City of Manhattan Beach, CA City Engineer

Thank you for your interest in the City Engineer position at the City of Manhattan Beach. The date for first review of applications has passed and the City is currently considering an initial group of highly qualified applicants. It is possible that we may return to the general candidate pool should this initial group not yield a successful candidate.

If you are interested in submitting your application for us to keep on file we are happy to review your materials.

Thank you again for your interest.

The City of Manhattan Beach is seeking a customer-focused collaborative and strategic leader to serve as its next City Engineer. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of the Citys infrastructure lead impactful capital improvement projects and guide a talented engineering team in a dynamic and engaged coastal community. The ideal candidate will strike a balance between strong operational oversight and long-term strategic planning ensuring the Citys vital assets are effectively managed and enhanced in support of the communitys high quality of life.

Under administrative direction the City Engineer provides comprehensive leadership and direction to the Engineering Division. Responsibilities include planning managing and coordinating a full range of engineering services including the preparation and execution of the $ Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for streets water systems sewer systems storm drains and other municipal assets. The role also oversees public works inspection projects manages engineering permit services and coordinates the review and approval of engineering plans.

As a leader the City Engineer is responsible for selecting training supervising and evaluating professional and technical staff while fostering a culture of excellence accountability and continuous improvement. This position manages the divisions operating budget provides recommendations regarding staffing equipment and capital projects and closely monitors expenditures for compliance. Other key functions include managing traffic signal design and maintenance leading infrastructure condition assessments across all major systems and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards through proactive coordination with regional agencies and City departments. Reporting to the Director of Public Works (Director) the City Engineer serves as a trusted technical advisor presenting staff reports and recommendations to the Director and other designated bodies. The City Engineer is also responsible for reviewing and approving private development plans maps and engineering design changes ensuring that appropriate conditions are placed to mitigate impacts on public infrastructure. Success in this role requires the ability to clearly communicate complex development regulationsexercising flexibility where appropriate while firmly upholding mandatory requirements.

Priorities

• Oversee design construction and maintenance of public works projects ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with Council objectives.
• Manage and advance major capital projects keeping them on time within budget and to the highest standards.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with city staff consultants contractors developers and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Build an environment of trust and cooperation support open and inclusive decision-making leveraging the teams collective knowledge and experience.
• Build high-performing teams mentor staff and cultivate strong working relationships across departments and with contractors developers and regional partners.
• Prioritize excellent customer service ensuring timely responses to residents businesses and stakeholders.
• Embrace the values of the Manhattan Beach community. Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the issues affecting the community propose innovative solutions and align Council and community priorities with available resources.

The Successful Candidate

The City is seeking a dynamic leader and skilled people-manager who holds individuals accountable in a way that encourages growth and engagement. The ideal candidate will be able to rally the team around shared goals set clear priorities for capital projects and regulatory compliance and foster professional development across the department. Integrity consistency and transparency in decision-making are essential as is the ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and compelling manner. This individual will be a collaborative partner who builds trust strengthens morale and empowers teams to perform at their best. Success in this role also requires cultivating strong relationships across City departments with elected officials developers contractors consultants and regulatory agencies while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service through timely responsive engagement with residents and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished visionary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment with a growing portfolio of projects. This accomplished professional will bring the technical expertise needed to guide long-term infrastructure planning while demonstrating strong ability to set strategic priorities and deliver results. The next City Engineer will proactively address workplace challenges and opportunities inspiring innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering department to meet the evolving needs and increased expectations of the community.

Personal Traits and Characteristics

• Proven ability to build motivate and lead high-performing teams.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of accountability excellence and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates integrity consistency and transparency in all decision-making.
• Upholds the highest standards of ethical leadership and public service.
• Active listener who promotes open dialogue and trust across teams and with the public.
• Skilled presenter comfortable engaging with City Council and community stakeholders.
• Skilled at building partnerships across City departments and with elected officials contractors consultants developers and regional/regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelors degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university. Eight years of progressively responsible professional and project management experience involving civil engineering work and the design administration and inspection of public works construction projects and rights-of-ways and the plan review of private development projects is also required. Previous experience with and knowledge of the government RFP process including bidding and contract negotiations is required.

