WHAT WE DO

Since 1986, PLSA has provided a wide range of land development consulting services in Southern California for landowners, real estate developers, and public agencies to bring their creative visions to life. Through problem solving and innovative design approaches, we transform underutilized land into new communities, workplaces, schools, revitalized infrastructure, commercial facilities and public amenities. Throughout the company’s history, PLSA has consistently upheld three core principles:

• Commitment to our clients
• Commitment to our employees
• Commitment to the quality of our work.

At PLSA, we partner with our clients in the complete cycle of the development of their project, from preliminary project planning and entitlement through precise civil engineering design and construction administration. As innovative design specialists, the professionals at PLSA are an integral part of the development team. We provide solutions to the unique challenges specific to the Southern California region, and ensure

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Engineer with 6+ years of land development design experience to join our Cardiff team. If you’re passionate about designing and developing thriving communities and want to work with a like-minded team, we want to hear from you!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Senior Project Engineer, you will:

• Lead the preparation of full design packages and technical studies for residential, commercial, and mixed-use land development projects, including site layout, grading, utility, and stormwater systems.
• Prepare or review technical reports, including hydrology, hydraulics, sewer, and stormwater management studies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, and public agencies to address plan check comments and streamline approvals.
• Produce construction documents, engineering exhibits, and constraint maps based on field data and techincal research.
• Provide construction-phase support, including RFIs, site visits, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Apply advanced engineering judgement to resolve complex design and permitting challenges with minimal supervision.

Team Leadership

• In coordination with the Project Manager, provide day-to-day technical guidance to junior engineers, including task delegation, quality review, and workload oversight.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to manage team progress, resolve coordination issues, and support junior staff development.
• Mentor and train interns, Design Engineers, and Senior Design Engineers to build technical acumen and project ownership.
• Communicate design direction clearly and support cross-functional collaboration.

Administrative and Operational

• Adhere to and model company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain documentation consistent with company protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in internal training initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Preform additional duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental engineering from an accredited institution
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• 6+ years of progression experience in land development, particularly in Southern California.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing project deadlines, deliverables, and junior staff.
• Strong client, agency, and consultant relationship skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Manual dexterity to operate drafting and office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read drawings and technical documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds
• Occasional site visits, with required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach for files, drawings, and materials.
• Regular speaking and hearing required for collaboration and communication.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

PLSA is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, reproductive decision-making, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Compensation

PLSA is committed to pay equity, and as part of this commitment, have provided the annual base compensation range of $105,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year depending upon experience.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. PLSA does not accept responsibility for any fees related to unsolicited resumes submitted by outside recruiters or agencies.

Pay: $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Project Engineering: 6 years (Required)
• Civil engineering: 6 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person