Associate/Senior Engineer

Job Description

Description

Associate Engineer: $51.14 - $68.85/hour ($106,371.20 - $143,208/year)

Senior Engineer: $56.64 - $75.92/hour ($117,811.20 - $157,913.60/year)

If You Like Solving Problems, Owning Projects, and Seeing Them Built—Join Us.

At Tustin, engineers have the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects that shape how the community grows and functions. Our work includes roadway and active transportation improvements, water infrastructure, grant-funded capital improvement projects, and development and redevelopment projects. That breadth creates an opportunity to see how different pieces of a community come together—and to participate in projects throughout their full lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and closeout.

We are looking for engineers who want to do more than produce designs or review plans. We want people who understand the full project lifecycle, take ownership of their work, solve complex problems, collaborate effectively, and stay engaged through delivery. Our engineers work across City departments and with developers, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the community to move projects from concepts and requirements into successful, buildable results.

Our ideal engineers bring strong technical capability, sound judgment, and a practical understanding of how projects are built. They are problem solvers who take initiative, communicate clearly, and understand that good engineering requires both technical rigor and practical judgment. Whether working through a challenging design issue, reviewing a development proposal, coordinating public improvements, or responding to conditions in the field, they stay focused on finding solutions and delivering high-quality results.

WHY CHOOSE TUSTIN’S ENGINEERING TEAM?

While much of Orange County is largely built out, Tustin offers a unique combination of new development, redevelopment, established infrastructure, and a municipally operated water system, giving engineers exposure to a breadth of work that can be difficult to find at a single agency. Tustin’s engineering team is delivering projects that are shaping Tustin’s future. From transportation and pedestrian improvements to water, storm drain, roadway, park, and public facility projects, our engineers work on a diverse portfolio of infrastructure improvements across both established neighborhoods, including Old Town, and the growing Tustin Legacy community.

Current and upcoming projects include:

• Tustin Legacy - continued development and supporting infrastructure
• Old Town - public-space and streetscape enhancements
• Transportation & Mobility - active transportation, pedestrian bridges, roadway rehabilitation and updates to the City’s Bike Master Plan
• Water & Storm Drain Infrastructure - water well rehabilitation and the City's first Storm Drain Master Plan

Tustin engineers have the opportunity to work closely with consultants, contractors, community stakeholders, and regional partners such as OCTA, Caltrans, and IRWD while gaining hands-on experience in project management, design review, construction coordination, grant-funded project delivery, and interagency collaboration. Depending on classification and experience, employees may manage projects from concept and design through construction and completion, providing opportunities for professional growth while making a visible impact throughout the community.

Ideal Candidate - Associate Engineer

We are seeking an engineer who is ready to take increasing ownership of projects and grow into a trusted technical resource. The ideal candidate combines a strong engineering foundation with the desire and initiative to understand how designs, development requirements, and public improvements translate into real-world construction.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong technical fundamentals and applies engineering principles thoughtfully to project challenges.
• Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, and holds themselves accountable for quality and schedule.
• Approaches problems analytically and creatively, with a willingness to investigate, ask questions, and develop practical solutions.
• Understands the relationship between design decisions, project requirements, constructability, cost, schedule, and field conditions.
• Is interested in developing broad municipal engineering experience across roadway, active transportation, water, grant-funded CIP, and development/redevelopment projects.
• Understands that development review extends beyond plan review to include the public and off-site improvements associated with development and is eager to participate in those improvements through design, coordination, and construction.
• Collaborates effectively with senior engineers, project managers, City departments, developers, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Communicates clearly and is comfortable seeking input, incorporating feedback, and explaining technical concepts.
• Is eager to participate throughout the project lifecycle—from initial planning, design, and documentation through construction and project closeout.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering work that is technically sound and practical to build.
• Wants to develop into an engineer who can independently manage increasingly complex technical assignments and project responsibilities.

