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About King Engineering, Inc.

Our core values include advocating for clients, collaboration, communication, creativity, encouragement, fairness, flexibility, respect, and support — we do our absolute best to practice these qualities every day so that we are successful as a company, a team, and as individuals.

We joke sometimes that we are “engi–NERDS” at heart, but that is what makes us unique.  We love the challenge of leveraging technology and working together as a team to develop creative solutions to challenging projects.  Our projects are successful when we all work together – this is an integral part of King Engineering’s culture.  We foster an environment where teams can thrive and do their best work.

Russell King, PE

President

Russell started with the company the day after graduation in 1990 and hasn’t looked back. Working his way up from junior engineer to President, he has been the team leader for the company on hundreds of successful projects, including award winning projects like Winchester, Darkhorse, and Schaffer’s Mill master planned golf communities. He loves the development planning and design process and can’t imagine doing anything else. He has long standing relationships with agency staff and relishes advocating intensely for his clients. When not at the office, Russell also enjoys spending time with his wife, Cheryl and two kids traveling, enjoying water sports, tennis, hiking the Sierras, and snow skiing… pretty much anything outdoors.

Curtis King, PE

Project Manager

Curtis is King Engineering’s resident computer guru and in charge of production. Curtis manages some of our most complex and multi-layered projects. His record of excellence in managing and meeting fast-track schedules for projects has brought great value to our clients. His experience covers everything from historical property conversions to brew pubs to complex transportation projects like the reconstruction of Wilshire Blvd in LA. Curtis and his wife, Michelle, dive into DIY projects on their house and hit the trails around Auburn on their mountain bikes.

Daniel Dottai, PE

Senior Engineer

Daniel has broad experience in civil design, project planning and entitlements, environmental and regulatory permit processing, and construction inspection. He has over 30 years of experience throughout California. Daniel also has broad experience working for government, having been Placer County’s Deputy Director of Engineering & Surveying. Additionally, Daniel was in charge of managing Placer County’s permit processing front counter for several years. During that time Daniel gained hands-on experience dealing with permit applicants, and was involved in implementing process improvements to help streamline Placer County’s permit process.

Chris Schmidt

Senior Planner

Chris has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and has held a professional position in public sector planning for over 30 years, including 24 years with the Placer County Planning Department. His current and long-range planning experience has required a broad knowledge of various land use and planning issues, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a solutions-oriented approach to project entitlement processing.

Andrew Jensen, PE

Project Engineer

Andrew is a civil engineering graduate and is quickly becoming a proficient member of our design team. He is involved with the design of utility infrastructure, bridge construction details, AutoCAD Civil 3D design and drafting, producing grading plans, and coordinating plan reviews with local agencies. Andrew enjoys learning new things, spending time with family and friends at the lake, and rallying with an opponent on the tennis court.

Austin Flemming, EIT

Associate Engineer

Austin graduated from Polytech State University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. He immediately jumped into civil engineering and learned the ropes of the trade doing custom home plot plans in the greater Sacramento area. Since then, he has gained vast experience in the areas of residential and commercial land development. Austin enjoys spending time with his family, weightlifting and outdoor athletics, and keeping up with the latest tech and trends.

Micah Paul, EIT

Staff Engineer

Micah graduated from California Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He has 6 years of experience in land development, specializing in grading and utility design. Micah also has a background in transportation, and continues to use his skills and knowledge to develop projects here at KEI. In his free time, Micah enjoys gardening with his wife, exploring new places and restaurants with his kids, and engaging in creative photography.

Mike Elm

Engineering Designer

Mike has his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and has a background in architectural design and drafting. He has worked on a variety of projects from electric vehicle charging stations, solar arrays, and historical B&B/wedding venues, to improvement plans for master planned communities. Mike enjoys 3D modeling, solar design, and remodeling. He is an avid DIYer… from brewing his own Belgian ale to building a deck.

Kevin Labao

Staff Engineer

Kevin graduated from University of California, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He has two years of experience in transportation, working primarily on plan production and drainage reports. Kevin enjoys a relaxing day out on the golf course, and trying new restaurants with his friends and family.

Graciela Lopez

Engineering Technician

Graciela graduated from National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. She has worked for 8 years drafting and designing fiber installation routes for Telco companies including Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Astound, and Centurylink. She has vast experience with underground design, and is looking to expand her skillset working in land development. In her free time, Graciela loves being out in nature. Hiking and mountain biking are some of her favorite hobbies, and she is always working to improve her skills as a top tier mountain biker.

Tou Thao, EIT

Staff Engineer

Lani Phan

Staff Engineer

Lani studied at Princeton University, where she majored in Civil and Environmental Engineering and minored in Spanish. Her favorite course, Origami Engineering, sparked a passion for blending art with sustainability to create innovative and efficient building systems. She has a heart for community service and loves working with people, which is reflected in her deep involvement in church and campus ministry. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at the beach when she’s home in Florida, and in California, she can often be found exploring new places and trying new foods with friends—before obliterating board game nights and pickleball.

Devon Johnson

Student Intern

Devon is a big travel person. He loves going to different countries, trying the food and admiring the architecture from different cultures. He recently graduated high school and is starting at Sierra College until he is able to transfer. He enjoys doing various physical activities whether it be sports, going to the gym, or hiking. He always loves a good story that he can immerse himself in.

Susan Ray

Accountant

Susan Ray is a seasoned accounting professional with more than 30 years of expertise as a bookkeeper, tax preparer, and accounting instructor. She has supported a wide range of clients – from small business owners to individuals and larger corporations – by delivering precise bookkeeping, strategic tax planning, and practical financial guidance.

Beyond her professional work, Susan is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys shoreline fishing, paddle boarding, and exploring scenic trails. She values time with her family and pets, believing that a healthy balance between work and personal life brings the best perspective to the clients she serves. Known for her integrity, attention to detail, and approachable style, she is passionate about simplifying finances and helping others achieve long-term stability.

Samantha Zellmer

Administrative Assistant

Samantha has over 9 years in office administration. She is organized and analytical with experience supporting cross‑functional teams through contract coordination, client communication, and detailed operational tasks. Known for her multitasking abilities and polished communication skills, she brings reliability, professionalism, and efficiency to KEI.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys reading and wakeboarding with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her nephew and the rest of her loved ones.

    Job Openings

    We don’t currently have any open positions, but we’re always looking for talented team members. Fill out the form and tell us a little about you. We look forward to hearing from you.