Senior Project Engineer - Utilities Coordination Management

BKF Engineers; Gilroy (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Year-end bonuses

Flexible schedules

Paid time off packages

Education reimbursement

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in Gilroy, CA, is looking for a Senior Civil Engineer to manage utility projects with a strong focus on design and coordination. Candidates must possess a PE license and have substantial experience in utility relocation on public works projects. The role involves close collaboration with clients and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with project schedules and budgets. The firm offers competitive pay and a range of benefits, including flexible schedules and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience managing the relocation of utility facilities on large-scale public works projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in California is required.
• Experience with transit or highway-related systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, direct, and review the work of staff and contractors.
• Develop and manage project schedules and budgets.
• Act as a liaison between design engineers and agency/utility staff.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D design

Project management

Utility coordination

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

About BKF

BKF is a multi‑service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer to support Transportation and utility projects in the South Bay. This role requires a strong combination of technical civil design, utility coordination, and utility relocation experience. The ideal candidate will work onsite with the client in the San Jose region, utilizing their PE license to support design efforts, coordinate with stakeholders, and help ensure successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, direct, and review the work of staff, contractors, and consultants for utility relocation and new service
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and other documentation to ensure compliance with project goals and timelines
• Act as a liaison between design engineers and agency/utility staff to resolve technical issues and streamline processes
• Identify and document utility facilities within project limits, including property acquisitions necessary for relocations
• Validate independent cost estimates developed by Agency and negotiate with Utility Owner the price of work
• Oversee field inspections, coordinate pre‑construction meetings, and manage procedural guidelines for utility projects
• Assist Agency counsel to prepare and negotiate Master Agreements with private utility companies, ensuring alignment with project requirements
• Interpret design drawings and specifications for construction projects, including storm drainage, gas, water, and power utilities
• Supervise and mentor professional staff and consultants to achieve project objectives
• Review, process, and validate utility company invoices and budget reconciliations
• Maintain record‑keeping systems, including as‑built drawings, data sheets, and utility hit databases
• Review Utility Owner invoicing for consistency with work and initial cost estimate
• Represent BKF Engineers in utility dispute resolution and arbitration as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience managing the relocation of utility facilities on large‑scale public works projects
• Strong AutoCAD Civil 3D design experience supporting transportation projects, including preparation and coordination of utility layouts and utility profiles
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the State of California is required
• Valid California Driver’s License
• Experience with transit or highway‑related systems is preferred
• Strong understanding of utility property rights, state laws, and regulations regarding utility relocation and encroachment
• In‑depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and safety practices, especially for utilities installation and relocation
• Experience with construction oversight and management for utility relocation and new service
• Familiarity with California Public Utilities Commission tariff rules and funding regulations for public works projects
• Exceptional problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency in supervising teams, managing consultant contracts, and coordinating complex engineering tasks
• Travel between BKF offices and other off‑site locations may be required
• Understanding of surveying and construction staking
• Experience with utility investigation design planning, sourcing and implementation

Physical Demands

Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions

Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high‑stress, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $115,000.00 – $160,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
• Competitive salaries, end‑of‑year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
• Generous paid time off packages
• 9 paid holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
• BKF offers competitive and award‑winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.