Job Description

Job Location: Newport Beach CA - Newport Beach, CA 92660
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary/yearJob Title: Project Engineer
Department: Civil Engineering
Reports to: Project Manager/Senior Project Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Project Engineer supports the civil engineering team by leading technical execution and coordination of site design projects. Reporting to a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager, this position is responsible for day to day project activities, quality control, and delivery of civil engineering design solutions. The Project Engineer oversees all phases of project design related to site development, applies licensed professional judgment to engineering decisions, and supports projects from initial design through construction and closeout. This role operates with a high degree of independence, while aligning closely with project leadership to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and regulatory compliance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the Project Engineer is expected to direct and coordinate the work of project team members, provide technical guidance, and support efficient execution of assigned project scope.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Project Design and Technical Execution
- Perform and oversee all phases of civil engineering design related to site development, including conceptual design, design development, and construction document production.
- Perform all project phases from design through contract document and specification production, shop drawing checks, site visitation, and project closeout with general oversight.
- Apply excellent technical knowledge of civil engineering principles to site layouts, grading plans, drainage systems, utility design, and related civil components.
- Make civil engineering design decisions independently, exercising licensed professional judgment, and elevate complicated or non standard issues to the Project Manager or Senior Project Manager as appropriate.
- Evaluate site constraints, jurisdictional requirements, and constructability considerations throughout the design process to support effective project outcomes.
Project Management Support and Coordination
- Possess practical management skills and plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of assigned project work to support on time and on budget delivery.
- Support Project Managers and Senior Project Managers by aligning technical execution with project goals, schedules, and budgets.
- Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in general terms and objectives, requiring the Project Engineer to determine appropriate execution methods.
- Self manage assigned project responsibilities from start to finish with oversight, maintaining accountability for technical deliverables and milestones.
- Participate in internal project meetings and contribute to problem solving and technical discussions.
Multidisciplinary and External Coordination
- Direct and coordinate the workload with other project team members to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across deliverables.
- Coordinate with internal disciplines such as structural, MEP, architecture, and landscape architecture to support integrated site design solutions.
- Coordinate with other internal and external team members, including consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies, as required by the project.
- Communicate technical requirements, constraints, and design intent clearly to support coordinated execution and minimize rework.
Quality Control and Documentation
- Coordinate, write, and edit civil engineering specifications to support clear, accurate, and coordinated construction documents.
- Perform quality control reviews of drawings, specifications, and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and firm requirements.
- Review shop drawings and submittals for conformance with design intent and contract documents.
- Support consistent documentation standards across projects by applying established templates, drafting practices, and quality expectations.
Construction Phase Services and Site Involvement
- Conduct site visits, as requested, to observe construction progress and verify conformance with contract documents.
- Assist with responses to contractor questions, requests for information, and field conditions related to civil engineering scope.
- Support construction administration activities in coordination with the Project Manager or Senior Project Manager.
- Contribute to project closeout activities, including record documents and resolution of remaining civil scope items.
Professional Conduct and Continuous Improvement
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and partners.
- Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
- Demonstrate strong problem solving and critical thinking skills when addressing technical and coordination challenges.
- Work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support project delivery and team objectives.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent technical knowledge within the field of civil engineering.
- Ability to coordinate, write, and edit specifications as applied to civil engineering.
- Strong leadership skills demonstrated through accountability, reliability, and the ability to meet deadlines while delivering high quality service to clients.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to interact professionally and with integrity.
- Strong planning, organizing, time management, and multitasking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to work, manage, and meet competing deadlines in a fast paced environment.
- Ability to self manage projects from start to finish with appropriate oversight.
- Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking ability.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
- Proficiency in current versions of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
- Proficient in stormwater management, ability to perform modeling in the appropriate software, and generating supporting reports.
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of building codes, zoning codes, and approval processes related to civil engineering.
- Understanding of building systems and site requirements related to civil engineering, including Structural, MEP, Civil, and Geotechnical considerations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant civil engineering experience, preferably in an architecture and engineering firm or a civil engineering and land development firm.
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required.
Working at GFWHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you’ll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.
Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.
We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.
BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.
Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.
Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.
Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.

BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.
HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.
Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information. Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process. We look forward to reviewing your information.