ASSOCIATE ENGINEER/ PROJECT MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary Range $110,000-$130,000
Department Engineering
Job Type Full Time
Location Walnut, CA
Schedule 4/10 Work Schedule (In-Office)
Reports To: Cesar Ortiz, Engineering Manager
 

About RKA Consulting Group

RKA Consulting Group is a leader in municipal engineering, providing comprehensive engineering solutions for public works, infrastructure, and private development projects. We collaborate with cities, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure high-quality, sustainable projects that enhance community development.

We are seeking an Associate Engineer/ Project Manager to oversee a wide range of public works projects, including streets, storm drains, sanitary sewers, water supply systems, traffic signals, and other municipal infrastructure improvements. This role requires strong leadership skills to manage projects, supervise inspectors, and coordinate with engineers, contractors, and utility companies.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter with exceptional project management expertise, technical knowledge, and the ability to drive projects to completion efficiently.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project & Construction Management

• Serve as the resident engineer/construction manager for public works projects managed by the engineering department.
• Oversee the design, planning, and execution of capital improvement projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Conduct constructability reviews of engineering and construction documents to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and compliance.
• Supervise public works inspectors on public improvement projects.
• Manage contracts, surveys, change orders, project budgets, and schedules, ensuring timely and cost-effective project completion.
• Perform periodic site inspections to verify compliance with bid documents, specifications, and municipal standards.

Engineering Review & Compliance

• Provide technical review (plan checking) of construction documents, including streets, storm drains, water supply systems, traffic control plans, and erosion control measures.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, safety codes, and engineering best practices.
• Coordinate with utility companies to facilitate relocations or protections of existing infrastructure.

Stakeholder Coordination & Public Engagement

• Act as a liaison between contractors, engineers, city officials, and public agencies to resolve project-related challenges.
• Attend pre-construction and progress meetings to clarify project objectives and inspection requirements.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding construction activities, right-of-way issues, and departmental operations.
• Communicate project updates, potential impacts, and safety concerns to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

Leadership, Supervision & Team Development

• Lead and mentor engineering staff, inspectors, and junior engineers, providing guidance and professional development.
• Develop training programs and best practices to enhance team efficiency and technical expertise.
• Ensure collaboration within the engineering department and across project teams.

Plan & Specification Review

• Review engineering plans, blueprints, and specifications for accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
• Identify and recommend design modifications to improve functionality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Oversight

• Ensure adherence to SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan), LID/WQMP, ADA, and traffic safety regulations.
• Monitor erosion control measures and environmental protections on construction sites.

Ongoing Learning & Professional Development

• Stay current on engineering standards, municipal codes, and evolving industry best practices.
• Obtain and maintain relevant certifications for continued career growth.

Perform other duties as assigned.
 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• Valid California Driver's License (required).

Preferred certifications

• Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) or Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD)
• California Licensed Traffic Engineer
• California Licensed Surveyor

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional engineering experience in municipal public works, infrastructure projects, or construction management.
• Strong background in design, contract management, and regulatory compliance.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Expertise in civil engineering principles, construction management, and public infrastructure.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to review bid packages, engineering reports, and cost estimates.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills to mentor staff, manage inspectors, and drive projects forward.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented problem solver with a strong understanding of municipal engineering, public works construction, and regulatory compliance. They are highly organized, proactive, and committed to leading successful infrastructure projects that serve the community.
 

Why Join RKA Consulting Group?

We value our employees and provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Market-competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with employer match
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Discretionary Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• 4/10 work schedule (In-Office)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

At RKA, we foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment where employees are supported and valued. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status. If you need reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us.