Senior Engineering Manager (LAND DEVELOPMENT) - Santa Clara, 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
Physical 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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