Land Development - Civil Senior Project Engineer

PLSA is hiring a Senior Project Engineer (Land Development - Civil) to join its Cardiff team. In this onsite role in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, you will lead civil design efforts across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, coordinate plan reviews and approvals, and support delivery through the construction phase. The position includes a competitive base salary of $105,000 to $125,000 per year depending on experience, along with benefits designed to support your health, work-life needs, and long-term growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complete design packages and technical studies for land development projects, including site layout, grading, utilities, and stormwater systems.
• Prepare or review technical reports such as hydrology, hydraulics, sewer, and stormwater management studies, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, and public agencies to respond to plan check comments and support timely approvals.
• Create construction documents, engineering exhibits, and constraint maps using field data and technical research.
• Provide construction-phase support including RFIs, site visits, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to address complex design and permitting challenges with minimal supervision.
• With the Project Manager, provide day-to-day technical guidance to junior engineers, including task delegation, quality review, and workload oversight.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to track team progress, resolve coordination issues, and support junior staff development.
• Mentor and train interns, Design Engineers, and Senior Design Engineers to strengthen technical acumen and project ownership.
• Communicate design direction clearly and support cross-functional collaboration while adhering to company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain documentation in line with company protocols and regulatory guidelines; participate in internal training and continuous process improvement.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality; perform additional duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental engineering from an accredited institution.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in land development, with experience particularly in Southern California.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing project deadlines and deliverables, including junior staff support.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and consultants.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Manual dexterity to operate drafting and office equipment; visual acuity to read drawings and technical documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; ability to bend, stoop, and reach for files, drawings, and materials.
• Occasional site visits requiring PPE.
• Regular speaking and hearing required for collaboration and communication.
• Ability to commute to and relocate to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 before starting work (required).
• Work location is in person.

Tools and technologies

• AutoCAD
• Civil 3D
• Bluebeam

Compensation and benefits

PLSA is committed to pay equity and provides a base compensation range of $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year depending upon experience.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application note: Unsolicited applications from third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. PLSA does not accept responsibility for any fees related to unsolicited resumes submitted by outside recruiters or agencies.