Entry Level Civil Designer

Location: Newport Beach, CA, us Department: Orange County Civil Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

KPFF’s Orange County Civil team is seeking a Civil Designer with 1–3 years of experience to join our Newport Beach office. You will contribute to a variety of land development and site design projects while developing hands-on experience in grading, drainage, utility design, permitting, and construction documentation. Working alongside licensed professional engineers and project managers, you will have opportunities to strengthen your Civil 3D skills, participate throughout the project lifecycle, and take on greater responsibility as your experience grows.

Responsibilities

Contribute to civil design projects: Support the design and preparation of civil engineering plans, drawings, exhibits, and specifications for site planning, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.

Prepare drawings, calculations, and documentation: Develop detailed drawings and design documents using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and related tools; perform basic to intermediate design calculations; and assist with technical reports and project documentation.

Support site assessments and data collection: Participate in site visits to collect field data, verify existing conditions, document observations, and support design decisions. Assist with construction observations to confirm general conformance with design plans and specifications.

Assist with project coordination and permitting: Coordinate with project managers, engineers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to support schedules, submittals, permitting, and compliance requirements.

Apply design standards and regulations: Incorporate applicable codes, local agency standards, accessibility requirements, and construction standards into drawings and design deliverables.

Collaborate with project teams: Work closely with engineers and design staff to resolve design issues, integrate feedback, and produce accurate, high-quality deliverables.

Continue technical development: Stay current with Civil 3D workflows, drafting standards, design practices, and emerging tools that improve project efficiency and quality.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

1–3 years of relevant experience in civil design, drafting, land development, site development, infrastructure, or related civil engineering projects.

Working knowledge of civil engineering and design principles, including site planning, grading, drainage, utilities, roadways, and water/wastewater systems.

Experience using AutoCAD and Civil 3D for civil design and plan production; familiarity with HydroCAD or similar design/modeling tools is preferred.

Working knowledge of applicable California codes, local regulations, accessibility requirements, agency standards, and design/construction standards for site development projects.

Ability to prepare accurate drawings, exhibits, calculations, and project documentation with attention to detail.

Strong communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work both collaboratively with project teams and independently on assigned design tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting land development projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, or public infrastructure sites.

Familiarity with regulatory agency requirements, permitting processes, and construction documentation.

EIT certification or interest in pursuing EIT certification is a plus, but not required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer, reviewing plans, or conducting site visits.

Capacity to move around project sites, climb ladders, and navigate uneven terrain.

Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials.

Work in our Newport Beach office 5 days/week, with flexible work hours between 7 am and 5 pm

Additional Information

Compensation

The base salary for this role is competitive, with a range of $80,000 - $88,000, determined by experience, education, and skills. KPFF also offers performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. Additional details about the full compensation package will be provided during the interview process.

Culture and Benefits

At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated and career growth is encouraged. We aren’t just colleagues; we’re a community dedicated to collaborative innovation, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects.

KPFF Employee Benefits

Medical Insurance: Choose between a traditional Open Access Plus (OAP) medical plan or a high-deductible OAP plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Health Savings Account Contribution: KPFF contributes $50 per paycheck to the HSA for employees enrolled in the eligible high-deductible medical plan

Dental and Vision Insurance: KPFF pays the employee premium for dental and vision coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts: Access to Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs for eligible pre-tax expenses