Project Engineer I​/II

PROJECT ENGINEER I/II (Land Development Engineering & Streets Engineering Design)

The City of Santa Barbara’s Public Works Department is hiring two Project Engineers (I/II) to perform professional engineering work supporting delivery of the City’s Capital Improvement Program and the City’s development review process. The positions are located in Land Development Engineering and Streets Engineering Design, with the potential to serve on an eligibility list for future vacancies in other areas.

• Design, prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for public infrastructure projects.
• Conduct technical analyses and calculations; manage project scopes and bid documents.
• Review public infrastructure plans; oversee consultants; administer design and construction contracts.
• Prepare technical reports for streets, drainage, transportation, water, wastewater, parks, facilities, streetlights, and general construction.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in accordance with engineering standards and applicable laws.

• Provide technical plan review and plan check services for private development projects.
• Evaluate site design, utilities, drainage, and proposed improvements; ensure compliance with City standards, municipal codes, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with City departments, developers, consultants, and utility providers to facilitate timely Public Right-of-Way permit issuance.
• Review, approve, and administer matters regulated by the Subdivision Map Act and related statutes.

• Support Capital Improvement Program projects focusing on streets, sidewalks, storm water systems, and bridges.
• Review and prepare plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Perform in-house design of transportation facilities for all modes, storm water analysis, structural design, and consultant management for complex transportation projects and bridge repairs/replacements.
• Draft plans, standard details, and manage design processes.

• Project Engineer I – Entry-level class; performs routine tasks on smaller projects under direct supervision.
• Project Engineer II – Full-journey level; independent development of engineering designs and construction project management with little supervision.

• Knowledge of: Design principles and practices of civil engineering; term, methods, and techniques of civil engineering report writing; materials, tools, and equipment; principles of mathematics applied to engineering; standard specifications for Public Works construction; relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; experience with AutoCAD or Civil3D, Microsoft Office, and computer equipment.
• Ability to: Develop and review civil engineering plans, designs, specifications, and bid documents; perform project management functions (schedules, budgets, scopes); prepare itemized construction quantities and cost estimates; conduct technical research and formulate solutions; operate contemporary office and engineering software; communicate clearly in oral and written formats; establish cooperative working relationships and make required presentations to commissions and boards.

• Project Engineer I: Some civil engineering experience is desirable.
• Project Engineer II: Minimum two (2) years of professional civil engineering experience of increasing responsibility (independent project and consultant management). Eligible for 5% registration pay for Professional Engineer registration.

• Equival­ent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid Certificate of Registration as an Engineer in Training in California is desirable; registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer is desired but not required.

Competitive compensation:
Level I – $108,598 – $132,003 annually;
Level II – $119,393 – $145,123 annually.

Comprehensive health and welfare benefits; retirement; paid time off; flexible work policies; commuter support; training and educational reimbursement.

Project Engineer classification scheduled to receive a 4% salary increase effective April 1 2026.