Principal Drinking Water Engineer
Principal Drinking Water Engineer
Location: Seattle, WA (Hybrid/Flexible Schedule Available)
Salary Range: $170,000 - $225,000 annually + bonus potential, comprehensive benefits, and retirement package
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Drinking Water Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for municipal drinking water projects throughout Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. This individual will serve as a senior technical resource and trusted advisor to public utility clients while helping lead the delivery of complex water treatment, distribution, storage, and planning projects.
The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong client relationships, and a proven track record delivering large-scale drinking water infrastructure projects. Experience working with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and navigating regulatory requirements is highly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert for municipal drinking water projects.
- Lead planning, design, and delivery efforts for water treatment facilities, pump stations, transmission mains, storage reservoirs, and distribution systems.
- Provide senior-level quality control and technical oversight on engineering deliverables.
- Develop and maintain relationships with municipal clients, utility districts, and regulatory agencies.
- Support business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, and strategic client pursuits.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, project engineers, and project managers.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, and construction phases.
- Advise clients on capital improvement planning, asset management, regulatory compliance, and funding opportunities.
- Support construction administration activities and provide technical guidance during project implementation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in drinking water engineering.
- Demonstrated experience leading municipal water infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, storage facilities, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience managing client relationships and serving as a trusted advisor to utility organizations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and technical writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working directly with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
- Familiarity with Washington State drinking water regulations, permitting processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Previous experience as a technical lead, project manager, discipline leader, or principal engineer.
- Business development and client management experience.
- Established relationships with municipal water agencies throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Preferred Project Experience
- Water treatment plant planning, design, and expansion projects.
- Distribution system modeling and master planning.
- Reservoir, pump station, and transmission main design.
- Regulatory compliance and water quality improvement initiatives.
- Capital improvement planning and asset management programs.
- Alternative project delivery and construction support services.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of $170,000 - $225,000 based on experience.
- Annual performance bonus opportunity.
- Hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) with company contribution.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development and industry leadership opportunities.
- Clear pathway into senior leadership, practice leadership, and ownership opportunities.
FAQs
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