Senior Civil Engineer

The Positions: 

The City of Santa Clara is seeking to fill multiple Senior Civil Engineer positions to perform high-level civil engineering tasks to manage and support capital improvement projects. Current openings are in the Department of Public Works (DPW). Currently, DPW has one (1) open position in the Design Division, one (1) open position in the Land and Property Development Division, and two (2) open positions in the Traffic Division. 

The position in the Design Division – Infrastructure Bond Program Team will be responsible for the delivery and management of a wide range of capital improvement projects including water, sanitary sewer and storm drain systems, public-right-of-way infrastructure, transportation planning and infrastructure implementation, parks and recreation facilities, and other city-owned facilities and infrastructure including libraries, community centers, and police and fire stations, etc. 

The position is in the Land and Property Development Division will be responsible for the delivery and management of engineering plan review, permitting, and project management for private development and utility projects in the public right-of-way and City easements. Additionally, the position will establish conditions of approval for planning entitlement projects and manage DPW services at the City’s Permit Center.

The two positions in the Traffic Division will be within the planning section. One position will focus on managing, coordinating, and implementing the City’s recently adopted Vision Zero Plan in collaboration with various City departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders. The primary goal of the Vision Zero Plan is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050. The second position will focus on developing and implementing transportation plans and programs, reviewing private development applications and traffic studies, developing grant applications, and providing staff support of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. 

Under direct supervision of the principal engineer or other manager, the Senior Civil Engineer will work independently as a hands-on contributor to the engineering team’s work and will be in charge of engineering, construction, maintenance, and related activities. Senior Civil Engineers also have responsibility for the quality and quantity of the work of an engineering unit, as well as other supervisory duties, as distinguished from the next lower level, Associate Civil Engineers, who generally have responsibility for projects. 

The Department: 

Department of Public Works

The City of Santa Clara's Department of Public Works seeks a results-oriented and innovative engineer to serve out the Department's mission to provide the highest quality public works services to the residents and businesses of Santa Clara, the development community, and other stakeholders in a responsible and efficient manner. The Department has focus areas that include Engineering Services and Operations and Maintenance. Engineering Services is comprised of five divisions: Administration, Traffic, Design, Land and Property Development, and Field Services. Operations and Maintenance include public roadways, parkways and boulevards, City trees, street sweeping, environmental programs, storm drain systems, fleet, solid and mixed waste/recyclables, and City facilities. For more information about the Department of Public Works please visit the department website. 

DESIGN DIVISION – INFRASTRUCTURE BOND PROGRAM TEAM

The Design Division leads and manages capital improvement project delivery for a variety of City infrastructure projects related to transportation, roadways, pedestrians and bicycles, storm drains, sanitary sewers, buildings, libraries, public safety facilities, and parks to implement the City’s capital improvement program. The division also manages capital improvement planning and programming related to pavement management, storm drain facilities, and sanitary sewer systems and also coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the City’s Community Rating System (CRS) program to maintain or improve the City’s current Class 7 rating.

In November 2024, Santa Clara voters approved Measure I which authorized the issuance of $400 million General Obligation bonds to address the City’s infrastructure needs. The Bond program encompasses six categories: Streets and Transportation; Fire Stations and Emergency Response; Police Facilities; Parks, Library, Senior Center, and Aquatic Facilities; Storm Drain System Improvements; and Historic Buildings and Beautification. To support the delivery of these projects, an Infrastructure Bond Program Team was created to focus on these projects.

Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer of the Infrastructure Bond Program Team, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties to support the Bond program:

• Management and administration of projects from inception to award of construction contracts
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to CIP projects
• Procurement of consultant support services such as engineers and architects 
• Coordination with internal & external stakeholders
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Preparation of City Council agenda reports and engineering reports.

LAND & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The Land & Property Development Division is responsible for providing efficient and effective engineering services to support private development projects during the entitlement, design, and construction phases. The division works closely with customers, developers, utility companies and the community to ensure projects comply with local, state and federal standards. The division is also responsible for reviewing and approving encroachment permits, easements, street/easement abandonments, subdivision maps, processing encroachment agreements, collecting development-related fees, and collaborating with other Public Works divisions, as well as other City departments throughout all project phases. Additionally, the division provides customer counter services to the general public at the City’s permit center.

Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Reviewing plans submitted by private engineers and other public agencies for compliance with City standards and the City’s Engineering Design Criteria
• Coordination of engineering activities with other City departments and other public agencies having interest in the proposed work
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Preparation of City Council agenda reports and engineering reports
• Review of subdivision maps, easement documents, and other title documents
• Calculation and collection of development fees
• Management of the City’s Encroachment Permit Program
• Preparation and coordination of engineering conditions of approval for proposed development
• Distribution and presentation of technical information to other City departments and to the general public

TRAFFIC DIVISION

The Traffic Engineering Division provides traffic engineering, traffic impact analysis reviews, bicycle and pedestrian improvement planning, grant administration, and traffic signal maintenance and operation services for the City. The division also investigates resident/business inquiries related to street parking, traffic calming, intersection control, and bicycling and pedestrian travel on public streets. Finally, the division coordinates with other agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports, Caltrans, and the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale related to projects, programs, and grant opportunities. 

Under direct supervision of the Transportation Manager, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Preparation and management of preliminary, final design, and contract documents (plans, specifications, and cost estimates)
• Implementation of transportation plans and programs (i.e. Bicycle Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Vision Zero)
• Completion of studies and analyses of traffic engineering projects or problems, and prepares technical reports
• Coordination of transportation related engineering activities with other City departments and other public agencies
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to projects
• Operation and management of the City’s traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems, and other traffic control devices.
• Development and implementation of traffic signal timing parameters and coordination timing plans
• Supervision and training of engineering staff
• Review of plans submitted by private engineers and other public agencies for compliance with City standards related to public transportation facilities and infrastructure
• Preparation and administration of grant funding applications and reports
• Conducting field and office work
• Supporting the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Working with the public and consultants on various projects and transportation related inquiries.

FIELD SERVICES DIVISION

The Field Services Division provides construction management, construction inspection, materials testing, and surveying for capital improvement projects such as pavement rehabilitation, traffic signals, storm and sanitary sewers, parks, building improvements and other public improvements. The division also provides construction inspection and coordination for developer/utility/private construction of public improvements within the City’s right-of-way. 

Under direct supervision of the Principal Engineer, the Senior Civil Engineer performs the following duties:

• Contract Administration
• Preparation of budgets and cost monitoring related to CIP projects
• Construction Management
• Labor Compliance Program Management
• Supervision and training of field construction activities and engineering staff
• Coordination of public works construction projects with residents and businesses

Additional Information: 

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). Years of experience are considered on the basis of full-time-equivalent experience (2080 hours per year). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Resume and 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of November 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM. 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

The annual salary range for this position is $179,200.56 - $228,826.56. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range. 

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications
• A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering office and field work performing professional level engineering work, and

Possible Substitutions
• A Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of experience

LICENSES& CERTIFICATION
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Other licenses and certificates directly related to the Civil Engineering field (e.g. Geotechnical Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Structural Engineer, Land Surveyor, Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer (QSD), Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP)) are desirable
• Current city employees appointed to Senior Civil Engineer prior to September 1, 2015 are waived of the required Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California

OTHER REQUIRMENTS
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and odd and unusual hours in the performance of duties and emergency situations

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or [email protected].