Principal Project Engineer

RICK Engineering Company seeks a Principal Project Engineer on site in San Diego, CA to lead a multi-disciplinary team on landmark projects in the region. This role emphasizes meaningful project delivery, client and public-agency collaboration, and hands-on leadership. The position offers a generous benefits package and opportunities for professional growth, including medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k), life and disability insurance, personal leave, plus holiday parties, team-building activities, and an alternative work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Direct the creation and management of construction documents and contracts
• Oversee construction support activities and field coordination
• Drive project schedules and budgets to achieve milestones
• Prepare contracts, fee proposals, and scopes of work
• Interact with clients and public agencies to advance project goals
• Lead design and support staff across multi-discipline efforts
• Conduct conceptual and preliminary engineering studies considering land use, zoning, site constraints, infrastructure needs, and regulatory considerations
• Prepare and process regulatory plans and public improvement plans (private and public)
• Perform constructability reviews and coordinate a range of construction support services
• Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D; CAD experience is required
• Apply civil engineering principles and procedures to design work
• Leverage business and management practices related to strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production, hiring, and team coordination
• Assume responsibility for directing the design team, setting realistic goals, and making independent decisions
• Maintain thorough knowledge of jurisdictional processing and negotiate effectively
• Demonstrate strong leadership, respond constructively to feedback, and manage time efficiently
• Foster positive relationships with colleagues and public agency personnel
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal forms
• Leverage CAD capabilities to prepare exhibits, studies, and final plans

Requirements

• BSCE degree
• California Professional Civil Engineer registration or ability to obtain within six months
• Eight to twelve years of relevant experience, or twelve to fifteen years equivalent in this industry

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• Civil 3D

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Medical, dental, vision coverage, profit sharing, 401(k), life and disability insurance, and personal leave
• Holiday parties, team-building activities, and an alternative work schedule

What we offer

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k), life and disability insurance, and personal leave
• Company-sponsored holiday events, team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Independent thought and decision-making abilities
• Strong leadership and supervisory capability with at least three years of experience managing technical staff
• Proven project management skills
• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with clients, public-agency personnel, and in-house teams

Additional Skills

• Apply engineering principles and civil design techniques
• Knowledge of strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production processes, interviewing and hiring, and coordinating teams
• Take ownership of design team direction and planning; set realistic goals and make independent decisions
• Deep understanding of jurisdictional processing and negotiation
• Demonstrated leadership and effective time management, with receptiveness to feedback
• Strong interpersonal respect and confidence among coworkers and public agencies
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities
• Proficiency in CAD for preparing exhibits, studies, and final plans