• Act as primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and subconsultants.
• Serve as primary point of contact for key clients and regulatory agencies.
• Guide project staff in goal setting, accountability, and professional growth.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Manage internal task delegation, ensuring deadlines and quality expectations are met.
• Perform employee evaluations and skill development plans
• Mentor across the organization on best practices.
• Contribute to internal initiatives and business planning.
• May lead training initiatives on various technical topics
• May participate in succession planning efforts.

Business Development & Marketing

• Build and maintain long term relationships with clients
• Participate in industry events and/or client interviews
• Identify opportunities for new clients and add-on services
• Participate in strategy development to expand business
• Highly sought after by clients

Other duties as assigned

What you have

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent level of experience
• Additional Experience/License
  • 15+ years of experience land development w/ Professional Engineering License,
• Additional certifications a plus, e.g QSP/QSD, PMP
• General knowledge of computers, Microsoft office, Adobe, Internet, etc.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam, required. Additional software a plus, e.g. Agtek, StormCAD, Hydrology/hydraulic modeling software.
• Proven record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Strong client relationships with repeat business
• High-level leadership and delegation
• Proven ability to bring in new clients and projects; expand business opportunities

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting (up to 8 hours a day for office staff)
• Interacting with technology (computer, cellphone, etc.)
• Ability to lift and/or carry items ( up to 20 lbs.)
• Prolonged periods of standing/walking (field checks)
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions(field checks)
• Occasional travel e.g. driving to offices, jobsites, client meetings, etc.

Why Join Us?

• Great culture – Team Collaboration, Innovative problem solving, Responsive to clients, Passionate about work
• Competitive Pay ($170,000 - $200,000/year DOE + location)
• Paid Holidays
• Free office snacks
• Much more!

We welcome the opportunity to partner with recruitment agencies when additional support is needed. To ensure a consistent hiring process, all inquiries, including partnership opportunities and candidate submissions, must be directed to [e-mail]. In addition, Kier + Wright does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from agencies that do not have an executed agreement in place or have not been specifically engaged for a particular search. Any unsolicited candidate information submitted outside of this process may be considered the property of Kier + Wright, and no placement fee or other financial obligation will be incurred.

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