Ideal Candidate - Senior Engineer:

We are seeking a technically strong, highly accountable engineer with demonstrated experience delivering projects from initial planning and design through construction and closeout. The ideal candidate can take ownership of projects and outcomes while serving as a trusted technical resource to the broader team.

This role offers the opportunity to apply that experience across a broad range of work, including roadway and active transportation, water, grant-funded capital improvement projects, and development and redevelopment. The ideal candidate understands not only how to deliver individual projects, but how public infrastructure, development requirements, and construction come together to create successful outcomes for the community.

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings demonstrated technical expertise and the confidence to make sound engineering decisions on complex projects.
• Has successfully delivered projects through the full project lifecycle—from planning and design through PS&E, bidding, construction, and closeout—and can anticipate how decisions made during one phase affect subsequent phases.
• Takes ownership of projects and outcomes—not simply individual tasks—and proactively manages technical, schedule, coordination, and delivery challenges.
• Is an effective problem solver who can identify the root of an issue, evaluate alternatives, and develop solutions that balance technical requirements with practical project considerations.
• Brings a constructability mindset to design and can effectively navigate field conditions, contractor questions, design changes, and unforeseen challenges during construction.
• Understands development and redevelopment projects beyond plan review, including the public and off-site improvements associated with development and the coordination and delivery of those improvements through construction.
• Can apply their experience across a range of project types, including roadway, active transportation, water, grant-funded CIP, and development/redevelopment work.
• Leads collaboration across disciplines and works effectively with developers, contractors, project managers, and internal teams to keep projects moving forward.
• Serves as a technical resource to the project team, providing guidance, reviewing staff work, helping resolve difficult technical issues, and sharing practical project knowledge.
• Provides accountability and constructive oversight when reviewing staff work, ensuring assignments meet technical, quality, schedule, and project requirements while supporting staff development.
• Communicates with clarity and credibility, translating complex technical issues into practical recommendations and decisions.
• Mentors and develops other engineers, helping them strengthen their technical skills, judgment, project understanding, and ability to take ownership of their work.
• Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment, knowing when to make a decision, when to seek input, and how to move a project forward.
• Is motivated by delivering projects that work—not just on paper, but in the field, through construction, and to successful completion.

WHAT TUSTIN OFFERS
In addition to salary, the City of Tustin offers a comprehensive benefits package and flexible work arrangements designed to support employees and their families throughout their careers.

Generous Health Benefits

The City provides employees with a monthly benefits allowance that can be used toward the benefits they select for themselves and their eligible dependents, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as other eligible benefit options. The amount of the City’s contribution varies based on classification and coverage level.

• Associate Engineer: Up to $2,125 per month toward your benefits.
• Senior Engineer: Up to $2,550 per month toward your benefits.
  

Employees can choose from a variety of medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans to select coverage that best meets their needs. Depending on the plans and coverage level, the City’s monthly contribution may cover a substantial portion of the cost, reducing the amount employees pay toward their premiums. If the City’s contribution exceeds the cost of the employee’s elected benefits, the remaining balance is paid to the employee as cash.

View the City’s current health, dental, and vision rates for additional information.

Retirement & Savings :
The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), providing eligible employees with a defined-benefit pension, and employees may participate in the City’s 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Senior Engineers who contribute to a 457(b) plan will receive a matching City contribution to a 401(a) deferred compensation plan, up to a maximum of 2% of the employee’s base salary.

Flexible Work Schedule and Telecommuting :

Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Following an initial onboarding and training period, typically 6-12 months, employees may request consideration for a hybrid telecommuting schedule, in accordance with the City's Telecommuting Policy and subject to operational needs at the discretion of the Director of Public Works.

Career Growth :
Tustin offers opportunities to build a long-term career in municipal engineering. A typical career path may include:

Associate Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, Assistant City Engineer, and City Engineer.

Want to learn more? See the Benefits tab of this job posting for additional information.

