1

Chief Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Survey Chainman (Union)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction ... At the direction of the Chief of Party or Instrumentman, sets out or observes distances and ...

Field Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Serve as a Chief Operator/Engineer for assigned broadcast station(s), meticulously fulfilling all regulatory responsibilities. * Critical Site Management & Extensive Field Presence: * Conduct ...

Hotel Maintenance Technician

Napa, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Job overview As part of the Maintenance team, this position performs all necessary repairs and preventive maintenance as directed by the Chief Engineer/Engineering Supervisor to maintain a safe ...

Hotel Maintenance Technician

Napa, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Job overview As part of the Maintenance team, this position performs all necessary repairs and preventive maintenance as directed by the Chief Engineer/Engineering Supervisor to maintain a safe ...

Okara is an AI CMO that runs a team of specialized agents across every organic and social channel ... Turn what you find into a fix you ship yourself or in close partnership with an engineer, not just ...

Okara is an AI CMO that runs a team of specialized agents across every organic and social channel ... Turn what you find into a fix you ship yourself or in close partnership with an engineer, not just ...

Showing results 41-60

Chief Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$35.5K

$101.6K

$197.9K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $101,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $131,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Chief Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,620 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Survey Chainman (Union)

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

BKF
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$32.57 - $54.28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points, and recording accurate field notes.

  • Maintain, calibrate, and adjust precision surveying instruments to ensure proper functioning.

  • Perform survey activities in accordance with specific instructions and safety policies, including reading and interpreting technical maps and plans.


Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

The Survey Chainman in the NorCal Region to assists the Chief of Party and/or Instrumentman with field surveying activities by operating and handling modern measuring equipment, setting points, recording accurate field notes, and supporting safe, efficient completion of survey tasks in accordance with applicable procedures and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

  • At the direction of the Chief of Party or Instrumentman, sets out or observes distances and directions to predefined points or objects using mechanical measurement (e.g., calibrated steel tape) or electronic measurement using prism reflection
  • Records field notes accurately in both written and electronic formats
  • Cares for, maintains, calibrates, and adjusts precision surveying instruments
  • Performs all survey activities in accordance with specific instructions and required safety policies
  • Reads and interprets right-of-way maps, construction plans, survey notes, design plans, and other relevant technical information
  • Maintains assigned vehicles so they are fully operable, safe, and neat in appearance at all times

Requirements

  • Completion of required courses and training hours as stipulated by the Northern California, Local 3 Joint Apprenticeship Party Chief Training Program
  • Minimum of 2 years (4,000 work hours) of qualifying field experience, as defined by the Northern California Joint Apprenticeship Committee
  • Thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to office and field survey analysis; field surveying practices and techniques; and the use, capabilities, and adjustment of modern survey instruments
  • General knowledge of civil engineering plans, maps, and specifications, along with an understanding of land survey maps, topographic maps, and field survey notes
  • Works under total supervision, requiring direct first-line supervision of the steps necessary to perform the work, with periodic progress review. Makes routine survey and mapping decisions, and requires assistance with complex survey problems

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

  • The typical base salary range for this position is $32.57-$54.28 hourly, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
  • Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
  • Generous paid time off packages.
  • 9 Paid Holidays.
  • Flexible schedules.
  • Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
  • BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.

#LI-Hybrid