Principal EngineerDepartment: Land Development
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Orange, CA
Compensation: $129,200 - $161,500 / year
DescriptionAre you a proven land development leader with strong client relationships, business development expertise, and an entrepreneurial mindset to build and lead a new market? Wood Rodgers is seeking a respected industry professional to establish and grow our Southern California land development presence. Leveraging the support of our established multidisciplinary teams, you will focus on client development, strategic growth, project pursuits, and building a high-performing local team to drive long-term success in the market.
This is a Principal, salary, exempt position.
A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Principal EngineerWhile there is no typical day when you are managing projects and employees, there are a few things you can count on:
- Lead the growth of Wood Rodgers' Southern California land development practice through strategic business development, client engagement, and market expansion.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with developers, homebuilders, public agencies, institutions, and other key clients to secure new project opportunities.
- Direct project pursuits, including proposal development, scope and fee preparation, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
- Collaborate with company leadership and multidisciplinary teams to identify market opportunities, deliver exceptional client service, and expand Wood Rodgers' presence in the region.
- Provide executive oversight of project delivery, ensuring quality, profitability, client satisfaction, and effective risk management.
- Recruit, mentor, and build a high-performing local team while representing Wood Rodgers within the industry and broader community.
This unique opportunity allows you to build and lead a Southern California land development practice while leveraging the resources, reputation, and multidisciplinary expertise of an established firm. You'll have significant influence over market strategy, client development, and team growth, supported by experienced technical professionals, project delivery resources, and corporate infrastructure. Success will be measured by your ability to establish Wood Rodgers as a trusted market leader, develop a strong pipeline of opportunities, secure profitable work, deliver exceptional client service, and build a sustainable, high-performing team and practice.
Qualifications & Skills- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field and active California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Extensive leadership experience in Southern California land development with a strong network and proven ability to develop clients, win work, and drive market growth.
- Deep understanding of the Southern California development process, including entitlements, agency approvals, infrastructure, permitting, and project delivery.
- Demonstrated success leading complex land development projects, managing business performance, and converting opportunities into profitable assignments.
- Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams while building long-term client relationships.
- Strong business acumen, negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative leadership style.
A note on salary pay ranges
The range does not reflect geographic variations and may fluctuate above or below the stated amount. Offers will be based on several factors, including experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, training, and location. Base pay is just one part of the comprehensive compensation package offered by Wood Rodgers. If you feel you meet the requirements but may be outside of the pay range, please apply anyway and let's talk through it.
