Whether you’re developing a complex subdivision, planning municipal infrastructure, or navigating regulatory requirements, our team brings decades of experience to your project. We don’t just deliver drawings and reports, we deliver peace of mind.
PRINCIPAL
PRESIDENT
Syd has over 30 years of experience in the Land Surveying field and is a Registered Professional Land Surveyor in the State of California. In that time, he has worked in both the public and private sector, providing professional land surveying services. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of Benchmark Engineering, Syd is responsible for coordinating all operations of the Survey Department; both field and office survey. His office survey responsibilities include research, coordination and preparation of final maps, parcel maps, A.L.T.A. surveys, tentative maps, topographical surveys, as-built surveys, legal descriptions, and exhibits. His field survey responsibilities include management and scheduling of field crew staff, construction plan review, survey research and setup, interpretation and evaluation of field survey data, and implementation of equipment and technology. He works with both office and field project managers on project scheduling, quality control, contracts and budgets.
PRINCIPAL
VICE PRESIDENT
Sergio has over 30 years of experience in the Engineering field and is a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California. Sergio received a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. At Benchmark, he performs and supervises the completion of engineering calculations and prepares plans for buildings, water lines, sewer lines, stormwater lines, water wells, sewage lift stations, and other public works. Also coordinates and performs construction inspections, prepares As-Builts, ensures conformance with construction plans, specifications, and applicable state and local codes. His expertise includes residential, commercial, and structural design, water and wastewater system analysis, hydrology, and hydraulic design including HEC-RAS analysis. As he is responsible for overseeing the Engineering Department and working with the project managers on project scheduling, quality control, contracts, and budgets.
VICE PRESIDENT
Rick has over four decades of local experience in all aspects of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, and Construction Surveying. His areas of expertise include Land Use Planning and Zoning, Project Entitlement, Land Development, Engineering and Design, Master Plan Layout, and Design. He has performed a wide variety of office calculations including Final Maps, ALTA Surveys, Legal Descriptions, Roadway Design, Grading, Sewer, Water, and Storm Design including project Hydrology Studies. He has extensive experience working with City, County, and State agencies to acquire plan approvals, permitting, project feasibility, and project financing.
PRINCIPAL / VICE PRESIDENT
PROJECT MANAGER
Matthew graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors’ in Civil Engineering. Matthew oversees and mentors our production staff, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency. With a hands-on leadership style, he works closely with the team to maintain consistency, creativity, and attention to detail across all stages of production.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, he is passionate about developing the next generation of talent. He actively trains and supports emerging professionals in the industry, sharing his experience and insight to help them grow into skilled, confident contributors.
Through his guidance, our clients receive not only a top-tier product but also the benefit of a well-trained, forward-thinking team.
His responsibilities as a project manager include initiating, planning, executing, and closing projects. His experience includes grading, water, sewer, storm drain, road design, residential subdivisions, and commercial site design. He also is experienced in hydrology calculations, Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP), and water quality/low impact development (LID) design.
PRINCIPAL
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Michelle has been with Benchmark Engineering for 24 years. As the CFO Michelle is the strategic leader who ensures the financial integrity of the organization while helping shape and support its long-term vision. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Benchmark. by organizing office operations and procedures, contracts, billings, and overseeing all aspects of clerical functions. She maintains office staff and handles all Human Resources including benefits and payroll. Michelle has extensive experience in Public Works and Davis Bacon contracts.
OFFICE MANAGER
Tiffany Martinez, as the Office Manager at Benchmark Engineering, Inc., has over 7 years of experience managing the front office. She oversees certified payroll, accounts receivable, contracts, and billing. She has extensive experience with Public Works contracts, Davis-Bacon requirements, Skilled Workforce programs, and Union projects. Proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office, Tiffany ensures the office runs smoothly while supporting both administrative functions and project teams.
PROJECT MANAGER
Matt Thobe brings 7 years of experience as a design engineer and project manager to Benchmark Engineering. He began his career in southern California, working predominantly on hillside homes, urban infill, and multi-family developments in jurisdictions throughout the state. He has brought projects from design to construction in cities from Los Angeles to Sacramento, and he is familiar with the complex regulatory landscapes and fast-paced development schedules common to projects in large urban areas. Matt is practiced in low impact development and stormwater management design for a wide range of developments. He is experienced with hillside grading and leveraging 3D modeling to facilitate more efficient design of complex and challenging sites. He graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a minor in History from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
FIELD SURVEY MANAGER, LSIT
Benchmark’s Field Survey Manager, Elias Fierro, has been surveying since 2020 and is on the verge of obtaining professional licensure in the State of California as a land surveyor. He received a BS in Geomatics Engineering from California State University, Fresno and has experience with both office and field surveying. Elias is responsible for the field survey department at Benchmark and conducts tasks such as project scheduling, contracts, budgets, construction staking setup, field survey research, and field crew coordination. He is also experienced with topographic surveys, FEMA flood elevation certifications, monument preservation, as-built surveys, record of surveys, and A.L.T.A. surveys.
ENGINEERING TECH
CAD MANAGER
Irma Gonzalez is a Senior CAD Technician and Junior Design Technician at Benchmark Engineering, Inc. Her experience includes grading, water, sewer, storm drain, road design, residential subdivisions, and commercial site design. She also is experienced in hydrology calculations, Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP), and water quality/low impact development (LID) design. Irma is a graduate of the University Merced with a B.A in Computer Science and Engineering.