Assistant Engineer

Job Description:

Assistant Engineer

Description

Definition

ABOUT MILPITAS

The City of Milpitas, a vibrant community at the 'Crossroads of Silicon Valley', is known for its family-centered neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and quality education. It offers a range of retail and dining options, including major regional destinations that attract visitors from across the Bay Area.

With over 40,800 jobs and 39,600 employed residents, Milpitas is a thriving job-rich community—often referred to as the “Crossroads of Silicon Valley.” The city’s robust employment opportunities make it an attractive place for professionals seeking career growth.

To learn more, visit This Is Milpitas .

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Public Works Department is recruiting for two (2) Assistant Engineers in the Land Development / Transportation & Traffic and the Design & Construction sections of the Engineering Division .

We’re seeking professionals who combine technical excellence with strong emotional intelligence (EQ)—individuals who communicate with empathy, adapt effectively in a fast-paced environment, and excel in collaborative, community-focused work.

These positions require engineering expertise, problem-solving creativity, and a proactive mindset to develop solutions that maintain and improve City infrastructure. Success in this role means working as part of a cohesive team of engineers, technicians, and field operators to deliver projects that directly serve the people of Milpitas.

ABOUT THE SECTIONS

Design & Construction Section

Responsible for managing the City’s infrastructure projects—including facilities, parks, roadways, and utilities—from planning through construction.
Core responsibilities include:

• Project budgeting and scheduling
• Contract administration and bid management
• Plan/specification review and construction oversight
• Coordination with internal departments and outside agencies to ensure successful project delivery

Land Development Section

Oversees permitting and review of improvements within the public right-of-way and private development. Staff ensure projects meet City Standards, State and Federal regulations, and development Conditions of Approval.
The section also:

• Regulates floodplain development
• Maintains the City’s Community Rating System (CRS) flood insurance rating
• Manages the City’s record drawing library

Transportation & Traffic Section

Provides technical review and evaluation of traffic and transportation studies for City developments. Staff:

• Manage the operation and timing of traffic signals to promote safety and efficiency
• Review construction documents for street and transportation projects
• Administer the City’s Street Resurfacing Program

OUR TEAM CULTURE

The Department’s crews, technicians, engineers, and managers take pride in their contributions—creating a workplace defined by collaboration, respect, and service excellence. Together, we make Milpitas a great place to live, work, and visit.

We are seeking a motivated, innovative, and emotionally intelligent individual who will embody the City’s values and bring both technical expertise and a people-centered mindset to every project. This role offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is not only a strong engineer but also a person with exceptional emotional intelligence (EQ)—someone who listens actively, builds trust, and brings teams together to achieve shared goals.

They are:

• Technically competent, with the ability to analyze complex issues, think critically, and design creative solutions.
• Emotionally attuned and collaborative, fostering open communication and trust across departments and teams.
• Resilient and adaptable, maintaining focus and composure under pressure while embracing change.
• A lifelong learner who is passionate about engineering, community impact, and professional growth.
• Organized, inclusive, and service-oriented, contributing to a positive team culture that values respect and accountability.

**Although the two (2) current vacancies are in the Design & Construction and Land Development / Transportation & Traffic Engineering Sections, the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies in this classification.**

For the complete job description, please visit: Assistant Engineer

*This posting is written notice of a permanent, vacant position. Internal applications will be reviewed after November 20, 2025, which is 10 working days after the recruitment is posted. Internal qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Milpitas Professional and Technical Group (ProTech). External applicants will not be considered until after the internal applicant review process has concluded.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Perform professional and technical engineering work in design, construction, land development, traffic, and/or utilities.
• Respond to inquiries from contractors, developers, and the public.
• Design, prepare, and review plans and specifications for public works projects.
• Conduct research, calculations, and cost estimates.
• Investigate and resolve field problems affecting property owners and contractors.
• Prepare reports, survey data, and feasibility analyses.

