SENIOR PLAN CHECK ENGINEER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary Range $140,000-$160,000
Department Building & Safety
Job Type Full Time
Location Walnut, CA
Schedule 4/10 Work Schedule (In-Office)
Reports To: Raymond Tao, Director of Building & Safety
 

About RKA Consulting Group

RKA Consulting Group is a trusted leader in the building and safety industry, providing expert plan review and inspection services for municipalities and private development projects. At RKA Consulting Group, we cultivate a strong, team-oriented workplace where employees are valued, supported, and given opportunities for growth. We believe in balanced and competitive pay, professional development, and a family-oriented culture that prioritizes both career and personal well-being. We are committed to ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while fostering safe and sustainable development.

We are seeking a Senior Plan Check Engineer to lead and oversee the review of more complex construction plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards. This role involves mentoring plan check staff, providing expert guidance to engineers and developers, and ensuring that projects meet regulatory and safety requirements while collaborating with inspectors, engineers, and developers. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with extensive experience in plan review, code interpretation, and staff mentorship. This position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to train and develop a team.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan Review & Compliance

• Conduct and oversee technical reviews of construction plans to ensure compliance with California Building Standards Codes, municipal regulations, and engineering best practices.
• Evaluate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, energy conservation (Title 24), Green Building Standards, accessibility, and egress plans.
• Provide solutions for complex code compliance challenges and recommend alternative design options when applicable.

Supervision & Training

• Lead, mentor, and train plan check engineers and technical staff to enhance their knowledge and professional development.
• Monitor workload distribution, review staff performance, and provide technical assistance as needed.
• Establish best practices and training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency in plan review processes.

Coordination & Permit Authorization

• Facilitate the plan review process by coordinating with public agencies and other departments.
• Communicate required modifications to developers, engineers, and architects.
• Approve building permits and calculate associated fees for code-compliant plans.

Code Interpretation & Public Assistance

• Serve as a technical resource for engineers, architects, contractors, and the public regarding building codes and regulations.
• Confers with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and others relative to construction or building projects; coordinates plan examining activities with City departments and other agencies; confers and corresponds with other professional personnel in connection with building code interpretation and application; acts as an information source in person or by phone by answering related technical or code questions; discusses complicated issues with engineers and architects in terms of structural engineering items, building codes, etc.; responds to questions and concerns and resolves disputes.
• Provide expert guidance at public counters and in meetings to ensure clarity on permitting requirements.
• Offer alternative compliance solutions when needed.

Policy Development & Industry Expertise

• Stay current with California Building Standards Codes, Title 24, ADA, and evolving industry regulations.
• Recommend updates to policies and procedures to improve efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Represent the organization in professional meetings and industry conferences.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct electronic plan reviews using Bluebeam and other digital tools.
• Review and approve complex engineering calculations, construction diagrams, and technical reports.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field (required).
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• CA registration as engineer and ICC plans examiner certification preferred.
• Certification as CASP (Certified Access Specialist) preferred.
• ICC Plans Examiner Certification (preferred).
• Valid California Driver’s License (required).

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience performing professional level engineering work, preferably for a municipality, building plan review, code enforcement, or structural engineering.
• Experience supervising and training staff in a municipal building and safety department (preferred).
• Knowledge of State of CA Building Standards, City’s adopted codes, ability to enforce standards/codes.
• Must be an effective communicator with the ability to handle multiple responsibilities while working collaboratively with the leadership team to foster a supportive and high-performing environment.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Expertise in California Building Codes (CBC), Caltrans Standards, ADA, Title 24, and municipal regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of structural design, seismic safety, fire/life safety, and public works infrastructure.
• Ability to lead a team, delegate tasks, and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and other electronic plan review software.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for building safety and regulatory compliance. They have a strong technical background, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to mentoring and developing a high-performing team.
 

Why Join RKA Consulting Group?

We value our employees and provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Market-competitive salary with potential signing bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with employer match
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Discretionary Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• 4/10 work schedule (In-Office)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

At RKA, we foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status. If you need reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us.