SELECTION PROCESS

The first step in the selection process is a training and experience evaluation based on the information provided on the submitted application and supplemental questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a one-way video interview, and those who are determined by subject matter experts to be the best qualified for the vacancy will be invited to a structured panel interview. Finalists will participate in a departmental interview.

All candidates who pass the panel interview will earn placement on the eligible list, which is valid for one (1) year and may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification.

The City currently has one vacancy and may appoint at either the Associate or Senior Engineer level based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and formally reviewed approximately every two (2) to three (3) weeks, beginning September 14. The City intends to move qualified candidates through the selection process promptly. Highly qualified candidates may be advanced on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed. This recruitment may close at any time once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Associate Engineer / Senior Engineer:

• Prepares engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the design and construction of public works projects including streets, water, sewer, and storm drain facilities
• Reviews engineering plans and specifications for public works and private development projects for compliance with standards, codes, and regulations; recommends revisions and improvements
• Prepares Requests for Proposals and contract documents; administers and monitors professional service contracts, consultant invoices, and consultant performance
• Manages engineering projects; coordinates and oversees consultants; conducts meetings to establish requirements, review progress, ensure conformance with standards, and resolve procedural and policy issues
• Coordinates engineering activities with developers, consultants, City staff, and other public and private agencies
• Conducts field inspections during construction to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, contracts, codes, and ordinances; investigates and resolves field issues
• Provides technical assistance to customers and the public; responds to inquiries and complaints; explains department policies and procedures
• Researches and analyzes technical data; prepares technical reports, correspondence, and project documentation
• Assists with grant applications, environmental documentation, and compliance with state and federal funding requirements
• Meets with City staff, external agencies, and the public to ensure timely project delivery; may make presentations
• Reviews operational procedures and recommends updates to improve compliance and customer service

Senior Engineer - Additional Duties:

• Provides supervision to engineering staff; assigns work, monitors progress, provides training and technical guidance, and ensures quality and policy compliance
• Assists in developing and implementing goals, policies, procedures, and resource allocation
• Oversees the preparation and review of engineering designs, plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Interprets and applies applicable codes and regulations; resolves complex engineering and design issues
• Determines project scope; prepares and administers consultant contracts; reviews consultant and contractor work
• Meets with architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and the public regarding City requirements, design review, construction, and maintenance
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding code interpretation and application
• Reviews construction activities and resolves disputes between inspectors, engineers, developers, and contractors
• Prepares technical, statistical, administrative, and grant-related reports and manages grant program compliance
• Assists with the preparation and presentation of reports to the City Council, Commissions, and outside agencies

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. A typical combination includes :

Associate Engineer:

• Experience and Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field; and two (2) years of professional engineering experience.
• License/Certification Required : Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) issued by the State of California is highly desirable.

Senior Engineer:

• Experience and Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field; and four (4) years of professional civil engineering experience, including one (1) year of project management responsibility.
• License/Certification Required: Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) issued by the State of California.

Special Requirements:

Satisfactory results from background investigation, physical examination and administrative screening.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

For a full job class specification, please click on the links below for the respective positions:

Associate Engineer
Senior Engineer

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

For the Associate Engineer (TMEA position) , the City of Tustin offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit program that includes:

FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN
The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee to use toward the purchase of individual or family health coverage, dental plans, vision coverage, additional life insurance, deferred compensation, and other optional benefits. Currently, the flexible benefit amount for Employee + 2 is $2125 per month.

The City contracts through CalPERS medical program (PEMHCA) which offers multiple PPO and HMO options for health insurance providers. Employees also have the choice of Delta Dental PPO or HMO plans.

RETIREMENT
Employees will be enrolled in a defined benefit (pension) plan with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS determines the retirement plan in which a new employee will be enrolled based on the individual's membership status with CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement system on the individual's first day of employment with the City.

Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% @ 60 plan, with an employee contribution of 10% (pre-tax). New CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan, with an employee contribution of 7.25% (pre-tax). The City does not participate in Social Security, though participation Medicare is mandatory (1.45% employee contribution).
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees may defer earnings, on a pre-tax basis, into a 457 deferred compensation program. This is an optional program and the City contracts with Nationwide Retirement Services.

GENERAL LEAVE
General Leave may be used for vacation and/or illness. Annual accrual amounts increase from 160 to 248 with years of service.

HOLIDAYS
The City has 13 paid holidays per calendar year.

LIFE INSURANCE
Full-Time employees receive a $100,000 life insurance policy.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The Long-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE
The 9/80 alternative work schedule is available for most full-time positions.

RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees who retire from the City of Tustin with ten (10) years of full-time service and continue enrollment in the City's health plan are eligible for reimbursement of $250 per month toward retiree health insurance costs. Employees first hired into a benefitted position with the City of Tustin prior to July 1, 2011 are eligible for this benefit after five (5) years of service.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
After passing the probationary period, employees may request reimbursement up to a maximum of $4000 per calendar year for tuition and related expenses when attending a community college or four year university.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistance Program that provides a variety of legal and counseling services.

MEDICARE
All newly hired employees contribute a portion of gross salary for Medicare coverage. The employee contribution to Medicare is 1.45%.

SECTION 125 MEDICAL & DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM
The section 125 program is optional for employees and provides a method to pay medical and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

SPECIALITY PAY
The City has specialty pay for designated positions. Examples of specialty pay include Bilingual Pay, Water Certificate Pay, Stand-by Pay, Call-Back Pay, and Shift Differential.
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For the Senior Engineer (Management position) , the City of Tustin offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit program that includes:
FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN
The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee to use toward the purchase of individual or family health coverage, dental plans, vision coverage, additional life insurance, deferred compensation, and other optional benefits. Currently, the flexible benefit amount for Employee + 2 is $2550 per month.

The City contracts through CalPERS medical program (PEMHCA) which offers multiple PPO and HMO options for health insurance providers. Employees also have the choice of Delta Dental PPO or HMO plans.

RETIREMENT
Employees will be enrolled in a defined benefit (pension) plan with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS determines the retirement plan in which a new employee will be enrolled based on the individual's membership status with CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement system on the individual's first day of employment with the City.

Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% @ 60 plan, with an employee contribution of 10% (pre-tax). New CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan, with an employee contribution of 7.25% (pre-tax). The City does not participate in Social Security, though participation Medicare is mandatory (1.45% employee contribution).

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees who contribute to an IRC Section 457(b) deferred compensation account will receive a matching City contribution to an IRC Section 401(a) deferred compensation account, up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the employee’s base salary.

GENERAL LEAVE
General Leave may be used for vacation and/or illness. Annual accrual amounts increase from 160 to 248 with years of service.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Management employees receive up to 80 hours of Administrative Leave annually.

HOLIDAYS
The City has 13 paid holidays per calendar year.

LIFE INSURANCE
Full-Time employees receive a $200,000 life insurance policy.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The Long-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
Deputy Police Chief and Police Captains will receive an allowance of $16.50 biweekly, up to a maximum of $429 per year for care and maintenance of City uniforms.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE
The 9/80 alternative work schedule is available for most full-time positions.

RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees who retire from the City of Tustin with ten (10) years of full-time service and continue enrollment in the City's health plan are eligible for reimbursement of $350 per month toward retiree health insurance costs. Employees first hired into a benefitted position with the City of Tustin prior to July 1, 2011 are eligible for this benefit after five (5) years of service.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
After passing the probationary period, employees may request reimbursement up to a maximum of $4000 per calendar year for tuition and related expenses when attending a community college or four year university.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistance Program that provides a variety of legal and counseling services.

MEDICARE
All newly hired employees contribute a portion of gross salary for Medicare coverage. The employee contribution to Medicare is 1.45%.

SECTION 125 MEDICAL & DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM
The section 125 program is optional for employees and provides a method to pay medical and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous