Engineering Project Manager

The Opportunity

A well-established San Diego real estate development company is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to oversee the engineering and development process across a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial projects.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this individual will take ownership of multiple projects at varying stages of development, helping guide them from initial due diligence and entitlement through design, construction and final bond release.

The company's current portfolio includes multifamily, single-family, retail and master-planned developments throughout the San Diego region.

This is not a traditional engineering position focused primarily on sitting behind a desk and producing design work. The Engineering Project Manager will serve as an important link between ownership, outside engineering consultants, contractors, agencies and other project stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical credibility along with the confidence, communication skills and relationship-building ability to effectively represent the company and keep projects moving forward.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Consultant Management

• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously at varying stages, with involvement on the engineering side across the company's active development portfolio
• Lead and evaluate outside consultants across civil, structural, geotechnical and electrical disciplines
• Review consultant work product and identify potential errors, deficiencies or issues requiring resolution
• Coordinate contractors during construction and ensure improvements conform to approved plans and specifications
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, field personnel, agency representatives, property owners and company leadership

Budget & Schedule Management

• Own and manage project budgets and schedules, tracking progress and proactively addressing potential risks or delays
• Understand appropriate consultant fees and realistic timeframes for scoping, design and bidding
• Maintain a working understanding of material costs, procurement requirements and lead/delivery timeframes

Technical Oversight

• Apply strong working knowledge of grading design and earthwork
• Apply strong working knowledge of water quality, hydrology and hydraulics
• Maintain broader knowledge of site and land development engineering, including wet and dry utilities, stormwater management and SWPPP requirements
• Maintain sufficient working knowledge of structural, electrical and geotechnical engineering principles to effectively evaluate and manage consultant recommendations
• Understand utility coordination and service installation processes, including coordination with SDG&E
• Maintain working knowledge of ADA requirements and their application to site design

Entitlements, Agreements & Compliance

• Help navigate and manage the entitlement process from application through approval
• Coordinate and negotiate agreements with municipalities, agencies and adjacent property owners
• Understand HOA infrastructure requirements and turnover processes
• Support Community Facilities District (CFD) formation and related requirements
• Help ensure projects remain in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements

Construction & Field Support

• Confirm improvements are constructed in accordance with approved plans
• Maintain an active presence on projects and work collaboratively with field teams and contractors
• Be willing to step in and assist with hands-on project needs when necessary

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field
• Approximately 4–6+ years of relevant experience in civil engineering, construction, land development or a related environment
• Strong technical foundation in grading/earthwork and/or water quality, hydrology, hydraulics and stormwater
• Experience managing projects and coordinating the work of consultants and other technical professionals
• Ability to read, understand and critically evaluate civil plans, maps, specifications and other technical documents
• Experience interacting with municipalities, agencies and other outside stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence and professional presence to represent the company effectively in meetings with owners, consultants, agencies, contractors and other stakeholders
• Highly organized, proactive and comfortable taking ownership of problems through resolution
• California PE or EIT preferred, but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; Microsoft Project and Procore experience are a plus

Location & Work Environment

This position is based in San Diego, California and will involve regular time in the company's San Diego office as well as time at project sites throughout the region, including the Otay area. There may also be an opportunity to work periodically from a secondary office in the Otay area.

This is a hands-on, highly interactive position and is best suited for someone who enjoys moving between the technical, business and field sides of development rather than working exclusively behind a desk.

Why This Opportunity?

This position offers an experienced engineering professional the opportunity to move beyond a traditional consulting or design-focused role and gain broader exposure to the entire development lifecycle.

The Engineering Project Manager will have the opportunity to work directly with senior leadership, oversee outside consultants across multiple disciplines, participate in important technical and business decisions, and have visibility into projects from their earliest stages through construction and completion.

For someone who enjoys engineering but is equally energized by people, problem-solving, project ownership and seeing developments come to life, this offers a unique opportunity to apply that technical background from the owner/developer side.