Job Details

Associate Design Engineer – San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

The Mega Projects, Border and Goods Movement Department of SANDAG delivers complex infrastructure and technology projects across the San Diego region, including the SR 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (OME POE), LOSSAN Rail Realignment, Harbor Drive 2.0/Vesta Street Bridge, and the Back Office System.

Role

SANDAG seeks an Associate Design Engineer to provide technical support and facilitate the complex design of projects within the Mega Projects portfolio. The position focuses on oversight of multiple consultants, supports project management staff, and coordinates with federal agencies such as CBP, GSA, FHWA, and local agencies.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning, design, and implementation of a diverse range of transportation improvement projects.
• Provide technical support and engineering knowledge for projects in the conceptual, planning, engineering, construction, and closeout phases; review submittals, requests for information, studies, reports, and estimates; conduct analyses of budgets, expenditures, and schedules; and coordinate consultant services.
• Assist in the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, project deliverables, budgets, and schedules; participate in the selection of consultants and vendors; administer contracts.
• Support senior staff with the coordination of consultants, and communicate information related to project progress, schedule, approved budget, and quality; provide information regarding adherence to funding agency requirements.
• Assist with the budget and schedule for the acquisition of property rights required for projects including land, permanent and temporary easements, and joint use agreements.
• Foster collaborative working relationships with local, statewide, and federal jurisdictions and various partners in the region to advance transportation planning and implementation of projects.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in civil, structural, electrical, systems or transportation engineering, and registration as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) in California is preferred.
• Three years of increasingly responsible, professional capital project design, construction, and delivery experience, preferably for transportation-related projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern principles and practices of design, engineering, right-of-way, environmental permitting, construction, and administration of transportation projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Ability to prepare and review specifications, plans, and designs for regional transportation projects; coordinate with other design professionals and consultants in the development and delivery of engineering plans, specifications, estimates, reports, calculations, and environmental permitting.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly in the area of design standards; knowledge of requirements related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, storm water pollution control, and environmental and hazardous materials mitigation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems and propose practical solutions; research, analyze, and evaluate technical issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency officials, community groups, and the public.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate several concurrent projects at various stages of completion; establish priorities and work independently.
• Computer software proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and other PC-based applications; experience with CAD, financial management systems, project management, and scheduling software is desirable.
• Familiarity with public participation and outreach efforts designed to inform and engage the public in regional transportation planning.
• Working knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines and requirements.

First review of applications: August 27, 2025

Expected start date: October 2025

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industry: Government Administration

Location: San Diego, CA

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 per year