Senior Project Engineer: Heavy Civil Construction Lead

Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction; California; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to manage large-scale heavy civil construction projects in California. The ideal candidate will lead project coordination, budgeting, and subcontractor management. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management and 4+ years of relevant experience. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this mid-senior level position.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in heavy civil/highway construction, including bridge work.
• Strong knowledge of highway construction practices, concrete paving, and high-traffic work zones.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Superintendents and Project Managers to drive project execution.
• Lead subcontractor coordination and ensure contractor performance.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and change orders.
• Oversee field operations support, including inspections and as-builts.
• Act as the primary liaison with owners, subs, and inspectors.
• Support successful project close-out and ensure quality delivery.

Skills

Project coordination

Budgeting

Scheduling

Subcontractor management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Application Instructions

At

Application Instructions

At Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction, we build more than bridges and highways — we build careers, communities, and a legacy. With over 50 years of excellence in heavy civil construction, RLW has earned a reputation for taking on some of the most complex and rewarding infrastructure projects in the western U.S.

As a Senior-level Project Engineer, you'll join a team that values leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. Our projects span highways, bridges, rail, transit, and structural concrete — and we need strong leaders to help us take them from vision to reality.

What Sets RLW Apart

• Competitive Package: Total Compensation, Including Bonus and Perks
• People-first culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and integrity
• A clear path for career growth and leadership development
• Backing from Sterling Infrastructure, giving us the strength of a national network while keeping our entrepreneurial spirit
• The opportunity to lead high-impact projects that shape cities and communities
  
  

If you're ready to take the next step in your career — leading with purpose, growing with a company that invests in you, and building projects that matter — we invite you to explore our opportunities.

Position Description

Join RLW. Build what's next.

We're looking for a highly skilled Senior Project Engineer to play a key role in managing large-scale heavy civil construction projects. This position offers the opportunity to lead critical aspects of project coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and subcontractor management.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Superintendents and Project Managers to drive project execution
• Lead subcontractor coordination and ensure top-tier contractor performance
• Manage project schedules (P6), budgets, and change orders
• Oversee field operations support, including inspections, Blue Stakes, and as-builts
• Track quantities for owner payments and maintain accurate job costing
• Handle RFIs, submittals, issue logs, and project documentation
• Act as the primary liaison with owners, subs, and inspectors
• Support successful project close-out and ensure quality delivery
  
  

Position Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management preferred
• 4+ years of experience in heavy civil/highway construction, including bridge work and major roadway projects
• Strong knowledge of highway construction practices, concrete paving, and high-traffic work zones
• Proven leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills across all levels
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.