Senior Civil Engineer

Salary : $179,200.56 - $228,826.56 Annually
Location : 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 51-26-322
Department: Public Works/Engineering
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 4
Weighting Plan: 100% Oral


Description
The Positions:


The City of Santa Clara is seeking to fill multiple Senior Civil Engineer positions to perform high-level civil engineering tasks to manage and support capital improvement projects. Current openings are in the Department of Public Works (DPW). Currently, DPW has one (1) open position in the Design Division, one (1) open position in the Land and Property Development Division, and two (2) open positions in the Traffic Division.


The position in the Design Division - Infrastructure Bond Program Team will be responsible for the delivery and management of a wide range of capital improvement projects including water, sanitary sewer and storm drain systems, public-right-of-way infrastructure, transportation planning and infrastructure implementation, parks and recreation facilities, and other city-owned facilities and infrastructure including libraries, community centers, and police and fire stations, etc.


The position is in the Land and Property Development Division will be responsible for the delivery and management of engineering plan review, permitting, and project management for private development and utility projects in the public right-of-way and City easements. Additionally, the position will establish conditions of approval for planning entitlement projects and manage DPW services at the City's Permit Center.

The two positions in the Traffic Division will be within the planning section. One position will focus on managing, coordinating, and implementing the City's recently adopted Vision Zero Plan in collaboration with various City departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders. The primary goal of the Vision Zero Plan is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050. The second position will focus on developing and implementing transportation plans and programs, reviewing private development applications and traffic studies, developing grant applications, and providing staff support of the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.


Under direct supervision of the principal engineer or other manager, the Senior Civil Engineer will work independently as a hands-on contributor to the engineering team's work and will be in charge of engineering, construction, maintenance, and related activities. Senior Civil Engineers also have responsibility for the quality and quantity of the work of an engineering unit, as well as other supervisory duties, as distinguished from the next lower level, Associate Civil Engineers, who generally have responsibility for projects.


The Department:


Department of Public Works

The City of Santa Clara's Department of Public Works seeks a results-oriented and innovative engineer to serve out the Department's mission to provide the highest quality public works services to the residents and businesses of Santa Clara, the development community, and other stakeholders in a responsible and efficient manner. The Department has focus areas that include Engineering Services and Operations and Maintenance. Engineering Services is comprised of five divisions: Administration, Traffic, Design, Land and Property Development, and Field Services. Operations and Maintenance include public roadways, parkways and boulevards, City trees, street sweeping, environmental programs, storm drain systems, fleet, solid and mixed waste/recyclables, and City facilities. For more information about the Department of Public Works please visit the department


DESIGN DIVISION - INFRASTRUCTURE BOND PROGRAM TEAM

The Design Division leads and manages capital improvement project delivery for a variety of City infrastructure projects related to transportation, roadways, pedestrians and bicycles, storm drains, sanitary sewers, buildings, libraries, public safety facilities, and parks to implement the City's capital improvement program. The division also manages capital improvement planning and programming related to pavement management, storm drain facilities, and sanitary sewer systems and also coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the City's Community Rating System (CRS) program to maintain or improve the City's current Class 7 rating.

In November 2024, Santa Clara voters approved Measure I which authorized the issuance of $400 million General Obligation bonds to address the City's infrastructure needs. The Bond program encompasses six categories: Streets and Transportation; Fire Stations and Emergency Response; Police Facilities; Parks, Library, Senior Center, and Aquatic Facilities; Storm Drain System Improvements; and Historic Buildings and Beautification. To support the delivery of these projects, an Infrastructure Bond Program Team was created to focus on these projects.

Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer of the Infrastructure Bond Program Team, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties to support the Bond program:

• Management and administration of projects from inception to award of construction contracts
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to CIP projects
• Procurement of consultant support services such as engineers and architects
• Coordination with internal & external stakeholders
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Preparation of City Council agenda reports and engineering reports.

LAND & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The Land & Property Development Division is responsible for providing efficient and effective engineering services to support private development projects during the entitlement, design, and construction phases. The division works closely with customers, developers, utility companies and the community to ensure projects comply with local, state and federal standards. The division is also responsible for reviewing and approving encroachment permits, easements, street/easement abandonments, subdivision maps, processing encroachment agreements, collecting development-related fees, and collaborating with other Public Works divisions, as well as other City departments throughout all project phases. Additionally, the division provides customer counter services to the general public at the City's permit center.

Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Reviewing plans submitted by private engineers and other public agencies for compliance with City standards and the City's Engineering Design Criteria
• Coordination of engineering activities with other City departments and other public agencies having interest in the proposed work
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Preparation of City Council agenda reports and engineering reports
• Review of subdivision maps, easement documents, and other title documents
• Calculation and collection of development fees
• Management of the City's Encroachment Permit Program
• Preparation and coordination of engineering conditions of approval for proposed development
• Distribution and presentation of technical information to other City departments and to the general public

TRAFFIC DIVISION

The Traffic Engineering Division provides traffic engineering, traffic impact analysis reviews, bicycle and pedestrian improvement planning, grant administration, and traffic signal maintenance and operation services for the City. The division also investigates resident/business inquiries related to street parking, traffic calming, intersection control, and bicycling and pedestrian travel on public streets. Finally, the division coordinates with other agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports, Caltrans, and the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale related to projects, programs, and grant opportunities.


