Chief Engineer

Sacramento, CA, United States

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering and environmental consulting services today, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using new advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, and award-winning water reuse projects. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a collaborative and influential Chief Engineer to serve as a responsible, strategic leader with the authority to lead, validate, direct and develop technical standards and approaches for the delivery of engineering services. This may include conventional design-bid-build, design build, engineering during construction and aspects of construction management. Aspects of program management may also be included.

Key Responsibilities:

The Chief Engineer assesses, develops and implements necessary changes to company technical practices and processes to continuously evolve all aspects of project delivery within the organization. A necessary focus is the minimization of organizational risk through the development and continuous improvement of the firm's design processes, templates and standards, and the improved understanding and increased capabilities in identifying and managing contract and/or project risk. This position is empowered in the oversight and development of systems, tools, processes, and policies that become and require use and adherence to company standards and allows enforcing accountability around the application of these standards to products we develop for our clients.

Continually assesses the adequacy and relevance of the firm's technical standards, processes, and approaches, and as necessary, updates and develops new company technical standards, processes and approaches.

Develops and leads a Standards Committee that continuously reviews data on necessary changes to the firm's design standards and approaches, whether necessary for risk mitigation measures or project efficiency purposes.

Sets standard evaluation processes that apply aggregate corporate experience and judgment to unique and emerging new technologies that may be considered for application on company projects and issues guidance documentation on the use of such technologies.

Partners with Construction Management Leads to develop and maintain processes for construction phase management, project engagement, construction issue resolution, and construction phase feedback to inform improvements or updates design approaches, specifications, etc.

Develops, manages and implements a monthly Technical Learning Program targeted at sharing key aspects of technical advancements, proper and sanctioned (as well as improper, when necessary) project delivery approaches and design processes, to be presented by a rotating slate of the firm's technical expert staff.

Provide strategic direction on the technical aspects of any project, whether: in a pursuit or delivery stage; related to managing the firm's risk; applying the firm's approved processes, or engaging the firm's appropriate technical leads, targeted at best serving and solving our client's most complex project challenges.

Review scope, schedule, budget, method of approach, proposed staffing for any large and/or complex proposals, and especially those pursuits brought forth for Risk Committee review.

Develops, updates and maintains processes for QA/QC of all of the firm's projects. Such processes will require guidance documents, and report-back forms to confirm QA/QC was carried out in accordance with approved processes.

Collaborates with the firm's Project Management Office (PMO) to develop application and verification processes to assure QA/QC processes are applied to each project.

Chairs Risk Committee, including continual development of risk assessment forms, managing pursuit and project risk discussions, including committee assignments.

Collaborates with Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel to develop processes and procedures to manage the company's strategic defense against exposure to claims, and client satisfaction challenges.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or similar engineering field required.

Master's degree strongly preferred.

Practical PM and PE required.

20+ years of experience in water/wastewater design through construction and project delivery.

Deep understanding of the design process and the application of various existing and emerging engineering related software including, but not limited to, AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil3D, Revit, Microsoft Products.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, plans, specifications, technical memos, and standards.

Ability to work independently and/or collaborate as a valuable team member by exchanging ideas, following through on assignments, and treating each other with respect.

Ability to tactfully communicate and influence decisions at all organizational levels, both internally and externally, demonstrating communication skills essential to navigating complex situations and achieving strategic outcomes.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $240,000 - $280,000 and will vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.

As an employee-owned firm, Kennedy Jenks offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience with a flexible hybrid work environment. Kennedy Jenks provides competitive compensation that will vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, skills, licensure/certifications, seniority, and geographic location. We offer a full benefits package.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.