Senior Plan Engineer

SENIOR PLAN CHECK ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary Range: $140,000–$160,000

Department: Building & Safety

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Walnut, CA

Schedule: 4/10 Work Schedule (In-Office)

Reports To: Raymond Tao, Director of Building & Safety

RKA Consulting Group is a trusted leader in the building and safety industry, providing expert plan review and inspection services for municipalities and private development projects. At RKA Consulting Group, we cultivate a strong, team‑oriented workplace where employees are valued, supported, and given opportunities for growth. We believe in balanced and competitive pay, professional development, and a family‑oriented culture that prioritizes both career and personal well‑being.

We are committed to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while fostering safe and sustainable development.

Plan Review & Compliance

• Conduct and oversee technical reviews of construction plans to ensure compliance with California Building Standards Codes, municipal regulations, and engineering best practices.
• Evaluate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, energy conservation (Title 24), Green Building Standards, accessibility, and egress plans.
• Provide solutions for complex code compliance challenges and recommend alternative design options when applicable.

Supervision & Training

• Lead, mentor, and train plan check engineers and technical staff to enhance their knowledge and professional development.
• Monitor workload distribution, review staff performance, and provide technical assistance as needed.
• Establish best practices and training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency in plan review processes.

Coordination & Permit Authorization

• Facilitate the plan review process by coordinating with public agencies and other departments.
• Communicate required modifications to developers, engineers, and architects.
• Approve building permits and calculate associated fees for code‑compliant plans.

Code Interpretation & Public Assistance

• Serve as a technical resource for engineers, architects, contractors, and the public regarding building codes and regulations.
• Confere with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and others regarding construction or building projects; coordinate plan examining activities with City departments and other agencies; provide an information source in person or by phone by answering related technical or code questions; discuss complicated issues with engineers and architects in terms of structural engineering items, building codes, etc.; respond to questions and concerns and resolve disputes.
• Provide expert guidance at public counters and in meetings to ensure clarity on permitting requirements.
• Offer alternative compliance solutions when needed.

Policy Development & Industry Expertise

• Stay current with California Building Standards Codes, Title 24, ADA, and evolving industry regulations.
• Recommend updates to policies and procedures to improve efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the organization in professional meetings and industry conferences.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct electronic plan reviews using Bluebeam and other digital tools.
• Review and approve complex engineering calculations, construction diagrams, and technical reports.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field (required).
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• CA registration as engineer and ICC plans examiner certification preferred.
• Certification as CASP (Certified Access Specialist) preferred.
• ICC Plans Examiner Certification (preferred).
• Valid California Driver’s License (required).

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience performing professional level engineering work, preferably for a municipality, building plan review, code enforcement, or structural engineering.
• Experience supervising and training staff in a municipal building and safety department (preferred).
• Knowledge of State of CA…