SENIOR ENGINEERING MANAGER - Irvine, CA

What we're looking for?

The Senior Engineering Manager holds the highest level of responsibility and accountability. The success of a project is dependent on their expertise in project management, design and execution, client and employee relationships. This leadership role combines project responsibilities, internal operational responsibilities and marketing/business development responsibilities.

What you will do

Project Management

Expert level knowledge and experience in all phases of project management. Responsible for all project KPI’s.

• Project Initiation & Planning
• Contract & Proposal Management
• Budget & Cost Management
• Schedule Management
• Team & Resource Management
• Client & Stakeholder Communication
• Quality Assurance & Control
• Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Project Closeout

Technical

• Manages a large book of business - in excess of 1.5 million
• Independently design site grading, drainage, utility systems, and stormwater infrastructure in accordance with jurisdictional standards and environmental regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive civil engineering plans from concept through construction using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other relevant design tools.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic calculations, develop SWPPPs, and prepare supporting engineering reports.
• Use modeling software to analyze utility systems, stormwater behavior, and water quality performance.
• Develop and maintain construction drawings, CAD models, and technical exhibits to support design development and permitting.
• Lead construction cost estimating and assist in constructability reviews to ensure feasibility and alignment with project budgets.
• Review technical drawings, reports, and deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead QA/QC procedures throughout the project lifecycle and provide peer review support across engineering teams.
• Guide junior staff by preparing constraint drawings and offering design input, particularly in resolving complex site or utility design challenges.
• Ensure all entitlement and permitting documentation is complete, coordinated, and aligned with agency requirements.

Coordination & Communication

• Act as primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and subconsultants.
• Serve as primary point of contact for key clients and regulatory agencies.
• Guide project staff in goal setting, accountability, and professional growth.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Manage internal task delegation, ensuring deadlines and quality expectations are met.
• Perform employee evaluations and skill development plans
• Mentor across the organization on best practices.
• Contribute to internal initiatives and business planning.
• May lead training initiatives on various technical topics
• May participate in succession planning efforts.

Business Development & Marketing

• Build and maintain long term relationships with clients
• Participate in industry events and/or client interviews
• Identify opportunities for new clients and add-on services
• Participate in strategy development to expand business
• Highly sought after by clients

Other duties as assigned

What you have

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent level of experience
• Additional Experience/License
  • 15+ years of experience land development w/ Professional Engineering License,
• Additional certifications a plus, e.g QSP/QSD, PMP
• General knowledge of computers, Microsoft office, Adobe, Internet, etc.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam, required. Additional software a plus, e.g. Agtek, StormCAD, Hydrology/hydraulic modeling software.
• Proven record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Strong client relationships with repeat business
• High-level leadership and delegation
• Proven ability to bring in new clients and projects; expand business opportunities

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting (up to 8 hours a day for office staff)
• Interacting with technology (computer, cellphone, etc.)
• Ability to lift and/or carry items ( up to 20 lbs.)
• Prolonged periods of standing/walking (field checks)
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (field checks)
• Occasional travel e.g. driving to offices, jobsites, client meetings, etc.

Why Join Us?

• Great culture – Team Collaboration, Innovative problem solving, Responsive to clients, Passionate about work
• Competitive Pay ($170,000 - $200,000/year DOE + location)
• Paid Holidays
• Free office snacks
• Much more!

We welcome the opportunity to partner with recruitment agencies when additional support is needed. To ensure a consistent hiring process, all inquiries, including partnership opportunities and candidate submissions, must be directed to hiring@kierwright.com. In addition, Kier + Wright does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from agencies that do not have an executed agreement in place or have not been specifically engaged for a particular search. Any unsolicited candidate information submitted outside of this process may be considered the property of Kier + Wright, and no placement fee or other financial obligation will be incurred.

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