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Land Development Civil Engineer - Entry-Level

Commercial Development Resources
Costa Mesa, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/30/2026

About CDR

Commercial Development Resources (CDR) is a site development consultancy that integrates civil engineering, surveying, dry utilities, landscape architecture, and planning & permitting under one team. Aligned from entitlement through construction, our clients don't manage five consultants. They work with one development partner.


Based in Costa Mesa, California, we serve clients like AutoNation, Merlin Entertainments (LEGOLAND), Lithia Motors, The Irvine Company, Jack in the Box, Habit Burger, Popeyes, and Valar Atomics. We're licensed in 24 states and actively expanding into Texas to support clients executing rollout programs nationally. Corporate or individual, CDR brings the same skills, know how, and energy to each project.


At CDR, we foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and liveliness. We believe excellent results never have to come at the cost of work-life balance. We invest in our employees through a clear path to professional growth, generous benefits, and exceptional mentorship opportunities. Our small but high-impact team embarks on a company-wide annual trip because we live by the words "work hard, play hard." That's the CDR difference.


Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for an Associate Civil Engineer. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing plans under the guidance of a Project Manager. You will work closely with the project team to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background, willingness to learn, and interest in a long-term career in site/land development.


Responsibilities

  • Perform engineering tasks in AutoCAD Civil3D for site development projects
  • Research, interpret and apply California city standards, codes and zoning requirements as it applies to commercial sites
  • Prepare and design basic grading, drainage, sewer and water improvements, street improvements, construction exhibits, tentative maps, etc.
  • Communicate with agencies and plan checkers
  • Prepare comment response letters and address redlines
  • Follow through and meet project deadlines with a sense of urgency
  • Adhere to CDR project standards and core values


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
  • 0-2 years of engineering experience, preferably in private site development
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Awareness of relevant California regulations and codes
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team
  • E.I.T. license preferred but not required
  • Interest in a long-term career in site/land development


Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical insurance with vision, dental, and HSA plan (if applicable)
  • 401K with 3% employer contributions, regardless of individual contributions
  • 15 PTO days 10 Paid Holidays
  • Annual all-expenses-paid company trip (past trips: backpacking, camping, food tours, and more!)
  • Customizable schedule: flexible start times and half-day Friday option
  • Professional development opportunities and financial assistance for licensure
  • Clear path to growth through extensive mentorship via CDR's Launch Pod program


Commercial Development Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000

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