Senior Engineering Manager

Kier & Wright; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kier & Wright seeks a Senior Engineering Manager in Santa Clara, CA to lead complex civil projects from design through construction. You will manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and client communications while guiding a team of engineers and drafters.

You will mentor staff, coordinate with agencies, and contribute to business development efforts, ensuring high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction across engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of land development experience with PE.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam required.
• Proven record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management across civil engineering initiatives, including KPI tracking.
• Serve as primary contact for clients and agencies; manage stakeholder communication.
• Mentor staff and drive professional development; contribute to business planning.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client communication

QA/QC

Mentoring

Budgeting

Scheduling

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Certifications (PMP / QSP / QSD)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bluebeam

StormCAD

Hydrology/Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

Summary

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.

ResponsibilIties

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

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