The ability to obtain a valid California drivers license and the possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil Engineers.

Preferred qualifications include a masters degree and three years of supervisory experience in the public sector.

Inside The Government

As a General Law City Manhattan Beach operates under a council-manager form of government. Its five-member City Council serves as the legislative body and is notable for its structured mayoral rotation wherein each council member serves a distinct nine-and-a-half-month term as Mayor within their four-year tenure.

The City employs 354 FTEs. General Fund expenditures total $105.6 million. For Fiscal Year 2026 the approved overall operating budget is $151.2 million.

The City of Manhattan Beach independently operates its own essential municipal operationsincluding full-service Police and Fire Departments as well as providing water sewer and storm drain maintenance services while Los Angeles County delivers regional services such as the public library and beach and harbor maintenance.

Inside The Engineering Division

The primary responsibility of the Engineering Division is the design and construction oversight of the Citys infrastructure. Its core responsibilities encompass the entire lifecycle of public works projects including the Capital Improvement Program Project Management Project Design and Construction Management. The Division is the keeper of the Citys public infrastructure record drawings and data and provides essential Engineering Development Review Services and conducts thorough Public Works Inspections. It further supports the Community Development Department by reviewing private development proposals to ensure development consistent with the Citys General Plan. Beyond project delivery the division also oversees the review coordination and permitting of private encroachments and utility company activities within the public right-of-way.

The City Engineer oversees a team of 17 employees including: Administrative Assistant (1) Senior Management Analyst (1) Management Analyst (1) Principal Civil Engineer (3) Associate Engineer (3) Senior Civil Engineer (4) Engineering Technician (1) Public Works Inspector (2) and Project Coordinator (1).

The Community

Manhattan Beach gracing the picturesque coastline of the Pacific Ocean offers an idyllic blend of serene coastal living and dynamic metropolitan convenience. Home to a vibrant community of over 35000 residents and nestled in the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County its prime location provides residents with stunning ocean views a temperate year-round climate and seamless access to the vast opportunities of Southern California. Just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles LAX and bustling tech hubs like Silicon Beach Manhattan Beach perfectly blends tranquil beach life with urban sophistication.

Outdoor recreation is not just an activity; its the very heart of the Manhattan Beach lifestyle. Residents enjoy an abundance of opportunities to connect with nature and stay active. From the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier to the expansive Polliwog Park with its relaxing pond and amphitheater the City provides ample spaces for picnics sports and play. The City has also received numerous awards for its community services and infrastructure projects including the 2024 ACEC Commendation Award for the Polliwog Park Lower Playground Replacement Project the 2024 APWA Award for the Fire Station No. 2 Reconstruction Project and the 2024 ASCE Award for the Peck Reservoir Replacement Project. The coastal-inspired culture and arts scene thrives anchored by the Art Centers local exhibitions and workshops. Live music galleries and theater productions enrich the community and annual events like the renowned Manhattan Beach Open Hometown Fair and Holiday Fireworks draw in crowds fostering a strong sense of shared celebration.

The local economy is as robust as its ocean waves propelled by a dynamic blend of retail hospitality professional services and an impressive presence of technology and creative industries. The Citys bustling downtown district a cherished destination featuring an array of boutique shops and acclaimed restaurants serves as a magnet for both visitors and residents. Consistently celebrated as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States the City of Manhattan Beach is lauded for its exceptional schools remarkably low crime rates clean natural environment and unparalleled quality of life. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) is renowned for its academic excellence innovative programs and robust parent involvement extending beyond core subjects to emphasize arts athletics and community service. Numerous prestigious publications and real estate analyses frequently position it at the pinnacle of best places to live lists especially for families and individuals seeking an active upscale coastal lifestyle. The community itself is deeply engaged boasting active resident groups and a robust volunteer culture that truly reflects a profound sense of civic pride and shared commitment. Manhattan Beach is eager to share all that makes it the very best of Southern California coastal living.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $178272 - $233904 depending on qualifications with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

How to Apply

Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 20 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Serena Wright-Black at and Niayla Hairston at .

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE