Senior Engineering Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

Free office snacks

Job summary

Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surveyors is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager (Land Development) in Santa Clara, CA to lead project management, technical design, and client coordination. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, mentoring, and business development across complex civil projects.

The ideal candidate brings PE licensure, 15+ years in land development, and strong experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam, and related tools, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• 15+ years of land development experience with a Professional Engineer license.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam; additional software a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project management across land development projects from initiation to closeout.
• Provide technical leadership in site grading, drainage, and utility design.
• Lead client and regulatory agency communications.
• Mentor junior staff and guide design input.
• Develop new business opportunities and participate in marketing activities.
• Ensure QA/QC and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Business development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

15+ years land development experience

Professional Engineer (PE) license

QS P/QSD, PMP certifications

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bluebeam

Agtek

StormCAD

Hydrology/Hydraulic modeling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Engineering Manager (LAND DEVELOPMENT) - Santa Clara, 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

Physical 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!