Transportation Technical Manager

BKF Engineers; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

End of year bonuses

401k with profit sharing

100% coverage for medical, dental, vision premiums

Flexible schedules

Generous vacation and sick time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in California is seeking a Transportation Technical Manager to lead complex transportation projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of Caltrans standards, manage project execution, and provide mentorship to engineering staff. This position emphasizes technical leadership, communication skills, and a proven track record in project delivery. The role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing complex transportation projects.
• Proven track record in technical excellence and client satisfaction.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead on transportation projects.
• Oversee compliance with Caltrans specifications and project requirements.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineering staff.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Caltrans Standards

Project Management

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

California Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation

Job description

Overview

At BKF Engineers, we deliver innovative engineering solutions across the Western States. We seek a Transportation Civil Engineer, Technical Manager with expertise to lead complex transportation projects and drive strategic goals related to public infrastructure.

Position Overview

BKF Engineers seeks a highly skilled Transportation Technical Manager to provide technical leadership and ensure the successful delivery of large-scale transportation capital projects. This role emphasizes in-depth knowledge of Caltrans standards, design manuals, and local procedures, focusing on complex roadway projects, grade separations, signalized intersections, roundabouts, and more. The ideal candidate will lead technical efforts, mentor engineering staff, and coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders, with limited or no direct business development responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Project Execution: Serve as the technical lead on a variety of transportation projects, ensuring designs align with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual and other relevant standards
• Oversee and review plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for compliance with Caltrans specifications, special provisions, and project requirements
• Coordinate the procurement and encroachment permitting processes for grade separations, roadway improvements, and specialized infrastructure in alignment with public agency procedures
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Verify that engineering deliverables meet or exceed technical standards and project objectives, conducting regular design reviews and quality checks
• Stay up-to-date on Caltrans updates, local agency manuals, and best practices, ensuring project compliance with evolving industry and regulatory requirements
• Manage construction staging and traffic handling strategies, working with design teams to minimize public disruption and meet project safety and schedule goals
• Team Coordination & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineering staff, fostering a learning-oriented project environment
• Collaborate with internal project managers and multidisciplinary teams—civil, traffic, environmental—to deliver coherent, integrated solutions
• Advocate for the use of innovative design approaches, such as roundabouts, adaptive traffic signals, or green infrastructure, as appropriate to project needs
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate with public agencies (Caltrans, city/county authorities, local municipalities) to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and design
• Participate in key project meetings—both internal and with clients or agencies—providing expert-level technical input and clarifications
• Support limited public outreach efforts when necessary, helping address community or stakeholder concerns regarding project design and construction impacts
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain project documentation in compliance with internal standards and public agency requirements; track technical milestones, coordinate design revisions, and communicate key decisions or changes to relevant teams and stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing complex transportation projects, with a proven track record of technical excellence and client satisfaction
• Extensive knowledge of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, specifications, special provisions, and local agency procedures
• Proven track record in complex transportation project delivery, including highways, interchanges, signals, roundabouts, and grade separations
• Proficiency in construction staging, traffic handling plans, and general civil design software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, etc.)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, drive business growth, and maintain client relationships
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a talent for simplifying complex issues for clients and stakeholders
• Proficiency in project management software and an ability to adapt to new technology tools
• Assist with special projects as needed
• Travel between BKF offices and other off-site locations may be required
• Valid California Driver’s License

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

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 a typical office environment with possible high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented conditions. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• Base salary range: $150,000 - $187,000 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
• Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
• BKF pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums and 50% for dependents
• Generous vacation and sick time packages
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
• Professional benefits and perks; click to learn more

Workplace Awards & Equal Opportunity

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, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Project Management