Principal Engineer - Water/Wastewater
Principal Engineer - Water/Wastewater
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)
A respected and growing engineering consultancy is seeking a Principal Engineer to help lead and expand its water infrastructure practice in Southern California.
This is an opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to play a key role in the delivery of impactful infrastructure projects while helping shape the strategic direction of a thriving practice. The position combines technical leadership, client engagement, business development, and team mentorship, offering a platform for long-term career growth and influence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex water, wastewater, and municipal infrastructure projects.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to public agency and utility clients.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships throughout Southern California.
- Support business development efforts, including proposals, presentations, and strategic pursuits.
- Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across multiple projects.
- Mentor and develop engineering staff at various stages of their careers.
- Collaborate with leadership to drive sustainable growth and market expansion.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
- California PE license required.
- 12+ years of consulting engineering experience focused on water, wastewater, or municipal infrastructure projects.
- Proven success leading projects and managing client relationships.
- Strong communication, leadership, and business development skills.
- Experience mentoring technical teams and supporting staff development.
Why Join?
- Leadership role with direct influence on project delivery and business growth.
- Diverse portfolio of municipal infrastructure projects across Southern California.
- Strong backlog of work and long-standing client relationships.
- Opportunity to help shape the future direction of a growing practice.
- Collaborative culture that values technical excellence, innovation, and professional development.
- Clear path for continued leadership and career advancement.
Compensation
$170,000 - $245,000+ base salary, depending on experience, plus performance incentives and a comprehensive benefits package.
If you are interested in learning more about this confidential leadership opportunity within Southern California's water infrastructure market, we would welcome a conversation.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.Â
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.Â
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