Principal Project Engineer

Company: RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY
Location: San Diego
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Looking for a place to grow your career and make a difference? RICK is the place for you! As a Principal Project Engineer/Manager in San Diego, CA you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the San Diego, CA area. As a RICK team member in our Public Works Department, you will help clients and communities turn their dreams into reality. You will learn from and work alongside industry-leading experts and together shape the future of tomorrow. Qualifications Qualified candidate will have a BSCE degree, CA Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer, (or ability to obtain in next 6 months), plus a minimum of eight (8-12) years relevant experience; or the equivalent work experience of twelve (12-15) years in this industry. Candidates for this position must demonstrate: Independent thought and decision-making abilities Must demonstrate strong independent thought and decision-making abilities A minimum of three years management experience supervising the work of technical staff required Possess demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills Demonstrate Project management ability Be adept in establishing and maintaining strong and positive working relationships with clients/public-agency personnel and in-house staff Managerial experience will include the following: Management of construction documents and contracts Management of construction support and field coordination Management of project schedules and budgets Preparation of contracts, fee proposals, and scopes of work Significant experience in client and public-agency interactions Management of Design and Support Staff Knowledge of jurisdictional codes, standards, and procedures in the State of CA and the region is strongly preferred. Technical experience will include the following: Ability to perform conceptual and preliminary engineering design studies (incorporating land use and zoning considerations, assessment and consideration of site constraints, infrastructure requirements, and potential regulatory issues) Preparation/processing of regulatory plans Preparation/processing of public improvement plans (private and public) Ability to perform constructability reviews Experience with a range of construction support services Position generally requires extensive experience and demonstrated engineering abilities in all aspects of public works infrastructure projects and in interacting comfortably and productively with clients and public agencies. Additional Skills Applies engineering principles, techniques, and procedures for Civil Engineering design Possesses working knowledge of business and management principles associated with strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production procedures, interview and hiring methods and the coordination of people Accepts and carries out responsibility for the design team's direction, control and planning; sets realistic goals and makes decisions independently Exhibits a thorough understanding of jurisdictional processing Negotiates effectively Demonstrates a high level of leadership & management ability; accepts and responds appropriately to constructive feedback with others and applies seasoned time management Relates well and maintains a high level of respect and confidence from co-workers, public agencies Demonstrates a high level of competence in written and oral communication Possesses knowledge of CAD and its capabilities for preparing exhibits, studies and/or final plans What We Offer Generous Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and RICK Events Alternative Work Schedule Opportunities for a hybrid work schedule At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun! Learn more by visiting www.rickengineering.com Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is an Equal Opportunity Employer RICK's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Rick's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.

Keywords: RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY, Huntington Beach , Principal Project Engineer, Engineering , San Diego, California