Senior Engineering Manager

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  [email protected] . 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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