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Civil Engineering Executive Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qcells

Civil Engineer - Level 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate . This position reports to the Irvine, CA office but ...

Qcells

Civil Engineer - Level 2

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate. This position reports to the Irvine, CA office but ...

Qcells

Senior Civil Engineer - Level 4

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $170K/yr

This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate. This position reports to the Ankney, IA office but ...

Qcells

Senior Civil Engineer - Level 4

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate . This position reports to the Ankney , I A office but ...

HDR

Senior Site Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Proficient and demonstrated applied experience with CAD civil engineering software Autodesk Civil ... Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

HDR

Senior Site Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Proficient and demonstrated applied experience with CAD civil engineering software Autodesk Civil ... Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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Civil Engineering Executive information

What is a civil engineering executive?

Civil Engineering Executives are senior professionals who lead teams and oversee large-scale civil engineering projects, such as infrastructure development, construction, and urban planning. Their responsibilities include project management, strategic planning, budgeting, and ensuring that projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. They also liaise with clients, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure that objectives are met efficiently and sustainably. Civil Engineering Executives typically have extensive experience in engineering and management, as well as strong leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil engineering executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Executive, you need an advanced degree in civil engineering, extensive project management experience, and professional licensure (such as a PE), along with a solid understanding of engineering principles and regulations. Familiarity with project management software, CAD tools, and budgeting systems is crucial, as are certifications like PMP or LEED. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help in guiding teams and fostering stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure successful project delivery, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth in complex civil engineering environments.

What are some typical challenges a civil engineering executive faces when leading large-scale infrastructure projects?

Civil Engineering Executives often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They must balance budget constraints while maintaining high-quality outcomes and safety standards. Additionally, executives in this role are responsible for effective stakeholder communication and managing potential risks that can arise due to environmental, logistical, or technical factors. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to adapt to evolving project demands.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Executive vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Engineering ExecutiveCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, often with leadership or management certificationsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice management, strategic planning, overseeing projectsDesign, site supervision, technical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, consulting firms, government agencies for leadership rolesUsed across construction, design firms, government projects for technical roles

The Civil Engineering Executive focuses on leadership, strategic decision-making, and managing teams, while the Civil Engineer handles technical design, analysis, and project execution. Both roles require a civil engineering background, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Civil Engineering Executive jobs?

Cities in California with the most Civil Engineering Executive job openings:

Civil Engineering Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Executive job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Civil Engineering Lead (Civil Works)

Irvine, CA • On-site

HDR
Specialized Design Services • 5 - 10K employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about HDRexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
Primary Responsibilities

HDR is currently in need of a Civil Engineering Lead for its Dam, Levee, and Civil Works program supporting Southern California.  This Civil Lead will fill a strategic role responsible for leading and managing multi-discipline analysis within HDR's growing dam, levee, and civil works program. A track record in applying multi-disciplinary coordination, including site land development, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydraulic engineering, is a plus.  As the Civil Lead, the individual will also provide project management, business development, and mentoring to their team of supporting civil engineers and designers.

Civil design analysis and technical project execution responsibilities will include project design development, including project planning, scheduling, and preparation of final design analysis.  Projects may include various aspects of dams, spillways, outlet works, stormwater management systems, and other critical structures subject to hydraulic and earthquake forces.   Position will support project delivery activities through the delivery of high-quality services and technological development. Previous experience or familiarity with State Dam Safety, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers and/or FERC regulated projects and standards is a plus.

 Additional Positive Qualifications

  • Master of Science or higher in Civil Engineering /or equivalent level of experience
  • Willingness to obtain California PE registration (Multiple state/province registrations will be encouraged).
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in civil engineering projects involving site land development, water management, structural, geotechnical, and hydraulic disciplines.
  • Construction experience to identify potential claims is a plus.
  • Communicate effectively and able to coordinate tasks with multiple disciplines.
  • Experience with Bentley MicroStation, InRoads, Open Roads, AutoCAD Civil3D, and other civil engineering software as appropriate
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 7 years related experience
  • A minimum 2 years project management experience
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be plus)
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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