Principal Civil Design Engineer – Site Planning & Land Development

Full time | Nexus Corp LLC | United States

Posted On 02/18/2026

Employment Type

W2

Work Authorization US Citizen

Work Experience 5+ years

City Pleasant Hill

State/Province California

94523

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Civil Design Engineer to build and lead a civil engineering design practice focused on site planning, land development, and general earthwork. This is a leadership role responsible for developing the business line, driving revenue growth, managing technical execution, and serving as Engineer of Record on projects.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven business development and team leadership capabilities.

Practice Leadership & Business Development

• Build and serve as Practice Lead for a civil engineering design business line focused on:
• Grading & drainage
• Paving & earth stabilization
• Hydrology & hydraulics
• Underground utility civil design
• Define service offerings and develop short- and long-term growth strategies.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor engineering staff to support practice growth.
• Identify and cultivate key internal personnel and subcontractor partnerships.
• Partner with Business Development to develop client pursuit strategies.
• Participate in industry outreach events to build local contacts and generate opportunities.
• Maintain active industry relationships to promote company capabilities and capture future work.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop proposals, SOQs, and marketing materials.
• Support sales planning, forecasting, and revenue target development.

Project & Technical Leadership

• Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules.
• Evaluate feasibility and develop design options for client consideration.
• Prepare and review civil design drawings and construction specifications.
• Review plans for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with codes and standards.
• Direct field measurements and surveys as needed.
• Review construction submittals and ensure conformance with contract documents.
• Prepare and review correspondence, reports, and project documentation.
• Attend meetings with governmental agencies to obtain approvals.
• Develop cost and quantity estimates in collaboration with construction estimators.
• Serve as Engineer of Record
  .

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) Registration in California.
• 15+ years of relevant engineering consulting experience.
• 5+ years managing a similar civil design business line in direct responsible charge.
• Demonstrated success building or expanding a civil engineering practice (highly preferred).
• Experience managing teams of engineers at various levels.
• Strong technical proficiency in:
• CAD drafting software
• Hydraulic modeling applications
• Exceptional attention to detail in reviewing plans and calculations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of market conditions and business growth strategy.
• Established professional network capable of generating business opportunities.
• Willingness to travel for client and project meetings.
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
• Ability to pass pre-employment alcohol/drug screening.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Establishing and scaling a profitable civil engineering design practice.
• Developing strong client relationships and securing new work.
• Building and mentoring a high-performing technical team