Project Engineer

Location: Orange County, CA

Industry: Public Works / General Contractor / Water & Civil Infrastructure

About the Company

An established Southern California general contractor focused on complex public works and commercial construction is seeking a Project Engineer to join its operations team. The company delivers projects that demand strong planning, documentation, field coordination, and execution. With active work across Los Angeles, Orange County, and broader Southern California, the firm continues to grow through repeat work, referrals, and successful delivery of technically challenging projects. The company is known for a collaborative culture, long-tenured leadership, and a team environment where employees are given room to learn, contribute, and grow.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer is a key support role within the operations team and serves as an administrative and coordination hub for assigned projects. This person helps keep project documentation, logs, tracking systems, and workflow moving with speed and accuracy. The Project Engineer partners closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to help maintain control of RFIs, submittals, procurement items, closeout requirements, and day-to-day project communication.

This role is well suited for someone who wants to build a long-term career in public works construction, enjoys detail-heavy coordination work, and can help keep projects organized while learning the operational side of project delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Support Project Managers and Superintendents with day-to-day project coordination and documentation
• Help set up new projects in internal systems, logs, and communication folders once work is awarded
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of:
• CPM schedules
• procurement registers
• subcontract lists
• submittal registers
• closeout document lists
• cost code tracking
• schedule of values
• pay request templates
• Process and track RFIs, submittals, resubmittals, RFCO drafts, procurement items, and related project documentation
• Monitor pending logs daily and flag issues, delays, or missing information to the Project Manager
• Help issue vendor and subcontract draft documents including purchase orders, subcontracts, and change documentation
• Keep daily project reporting and safety documentation current and properly filed
• Coordinate project records, contacts, daily reports, timesheets, and logs in company systems
• Attend weekly office and project document review meetings
• Update logs following owner meetings and circulate revised materials to the project operations team
• Help gather monthly progress photos and support monthly reporting requirements

What the Company Is Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required; engineering background preferred, though related degrees may be considered with relevant construction experience
• At least 1 year of construction project engineering or related experience
• Exposure to public works construction strongly preferred
• Water, stormwater, utility, or infrastructure project exposure is a plus
• Strong document control, follow-through, and organizational discipline
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment with multiple active projects
• Willingness to learn internal systems and project workflows
• Professional, team-oriented, practical, and easy to work with
• Strong attitude, accountability, and interest in long-term growth with the company

Preferred Experience

• General contractor experience
• Experience supporting civil, site, utility, rehabilitation, or water-related public works projects
• Familiarity with project logs, submittals, RFIs, procurement tracking, and pay application support
• Ability to coordinate across office and field teams without losing detail

Software / Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Outlook
• Bluebeam
• Procore
• Ability to learn internal project systems and workflows
• Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Newport Beach. Project Engineers are expected to work in the office full-time, especially during ramp-up and training. Site visits may happen as needed depending on project location and technical demands.

Why Join

• Strong growth pipeline with a steady flow of active public works projects
• Tight-knit team with accessible leadership and long-tenured core staff
• Real career mobility for employees who show drive and capability
• Exposure to meaningful infrastructure and public-serving projects
• Team events, celebrations, and a collaborative office environment
• Full benefits for non-union employees
• Bonus opportunity tied to project performance and annual company results