Demo

Senior Civil Engineer - Transmission & Distribution

Burns & McDonnell
Brea, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/5/2026
Description

The Senior Civil Engineer will lead civil design and civil project teams to create world-class designs for new projects, alterations of existing projects, and redevelopments on a variety of substation, transmission, and distribution utility plans. The Senior Civil Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting civil site plans according to regulatory and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements, budget constraints, design factors and client needs. Project work includes civil design components of electrical substations and high-voltage transmission lines. This market is continuing to evolve due to technological advancements, policy changes, and increasing demand. The Senior Civil Engineer will partner with electric utilities and clients with power transmission, distribution, storage, and other related needs to plan, design, and improve the modern electric grid.

This position will be based in California and will primarily support local clients in the utility, municipal, and independent power producer (IPP) spaces to meet the demands of replacing aging infrastructure, load growth, data center development, and emerging technologies.

What You Will Do

  • Lead and oversee the civil site design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion, including grading, drainage, and stormwater management.
  • Review civil vendor drawings, interface with suppliers, clients, other engineering disciplines, detailers, and designers.
  • Participate in the development of project schedules, scope, budget, staffing, and construction planning.
  • Apply expert knowledge of commonly used civil concepts, practices, codes and procedures within the civil engineering services industry. Compile studies and reports. Write technical specifications.
  • Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects, identify and develop non-standard design solutions.
  • Provide quality review of production drawings for a variety of projects to verify design compliance with project, client, and industry standards and requirements, including constructability.
  • Provide construction administration support, including coordination with field personnel to resolve design-related installation issues, as-built conditions, field inspections and materials testing.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors, and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Participate in external sales and marketing efforts and network internally across the company’s regional offices. Identify, lead, and manage key pursuits.
  • Develop cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets for financial performance.
  • Prepare, present, and manage project budgets and cost estimates. Report on project performance.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and instruction in the civil engineering practice. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil or related Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • 7 years of Civil Engineering experience.
  • Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering may be substituted for 1 year experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred in the state of California.
  • Strong CAD skills (e.g. Civil3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation) and strong knowledge of civil engineering analysis programs (e.g. hydraulic modeling, hydrologic modeling, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead the execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Compensation

$150,000.00-230,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Civil Engineering

Primary Location US-CA-Brea

Other Locations US-CA-San Diego, US-CA-Walnut Creek, US-CA-Los Angeles

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Req ID: 261046

Job Hire Type Experienced #T&D

Salary : $150,000 - $230,000

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