Under direct supervision of the Transportation Manager, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Preparation and management of preliminary, final design, and contract documents (plans, specifications, and cost estimates)
• Implementation of transportation plans and programs (i.e. Bicycle Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Vision Zero)
• Completion of studies and analyses of traffic engineering projects or problems, and prepares technical reports
• Coordination of transportation related engineering activities with other City departments and other public agencies
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to projects
• Operation and management of the City's traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems, and other traffic control devices.
• Development and implementation of traffic signal timing parameters and coordination timing plans
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Review of plans submitted by private engineers and other public agencies for compliance with City standards related to public transportation facilities and infrastructure
• Preparation and administration of grant funding applications and reports
• Conducting field and office work
• Supporting the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Working with the public and consultants on various projects and transportation related inquiries.

FIELD SERVICES DIVISION

The Field Services Division provides construction management, construction inspection, materials testing, and surveying for capital improvement projects such as pavement rehabilitation, traffic signals, storm and sanitary sewers, parks, building improvements and other public improvements. The division also provides construction inspection and coordination for developer/utility/private construction of public improvements within the City's right-of-way.


Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Contract Administration
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to CIP projects
• Construction Management
• Labor Compliance Program Management
• Supervision and training of field construction activities and engineering staff
• Coordination of public works construction projects with residents and businesses

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write "see resume, NA, or personnel file."). Years of experience are considered on the basis of full-time-equivalent experience (2080 hours per year). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Resume and 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of November 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM.


THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

The annual salary range for this position is $179,200.56 - $228,826.56. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Typical Duties
Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications
• A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering office and field work performing professional level engineering work, and

Possible Substitutions
• A Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of experience

LICENSES& CERTIFICATION
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Other licenses and certificates directly related to the Civil Engineering field (e.g. Geotechnical Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Structural Engineer, Land Surveyor, Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer (QSD), Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP)) are desirable
• Current city employees appointed to Senior Civil Engineer prior to September 1, 2015 are waived of the required Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California

OTHER REQUIRMENTS
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and odd and unusual hours in the performance of duties and emergency situations
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #4
Professional Engineers
This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #4 employees in 2026. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay
• Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
  • Employee pays 6.20% up to $11,439 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
• To be eligible for the City's contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2024 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for 1x annual salary up to $250,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• Employee pays 1.3% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
• 7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:

• Benefit is 60% of basic wage up to $13,333; max $8,000/month
• City paid benefit. City pays $.207/$100 of insured earnings
• 60 calendar day waiting period
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
• Additionally, the City contributes $330.00 a month toward the employee's 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,400 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $7,500 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $340 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
  • For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
• Maximum vacation accrual is 400 hours
• Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 60 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar year

Sick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
• Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)
• Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service

Compensatory Time Off (CTO):

• Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours up to a maximum of 240 hours
• 16 hours of PCTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year and an additional 32 hours of floating holiday for calendar year 2025

Personal Safety Equipment Reimbursement:

• $400 per calendar year Personal Safety Equipment & Raingear Allowance. See MOU for details

Professional Registration:

• The City will pay cost of Professional Engineer registration fee. Employees eligible for $3,600 per year in premium pay for attaining and continued maintenance and possession of Professional Engineering Certification

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $438/month in 2026 (amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $262/month in 2026 (amount adjusted annually)

Alternate Work Schedule:

• An employee, subject to the conditions of the employee's job assignment, may propose an alternate work schedule as described in City Manager's Directive #71. Proposal must be made to the Department Head through the immediate supervisor

Resident Status:

• Engineers will be permitted to pay the "resident" rate rather than the non-resident rate for City programs and activities so long as the employee's sign-up or participation will not interfere with a resident's access to or ability to participate in the applicable program or activity

01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question completely, and in your own words (without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Microsoft AI, or any other AI tool), and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

• Yes
• No

02


Please select the option below that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Senior Civil Engineer.

• I possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) AND I possess five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering office and field work performing professional level engineering work
• I possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) AND I possess a Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering office and field work performing professional level engineering work.
• I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

03


Please describe how your education and/or experience meet the minimum qualifications of this position.
04


Do you have a valid California Class C driver's license, or can you obtain one prior to appointment to the position, if selected?

• Yes
• No

05


Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at the time of appointment and for duration of employment. Are you a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California or will you obtain this registration by the time of appointment, if selected?

• Yes
• No

06


Please select all of the current vacancies you are applying for:

• DPW Design Division - Infrastructure Bond Program Team
• DPW Land, Property and Development Division
• DPW Traffic Division - Planning Section
• DPW Traffic Division - Vision Zero Plan

07


Describe your experience managing multiple projects with competing priorities.
08


Describe your experience working on projects in collaboration with other internal Divisions/Departments and/or external outside agencies.
09


Describe your experience applying for and administering Federal, State, or Regional grants.
10


Describe your experience in developing and managing public works consultant contracts, delivering capital improvement projects and managing project and program budgets that involve multiple disciplines including various infrastructure such as underground utilities, public buildings, parks, roadways, and traffic devices.
11


Describe your experience reviewing and processing private development projects, including engineering plan check and encroachment permit applications.
Required Question