SoCal Land Development Principal Leader

Wood Rodgers, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique culture

Teamwork

Learning & development

Job summary

Wood Rodgers, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Principal Engineer to establish and grow our Southern California land development practice. You will lead client development, pursue opportunities, and build a high-performing local team, leveraging our multidisciplinary resources.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, a California PE license, and proven leadership in land development. You will oversee project delivery, ensure quality and profitability, and represent Wood Rodgers within the

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 network and proven ability to develop clients, win work, and drive market growth.
• Deep understanding of the Southern California development process, including entitlements, agency approvals, infrastructure, permitting, and project delivery.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams while building long-term client relationships.
• Strong business acumen, negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of Wood Rodgers’ Southern California land development practice through strategic business development, client engagement, and market expansion.
• Develop and maintain strong 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, deliver exceptional client service, and expand Wood Rodgers’ presence in the region.
• Provide executive oversight of project delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, client satisfaction, and effective risk management.
• Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing local team while representing Wood Rodgers within the industry and broader community.

Skills

Leadership experience

Client development

Market growth strategy

Entitlements knowledge

Negotiation and communication

Team recruitment & mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

California PE license

Job description

Wood Rodgers, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Principal Engineer to establish and grow our Southern California land development practice. You will lead client development, pursue opportunities, and build a high-performing local team, leveraging our multidisciplinary resources.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, a California PE license, and proven leadership in land development. You will oversee project delivery, ensure quality and profitability, and represent Wood Rodgers within the