Civil Engineering Group Leader - Tustin, CA

Civil Engineering Group Leader – Tustin, CA

Join David Evans and Associates, Inc. as a Civil Engineering Group Leader. Our Land Development team is recognized for thoughtful innovation and responsive service, delivering comprehensive land planning, urban development, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental stewardship.

The Civil Engineering Practice seeks a Group Leader / Civil Engineering Manager within the Southern California Land Development Business Unit. This leadership role drives group operations, staff development, project delivery excellence, and expansion of DEA’s private and public‑sector land development presence across the region.

• Lead a Land Development group with responsibility for operations, utilization, profitability, and staffing aligned with DEA’s performance metrics and growth strategies.
• Implement the vision and strategic direction for the assigned Southern California group or segment.
• Oversee short- and long‑term group utilization, workload forecasting, and capability assessment to ensure technical resources align with project and market needs.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and operational excellence.

• Supervise, mentor, and coach project managers, engineers, designers, and technical staff.
• Support career development, training plans, performance reviews, and recruiting/retention strategies to build a high‑performing team.
• Ensure staffing levels and technical capabilities are in place to meet client demands and growth targets.

• Serve as Project Manager and/or technical lead for complex land development projects.
• Oversee preparation of civil engineering plans, reports, permit packages, and cost estimates.
• Develop and implement quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Guide project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management.
• Ensure client expectations are met through consistent communication, timely delivery, and proactive issue resolution.

• Maintain and grow client relationships within the Southern California private development and municipal markets.
• Lead project pursuits, including strategy development, teaming, proposal oversight, and presentations.
• Identify incremental, cross‑discipline, and new business opportunities aligned with DEA’s services.
• Collaborate with Market Leaders and the LDBU leadership team to position DEA for strategic wins.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive civil engineering experience within a complex consulting environment.
• Extensive background in land development, including residential, commercial, and/or industrial site development.
• Demonstrated experience managing all aspects of a project portfolio: financial performance, client satisfaction, staff leadership, risk management.
• Proven ability to win work, negotiate contracts, and drive profitable growth.
• Strong skills in leadership, communication, mentoring, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

• California Professional Engineer or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience leading operations or managing a group/team within a consulting environment.
• Established Southern California private development client network.
• Membership in professional organizations (e.g., ULI, NAIOP, APA, ASCE).
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams across multiple office locations.

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment that is vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and…