Principal Water/Wastewater Engineer

About the role

A well-established environmental engineering and civil infrastructure firm is hiring a Principal Water/Wastewater Engineer to lead the establishment and expansion of a new Water/Wastewater practice across California. The position suits a seasoned engineer combining deep technical expertise with a proven record of client development, revenue generation and practice leadership. It is fully remote, with candidates based in Northern California or the Bay Area and periodic travel throughout California.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and growth of the Water/Wastewater practice, including annual growth plans, staffing strategies, market expansion and operational oversight.
• Build relationships with municipal, utility, industrial and private-sector clients and generate annual net revenue exceeding $750,000.
• Lead strategic pursuits, proposals, client presentations, interviews and contract negotiations.
• Provide executive oversight and technical leadership for water, wastewater, recycled water and stormwater projects from planning and design through construction.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for hydraulic modeling, condition and vulnerability assessments, asset management, capital improvement planning, conveyance systems, treatment facilities and rehabilitation/retrofit projects.
• Recruit, mentor and develop engineering and technical professionals, and oversee quality assurance of engineering calculations, reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates and construction documents.
• Represent the firm at industry organizations, conferences and professional associations, and partner with senior leadership on business strategy, finance, staffing and market expansion.

Required profile

• 15+ years of progressively responsible engineering consulting experience, with substantial experience in water, wastewater, stormwater or utility infrastructure.
• Minimum 5 years leading or managing a practice, business line, regional operation or similar organization.
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) registration required.
• Proven success in client development, strategic growth and revenue generation, and strong existing relationships with California municipalities, utilities, industrial clients and/or regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams and to lead complex infrastructure projects through construction.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build a sustainable practice.

Required skills

• Expertise in water supply, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, infrastructure planning and design, utility operations technology and rehabilitation/retrofit.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms, hydraulic modeling software and infrastructure design applications.
• Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, contracts and financial performance.

What we offer

• Salary of $170,000 to $200,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.
• Support and resources to build and grow a new business line, including strategic, technical, recruiting, administrative, marketing and proposal support.
• An opportunity to shape the firm's long-term California growth strategy.
• Additional benefits available; the specific package is to be confirmed.