Job Details

Resident Engineer

Location: Southern California - San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles

Company: CPM Partners, Inc.

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CPM Partners is a trusted construction/program management and project controls consulting firm specializing in delivering complex public infrastructure and capital improvement projects across California. With a reputation built on technical excellence, client advocacy, and integrity, we partner with public agencies to provide hands-on support throughout the full project lifecycle, from preconstruction through closeout. Our team of experienced engineers, inspectors, schedulers, and claims analysts bring deep expertise in transit, water/wastewater, vertical facilities, Port, Education, and transportation projects. At CPM Partners, we are committed to fostering a collaborative, solutions-driven environment where our professionals can grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Role Summary

The Resident Engineer will serve as the client's on-site representative, responsible for overseeing all aspects of construction execution to ensure project compliance with contract documents, specifications, and safety standards. This role acts as the primary point of contact between the contractor, design team, and owner, providing technical oversight, resolving field issues, and managing documentation such as RFIs, submittals, change orders, and daily reports. The Resident Engineer ensures quality assurance, monitors progress against schedule, and supports cost control efforts, all while fostering collaboration among project stakeholders to drive timely and successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site representative of the client or agency, overseeing day-to-day construction operations to ensure compliance with contract documents and project specifications
• Lead construction administration, including reviewing submittals, RFIs, change orders, and contractor progress schedules
• Monitor and document construction activities, ensuring work is performed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, codes, and safety regulations
• Coordinate and chair progress meetings with contractors, consultants, and client representatives; maintain detailed meeting minutes and action items
• Evaluate contractor performance, track schedule adherence, and assess potential impacts or delays to critical project milestones
• Collaborate with inspectors, assistant resident engineers, and other field staff to validate daily reports, field issues, and non-conformance items
• Manage and document field changes, design clarifications, and unforeseen conditions; assist in the preparation of construction change directives and cost justifications
• Review and recommend approval of contractor pay applications based on verified quantities and percent complete
• Provide technical guidance to field staff, resolving constructability challenges and facilitating timely decision-making
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with project stakeholders, including owners, designers, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Ensure QA/QC procedures are implemented in the field and enforce corrective actions when deviations from plans are observed
• Participate in claim and dispute resolution by providing documentation, analysis, and expert input on construction activities and timelines
• Oversee project close-out procedures, including punch list generation, final inspections, and review of as-built drawings and O&M manuals

• Education
  
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related engineering discipline
  • Master's degree preferred for large-scale or complex infrastructure projects
• Licenses & Certifications
  
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (strongly preferred or required depending on agency/client)
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) - desirable for leadership roles in construction management
  • OSHA 30-Hour Certification for Construction Safety
  • Additional certifications (depending on sector):
    
    • Caltrans Acceptance Testing Technician (if applicable)
    • QSD/QSP for stormwater compliance (CA-specific)
    • LEED AP or ENV SP (for sustainability-focused projects)
• Experience
  
  • Typically 10-20+ years of experience in construction engineering or inspection
  • Proven track record as Resident Engineer or Assistant Resident Engineer on public works projects (e.g., highways, rail, transit, water infrastructure, or vertical facilities)
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams of inspectors, document control, and assistant RE staff
  • Familiarity with both design-bid-build and alternative delivery methods (e.g., CMAR, design-build, JOC)
• Technical Skills
  
  • Strong knowledge of construction documents (plans, specs, schedules, submittals, RFIs, etc.)
  • Proficiency in software such as:
    
    • Primavera P6 (basic understanding for schedule review)
    • Microsoft Project
    • Construction management platforms (Procore, e-Builder, PMWeb, Unifier, or similar)
• Experience with change order evaluation, claims support, and dispute resolution
• Soft Skills
  
  • Strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with contractors, clients, and regulatory agencies
  • Detail-oriented with sound judgment and decision-making under field conditions

• Salary: $175,000 - $210,000 / annually
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Profit Sharing & Annual Bonuses
• Professional Development & Training Support
• Flexible Work Environment (Hybrid/Remote Opportunities)
• A Collaborative, People-First Culture