When assigned to Design & Construction:

• Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for City Capital Improvement Projects.
• Support project budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Conduct construction site inspections and coordinate permits with other agencies.

When assigned to Land Development:

• Review private development plans for compliance with City design criteria and standards.
• Review encroachment permits, subdivision maps, and street or easement dedications.
• Manage public works improvement assessments and coordinate with affected property owners.

When assigned to Transportation & Traffic:

• Perform traffic studies, collect data, and design improvements for safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Review street improvement and signalization plans.
• Manage consultant contracts and oversee projects from design to completion.

Typical Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Education: A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or other engineering discipline.

Experience: Two (2) years of civil engineering or related experience comparable to that of a Junior Engineer in the City of Milpitas.

License or Certificate: Possess and maintain throughout employment a valid California Driver's License.

• Preferred, but not required: Possess an Engineer-in-Training Certificate accepted by the State of California Registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California

Supplemental Information

Panel Interviews via Zoom are tentatively scheduled for the week of December 8, 2025.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

The City values not only technical excellence but also emotional awareness, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to serving the community throughout every phase of this process.

Please note :

• The examination process (including dates) may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Department. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.
  
• Although the two (2) current vacancies are in the Design & Construction and Land Development Sections of the Engineering Division, the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies in this classification.
  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general supervision from a higher-level professional engineer.
  
• May provide technical guidance over positions at the Junior Engineer level and/or technical staff.
  
• May provide project-related guidance over construction inspection staff within the engineering division.
  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Typically, work is performed primarily in an office environment and at construction sites; exposure to outdoor elements; extensive use of the telephone, radios, and computers with repetitive keyboarding; ability to walk on uneven ground; reach (including overhead), squat, bend, lift, crawl, and, climb; push, pull, and carry up to 30 lbs; drive to various locations daily within and outside the City of Milpitas; ability to work safely in a hard-hat construction zone is essential; exposure to construction-related chemicals and products; may be required to crawl in confined spaces.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest Statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with Resolution No. 8833.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Milpitas will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Department.

The City of Milpitas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEARN MORE
Questions? Contact us at HRRecruitment@milpitas.gov

For the complete job description, visit: Assistant Engineer - City of Milpitas

City of Milpitas | 455 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035
www.milpitas.gov

RETIREMENT
Membership in CalPERS (2% at 60 or 2% at 62 with three year average salary). City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security, but do contribute to Medicare.ProTech members participate both in CalPERS, and the LIUNA pension fund. The current cost of the LIUNA pension fund is $1.39/hour.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Choice of CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays coverage up to the Kaiser rate (currently $2,228.36/mo. for family). Employees who waive health coverage are eligible to receive $125 per month in lieu of medical plan coverage with proof of other coverage.

RETIREE MEDICAL
Employees are eligible upon CalPERS retirement from the City to receive up to 100% retiree medical coverage (currently based on the Kaiser health rate), based on years of service.

DENTAL & VISION
City provides full family coverage for Delta Dental and MES Vision at no cost to the employee.

LIFE INSURANCE
City provides $50,000 term policy. Supplemental employee-paid life insurance is available up to $500,000, based on carrier acceptance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE
City provides a Short-Term Disability plan similar to State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. Employees do not participate in SDI. Long-Term Disability coverage of 60% of base salary up to $1,500 per month is available after a 60-day waiting period. Additional buy-up options for LTD are available up to $6,000 per month.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
City contributes $75 per month on the employee's behalf.

VACATION
Hourly employees earn 11-31 days of vacation based on years of service.

HOLIDAYS
Employees receive 12 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 days annually.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees are eligible to receive up to $1,400 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursement.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Employeesare offered free access to City-sponsored sports and fitness programs.

The City also offers a flexible spending benefits plan, employee assistance program, and other voluntary insurance. Contact Human Resources (HR) at 408-586-3090 or https://www.milpitas.gov/245/Benefits for more information on employee benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 11/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$116,755.60 - $141,918.14 Annually