Entry Level Civil Designer

Responsibilities

• Support the design and preparation of civil engineering plans, drawings, exhibits, and specifications for site planning, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to support schedules, submittals, permitting, and compliance requirements.
• Incorporate applicable codes, local agency standards, accessibility requirements, and construction standards into drawings and design deliverables.
• Work closely with engineers and design staff to resolve design issues, integrate feedback, and produce accurate, high-quality deliverables.

Preferred

• Familiarity with regulatory agency requirements, permitting processes, and construction documentation.
• EIT certification or interest in pursuing EIT certification is a plus, but not required.

Continue technical development

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

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.

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

Compensation

The base salary for this role is competitive, with a range o f $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 Employer-Paid Insurance: KPFF provides short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and travel accident insurance Employee Assistance Program: Confidential resources and support for employees 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF automatically contributes 3% of your base salary, with no employee contribution required. Employer contributions are immediately vested, and employees may also make pre-tax or Roth contributions.

Paid Time Off

Vacation and personal and sick time, with vacation accrual increasing based on tenure Paid Holidays: Company-observed holidays plus two floating holidays each year KPFF Paid Family Leave: Up to six weeks of paid family leave per year after meeting eligibility requirements Paid Overtime: At KPFF, you are compensated for every hour you work. If you choose to work overtime, you may choose to “bank” your overtime hours for future time off or have them paid out monthly KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.

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 .