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Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

$135K/yr

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28/hr

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $35/hr

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

... subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development ... Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed ...

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Showing results 1-20

Subsurface Utility Engineer information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$95.5K

$164.8K

How much do subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface utility engineer in California is $95,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do subsurface utility engineers make?

Subsurface Utility Engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high infrastructure development activity.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most subsurface utility engineers earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, highly experienced professionals with advanced certifications, extensive project management responsibilities, or working in senior leadership roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such compensation is typically associated with senior-level positions in large firms or specialized consulting roles in the engineering industry.

What is a Subsurface Utility Engineer job?

A Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) is responsible for locating, mapping, and assessing underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. They use technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to identify buried infrastructure and prevent conflicts with construction projects. SUEs help reduce risks, improve project efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their work is essential in urban planning, civil engineering, and infrastructure development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Subsurface Utility Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering or surveying, a degree in a related field, and knowledge of underground utility location and mapping methods. Familiarity with geophysical surveying tools, GPS/GIS systems, utility designation standards, and certifications such as ASCE's UESI utility engineering credential are often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective verbal and written communication distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential to ensure accurate utility mapping, minimize project risks, and facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by Subsurface Utility Engineers in their daily work?

Subsurface Utility Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or outdated utility records, working in congested urban environments, and addressing unforeseen underground conditions during excavation or construction planning. They must closely collaborate with utility owners, municipal agencies, and construction teams to gather accurate data and resolve conflicts. This role often requires adaptability and quick problem-solving, as unexpected situations can affect project timelines and safety. Successfully navigating these challenges ensures smoother project delivery and minimizes costly utility conflicts or service disruptions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior subsurface utility engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in utility mapping, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, large project management, or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What does a subsurface utility engineer do?

A subsurface utility engineer (SUE) identifies, maps, and manages underground utility lines to prevent conflicts during construction projects. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility locating equipment, and often hold certifications such as the ASCE SUE certification. Their work involves detailed data analysis and coordination with construction teams to ensure safety and project efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California? For Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 93% Full Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,512 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Business Development Manager-Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Certerra Subsurface

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Certerra provides technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification services for new product development, engineering solutions to manage assets, and quality assurance for project delivery.

Working in partnership, we help you bring code compliant products to market faster, move into construction with confidence, keep your projects moving forwards and extend the life of your infrastructure assets.

With a nationwide office network and an expert team of over 1,000 people, we have the resources to deliver materially better outcomes, along with local knowledge that ensures the communities we serve are built to last.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for driving revenue growth by developing and maintaining relationships with engineering firms, construction companies, public agencies, utility owners, contractors, and infrastructure stakeholders. Promotes underground utility locating, utility mapping, vacuum excavation (potholing), and subsurface utility engineering (SUE) services while identifying new business opportunities, securing contracts, and expanding market share.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales & Business Development
  • Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve company revenue goals.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities with engineering consultants, general contractors, utility companies, municipalities, transportation agencies, and private developers.
  • Generate new business through prospecting, networking, industry events, referrals, and cold calling.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified opportunities.
  • Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
  • Conduct client presentations, capability statements, and project reviews.
  • Promote utility locating, SUE, potholing, utility mapping, and related services.

Client Relationship Management

  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, project managers, estimators, and procurement personnel.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts.
  • Monitor client satisfaction and address concerns promptly.
  • Maintain regular communication with existing clients to identify repeat business opportunities.
  • Track customer activities and opportunities using CRM software.

Proposal & Contract Development

  • Coordinate preparation of proposals, qualifications packages, RFQs, RFPs, and bid submissions.
  • Collaborate with operations and estimating teams to develop pricing and project scopes.
  • Review contract requirements and ensure alignment with company capabilities.
  • Negotiate service agreements and pricing when appropriate.

Market Development

  • Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.
  • Identify target markets and strategic accounts.
  • Develop marketing initiatives to increase company visibility.
  • Participate in industry associations and trade organizations

Internal Coordination

  • Work closely with operations, project managers, dispatchers, and field personnel to ensure successful project execution.
  • Communicate client expectations, project requirements, and schedules.
  • Assist with collections and account management when necessary.
  • Provide accurate sales forecasts and pipeline reporting to executive management.

Preferred

  • Existing relationships with engineering firms, public agencies, utility owners, transportation agencies, and contractors.
  • Knowledge of:

o ASCE 38 Utility Quality Levels (QL-A, QL-B, QL-C, QL-D)

o Utility conflict mitigation processes o Infrastructure and transportation projects

  • Experience working with public works and transportation agencies.

Education/Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of business development, sales, or account management experience.
  • Experience within construction, utility services, engineering consulting, geotechnical services, surveying, or infrastructure industries.
  • Strong understanding of underground utility locating vacuum excavation, potholing, utility coordination, or SUE services.
  • Proven ability to generate and close new business.
  • Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout assigned territory.
  • Ability to travel within California Region

Salary + Commission is paid for this position

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.