Project Engineer

City of Palo Alto • Palo Alto, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Services Division of the Public Works Department is recruiting for a Project Engineer to support the delivery of diverse, complex, and impactful Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This position will work on a variety of community-focused streets, sidewalks, transportation, and special projects that enhance public infrastructure, improve mobility, and advance the City's long-term goals. Additionally, the Project Engineer assists with managing consultant contracts and engaging with the public to provide information on programs and projects and gather community input. Responsibilities include preparing staff reports and requests for proposals; evaluating proposals for professional services; supporting consultant selection and contract administration; coordinating public outreach efforts; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; and maintaining project documentation and as-built records.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil, mechanical, or other approved engineering curriculum depending upon assigned area
• Equivalent to four years increasingly responsible engineering experience. (Note: PE Certificate or Master's Degree in Engineering may be considered in lieu of one year of experience.)
• Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California, or ability to obtain registration within one year of appointment to the classification or registration as a professional architect in the State of California.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and lead technical coordination with consultants, contractors, internal teams, and external agencies to resolve issues and support timely project delivery
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that support effective coordination with project team, management, the public, and stakeholders, including the ability to adapt complex technical information for non-technical audiences
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent CIP projects, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, and documentation control
• Demonstrated experience in construction management and contract administration, including field inspections, contractor coordination, progress payments, change orders, and project closeout
• Knowledge of roadway and drainage design, including curb and gutter systems, roadway grading and cross-slope drainage, and integration of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) features such as bioretention into transportation projects
• Ability to prepare clear plans, specifications, reports, and project documentation for CIP delivery
• Proficiency with engineering and project management tools such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, StreetSaver, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and Excel

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects from planning and design through construction and closeout, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Perform professional engineering work related to the design and delivery of public works projects, including researching data, verifying field conditions, and applying applicable engineering principles, codes, standards, and City policies
• In conjunction with City staff, develop and explore new concepts and ideas related to meeting new green building, environmental, and civil engineering standards and requirements
• Prepare, review, and coordinate project documents such as plans, specifications, engineer’s estimates, schedules, reports, assessments, and technical justifications to support project implementation
• Administer public works contracts and related procurement processes, including review of bid documents, preparation of contracts and amendments, writting staff reports, processing progress payments and change orders, and ensuring compliance with applicable City purchasing procedures and contract requirements
• Respond to inquiries from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders; prepare presentation and outreach materials; attend public meetings; and communicate project impacts and technical information in a clear and accessible manner
• Provide technical guidance and work direction to engineering and technical staff, and may perform the duties of Senior Engineer on a relief basis including performing related duties and responsibilities as required

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation plan.
• Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and career growth opportunities
• Potential enrollment for dependents in the Palo Alto Unified School District (pilot program, subject to change)
• $10,000 in childcare subsidies (pilot program, subject to change)
• Incentives for walking, biking and taking transit to work. The City of Palo Alto participates in the Clipper Bay Pass program ( Employee Cost: $5 per month).
• Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan: with competitive pension benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level