Technical Manager - Civil Engineer, Transportation

Position Overview

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm with over 110 years of experience serving transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF emphasizes professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration – and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for two consecutive years.

BKF Engineers is seeking a Transportation Technical Manager with deep expertise in Caltrans standards to lead the technical delivery of complex transportation capital projects, including grade separations, signalized intersections, roundabouts, and major roadway improvements. This is a purely technical role with minimal business development responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead on transportation projects, ensuring designs align with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual and other applicable standards.
• Oversee and review plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for compliance with Caltrans specifications, special provisions, and project requirements.
• Coordinate procurement and encroachment permitting processes for grade separations, roadway improvements, and specialized infrastructure in accordance with public agency procedures.
• Conduct design reviews and quality checks to ensure engineering deliverables meet technical standards and project objectives.
• Stay current with Caltrans updates, local agency manuals, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Manage construction staging and traffic handling strategies to minimize public disruption while meeting safety and schedule goals.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineering staff.
• Collaborate with internal project managers and multidisciplinary teams – including civil, traffic, and environmental experts – to deliver integrated design solutions.
• Promote innovative design approaches including roundabouts, adaptive traffic signals, and green infrastructure.
• Coordinate with public agencies such as Caltrans, city/county authorities, and local municipalities to align on scope, schedule, and design.
• Participate in internal and external project meetings, offering expert technical input and resolving design-related questions.
• Support limited public outreach efforts to address community or stakeholder concerns related to project design and construction impacts.
• Maintain organized project documentation in compliance with internal standards and public agency requirements.
• Track technical milestones, manage design revisions, and communicate key updates to project teams and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing complex transportation projects with proven technical excellence.
• Deep knowledge of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, specifications, special provisions, and local agency procedures.
• Proven success in delivering projects including highways, interchanges, signals, roundabouts, and grade separations.
• Proficiency in construction staging, traffic handling plans, and civil design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor staff.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, capable of translating technical concepts for clients and stakeholders.
• Skilled in project management software and adaptable to emerging technology tools.
• Willingness to assist with special projects as needed, with the ability to travel between BKF offices and off-site locations.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

• Must be able to regularly talk, hear, and operate a computer, keyboard, and mouse; occasionally lift, pull, push, or carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
• Work in an environment with exposure to low to moderate office sounds, in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented setting; travel to BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Base salary range of $130,000.00-$190,000.00 annually (paid biweekly), depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.
• Competitive salaries, end-of-year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k.
• BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for dependents.
• Generous vacation and sick time packages.
• 8 Paid Holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement and paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• Award-winning benefits and perks; to learn more, please refer to the provided link.