Principal Project Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Are you ready to take the next step in your civil engineering career with a firm that values leadership, mentorship, and meaningful work? We’re partnering with a well-respected, multi-disciplinary firm that is seeking a Principal Project Engineer / Project Manager to join their team in the Riverside area. This is a confidential search for a leadership position focused specifically on Land Development projects —both public and private.

You’ll be part of a collaborative team that works on impactful, high-profile developments across the Inland Empire and beyond. If you're looking to grow within a forward-thinking environment while leading teams and working directly with clients, this may be the right fit.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE)

• Professional Civil Engineer license in California (or ability to obtain within 6 months)

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in Civil Engineering, with a clear emphasis on Land Development

• Minimum of 3 years in a project management or supervisory role

• Strong client management and public agency coordination skills

What You’ll Be Doing:

Project Management & Leadership:

• Oversee design and production of construction documents for land development projects

• Manage contracts, scopes of work, schedules, and budgets

• Supervise and mentor engineering and design staff

• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and fee estimates

• Lead client and agency meetings and maintain ongoing relationships

• Perform constructability reviews and support during construction

Technical Responsibilities:

• Conceptual and preliminary site planning (zoning, constraints, infrastructure, and regulatory review)

• Preparation and processing of improvement plans (grading, street, sewer, water, storm drain)

• Coordination with planners, surveyors, architects, and other consultants

• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D is required

Ideal Candidate Traits:

• Deep understanding of California jurisdictional codes and entitlement processes

• Proven success leading land development projects from design through construction

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Ability to lead a team and grow client relationships

• Comfortable working independently and making key decisions