SoCal Land Development Principal: Growth & Leadership

Wood Rodgers; Placentia (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique Culture

Teamwork

Learning & Development

Job summary

Wood Rodgers is seeking a Principal Engineer in Orange, CA to lead and grow our Southern California land development presence. You will shape strategy, build a local team, nurture client relationships, and pursue opportunities that expand Wood Rodgers' market presence.

You will direct complex projects, manage client expectations, negotiate scopes and fees, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while maintaining profitability and high standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and active California PE license.
• Extensive leadership experience in Southern California land development with a strong client network.
• Deep understanding of the Southern California development process including entitlements, agency approvals, infrastructure, permitting, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated success leading complex land development projects, managing business performance, and converting opportunities into profitable assignments.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams while building long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of Wood Rodgers' Southern California land development practice through strategic business development, client engagement, and market expansion.
• Develop and maintain relationships with developers, homebuilders, public agencies, institutions, and other key clients to secure new project opportunities.
• Direct project pursuits, including proposal development, scope and fee preparation, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
• Collaborate with company leadership and multidisciplinary teams to identify market opportunities and deliver exceptional client service.
• Provide executive oversight of project delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, client satisfaction, and risk management.
• Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing local team while representing Wood Rodgers within the industry.

Skills

Leadership experience

Client development

Strategic growth

Relationship management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Wood Rodgers is seeking a Principal Engineer in Orange, CA to lead and grow our Southern California land development presence. You will shape strategy, build a local team, nurture client relationships, and pursue opportunities that expand Wood Rodgers' market presence.

You will direct complex projects, manage client expectations, negotiate scopes and fees, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while maintaining profitability and high standards.