Resident Engineer

Posted 5 days ago

cpm partnersSan Diego (CA)

Construction Managers Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

SENIORITY

Lead

Apply

About the role

Company Overview: CPM Partners is a professional consulting firm specializing in Construction Management, Project Controls, Scheduling, Claims Analysis, Risk Management, and Contract Administration for public infrastructure and vertical construction projects throughout California. We are committed to delivering responsive, client-focused solutions while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and technical excellence.

Position 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

Qualifications: EducationBachelor’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 managementOSHA 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 SkillsStrong 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 SkillsStrong 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 Why Join CPM Partners?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 Equal Opportunity EmployerCPM Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.