Transportation Technical Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

End of year bonuses

Profit sharing

401k

100% medical coverage

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in California is seeking a Transportation Technical Manager with over 10 years of experience in managing complex transportation projects. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee project execution, and ensure compliance with Caltrans standards. The role offers a competitive salary range of $150,000 - $187,000 plus benefits including medical coverage and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing complex transportation projects.
• Proficiency in construction staging and traffic handling plans.
• Extensive knowledge of Caltrans standards and local agency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead on transportation projects.
• Oversee plans for compliance with Caltrans specifications.
• Coordinate procurement and permitting processes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Project delivery

Communication skills

Technical excellence

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

California Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation

Job description

About Us

At BKF Engineers, we deliver innovative engineering solutions across the Western States. Our vision is to unify transportation services across the firm, enhancing our ability to deliver impactful transportation projects that make our communities safer and more accessible for all. We are seeking 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

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $187,000 annually, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.
• Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
• BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for your dependents
• Generous vacation and sick time packages
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations

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.