Technical Manager - Civil Engineer, Transportation

BKF Engineers • San Francisco, CA

58d • $130,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering 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. BKF Engineers is seeking a Transportation Technical Manager with deep expertise in Caltrans standards, design manuals, and local procedures to lead the technical delivery of complex transportation capital projects. This role focuses on high-impact infrastructure such as grade separations, signalized intersections, roundabouts, and major roadway improvements. The successful candidate will provide strategic technical leadership, mentor engineering staff, and collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure project excellence. This position is purely technical, with minimal to no business development responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing complex transportation projects, demonstrating technical excellence and consistent client satisfaction
• Deep knowledge of Caltrans Highway Design Manual, specifications, special provisions, and local agency procedures
• Proven success in delivering complex transportation projects, including highways, interchanges, signals, roundabouts, and grade separations
• Proficient in construction staging, traffic handling plans, and civil design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor staff and support project execution
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, with a talent for translating technical concepts for clients and stakeholders
• Skilled in project management software and adaptable to emerging technology tools
• Willingness to assist with special projects as needed
• Ability to travel between BKF offices and off-site locations as required

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead on transportation projects, ensuring designs align with Caltrans Highway Design Manual and other applicable standards
• Oversee and review plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for compliance with Caltrans specifications, special provisions, and project requirements
• Coordinate procurement and encroachment permitting processes for grade separations, roadway improvements, and specialized infrastructure in accordance with public agency procedures
• Conduct design reviews and quality checks to ensure engineering deliverables meet technical standards and project objectives
• Stay current with Caltrans updates, local agency manuals, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance
• Manage construction staging and traffic handling strategies to minimize public disruption and meet safety and schedule goals
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineering staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment
• Collaborate with internal project managers and multidisciplinary teams-including civil, traffic, and environmental-to deliver integrated design solutions
• Promote innovative design approaches such as roundabouts, adaptive traffic signals, and green infrastructure where appropriate
• Coordinate with public agencies including Caltrans, city/county authorities, and local municipalities to align on scope, schedule, and design
• Participate in internal and external project meetings, offering expert technical input and resolving design-related questions
• Support limited public outreach efforts to address community or stakeholder concerns related to project design and construction impacts
• Maintain organized project documentation in compliance with internal standards and public agency requirements
• Track technical milestones, manage design revisions, and communicate key updates to project teams and stakeholders

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k.
• BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for your dependents.
• Generous vacation and sick time packages.
• 8 Paid Holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees