Principal Project Manager Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member's professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF's decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.

We are seeking a highly qualified and licensed Land Surveyor to join on our Northern California Civil group and lead our Survey group and provide services to our internal civil engineers and clients located throughout Northern California. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in business development, training, managing, and overseeing our surveyors while contributing to the continued success of KPFF. This role also offers the opportunity to build a survey practice in the Bay Area, supported by the San Francisco Civil team and leadership across Northern California.

The majority of our survey projects are initiated by the civil engineering teams in Northern California. These projects typically involve boundary and topographical surveys, mapping, easement assessments, and construction staking, all of which are in support of KPFF-designed projects. The Survey Manager, given the requisite skills and ambition, will have the opportunity to establish a thriving venture within one or both of our Northern California offices. Our local principals in San Francisco and Sacramento will offer valuable mentorship and training. Additionally, we have other Survey Managers in various offices who hold the position of principals/shareholders and are enthusiastic about guiding a committed professional towards success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, train, and mentor a team of surveyors, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to engage with clients and maintain strong relationships.
• Write project proposals and collaborate with clients to meet their surveying needs.
• Function as surveyor of record on survey projects throughout Northern California, providing technical expertise and guidance to ensure high quality and professionalism.

• 10+ years of survey experience with a minimum of 2 years of Project Surveyor experience.
• Experience with Land Surveying workflows and performing QA/QC.
• Licensed California Land Surveyor with a strong reputation in the field.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams of professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to market services to clients effectively. 
• Valid driver's license for work-related travel or equipment use

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Responsibilities take place in both office and field environments. Office work includes extended periods of time at a desk, computer, or meeting table.
• Field work may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and navigating uneven or rough terrain during site visits, surveys, or construction-related activities.
• May occasionally lift or carry surveying equipment or field gear up to 30 pounds.
• Travel to project sites, client offices, or industry events is expected, which may involve driving or occasional air travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in running a business.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $135,000 to $160,000, aligned with candidates who bring at least 10 years of extensive surveying experience, a strong history of leading field and office teams, and the ability to manage complex projects with technical and operational oversight. Final compensation will also consider education, professional licensure, and the full range of a candidate's skills. We offer performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions.

For those who demonstrate long-term leadership and impact, KPFF also provides pathways to ownership, creating opportunities to share directly in the firm's growth. We will review the full compensation package and answer any questions during the interview process. In addition, KPFF provides a bonus program for employees based on the profitability of their Reporting Center and the contributions of the employee to its success.

Culture and Benefits

At KPFF, your career growth and well-being matter. We offer a supportive environment that values autonomy, innovation, and teamwork. Here, your contributions are celebrated, your ideas are welcomed, and your career has room to grow.

• Mentorship & Growth: Through KPFF's Forefront Education Program, you'll have access to continuous learning, leadership development, and opportunities to advance your career while helping others do the same.
• Strong Connections: We believe in trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships, both with our clients and within our teams. Open communication and teamwork are at the heart of how we operate.
• Supportive Culture: Your well-being matters. We encourage balance, provide resources for a healthy lifestyle, and create opportunities to connect through social activities and community events.

KPFF Benefits
We're proud to offer flexible and competitive benefits, including:

• Medical Plan Options: PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care plus coverage for major services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year's salary.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match required.
• Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.
• Engineering License Support: Fee renewals, plus financial assistance for professional license applications and exams.

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KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.