Civil Project Engineer

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration. 

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com. 

We are seeking a Civil Design Engineer to join our NorCal Civil engineering team in Petaluma, CA. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for civil engineers to further their skills within our collaborative, supportive environment. You will work on a variety of site development and infrastructure projects with the opportunity to grow and take on increasing responsibilities. 

Our engineers work in dynamic teams with open communication and strong support from senior-level mentors.  These teams work directly with our clients on some of the most challenging projects in the region.  We promote decision-making at the level closest to the issue in order to most efficiently and effectively serve our clients, and to promote professional growth for our staff. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Project Engineer for multiple site development and/or infrastructure projects. 

• Lead and Contribute to Project Design: Take responsibility for design of civil engineering projects, including site planning, grading, drainage, stormwater and utility design, under the guidance of senior engineers. 

• Develop Engineering Calculations and Documentation: Prepare engineering calculations, detailed drawings, and specifications for site development and infrastructure projects using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other tools; support the preparation and review of technical reports. 

• Manage Project Coordination and Compliance: Support the design process for multiple projects, interact with project design teams and permitting agencies, and utilize internal design team members to delegate design tasks when appropriate to complete project deliverables. 

• Collaborate and Provide Mentorship: Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, collaborate with owners, contractors, consultants, and public agencies, and provide guidance to junior engineers to coordinate all aspects of project execution. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering 

• At least 3 years of relevant civil engineering design experience, preferably with site development projects. 

• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and MS Office Suite 

• Experience with sustainable design practices, meeting Low Impact Development (LID) and hydromodification, and the ability to prepare drainage reports and stormwater control plans. 

• Demonstrated experience in project design of various site development and/or infrastructure projects.   

• Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, codes, and industry best-practices. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities and collaboration skills.   

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.   

• Ability to work on multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously. 

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. 

• Knowledge of codes, regulations, and standards applicable to the design and construction of major site development projects in California.  

• Passion for mentoring and supporting other team members, and driven to achieve professional growth. 

• Self-starter and self-motivated. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer, reviewing plans, or attending meetings. 

• Occasionally visiting project sites and performing field observations, which may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain. 

• Occasionally lifting up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials. 

 

Additional information 

Compensation 

The base salary for this role is competitive, with a range of $85,000-125,000, determined by experience, education, and skills. KPFF also offers performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. Additional details about the full compensation package will be provided during the interview process. 

 

Culture and Benefits 

At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, support, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated, and career growth is encouraged. We aren’t just colleagues; we’re a community dedicated to collaborative innovation, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects. 

 

KPFF Employee Benefits 

• Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions. 

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. 

• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges. 

• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary, plus AD&D. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.  

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF. 

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays. 

• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income. 

#LI-BC1

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.