Senior - Principal Engineer - Municipal Water Conveyance & Storage

Company Overview

We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work® based on feedback from our community of over 260 team members. Recognized as a top AEC Advisors 2021/2022 Diversity Index firm and one of Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services 2023‑2025, we have been advancing water resources since 1990 across groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, stormwater, and more.

Compensation range: $112,000 - $189,530 (Davis office). Geographic salary differentials apply for other regions.

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Preference for a Northern California office location. See West Yost locations.

Hybrid role: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote.

Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health‑saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave, holidays, employee assistance programs, travel assistance, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life & AD&D insurance, short‑term & long‑term disability, pet insurance.

Senior - Principal Engineer - Municipal Water Conveyance & Storage (Northern California)

West Yost seeks a senior‑level engineer to oversee and assist team members with water infrastructure planning and design. The role requires technical expertise, design, project planning, engineering, management, client relations, and business development beyond the associate level.

• Perform complex engineering tasks including designs, reports, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Review product designs and drawings for compliance with engineering principles, firm standards, and contract requirements.
• Develop proposals and budgets for lower‑risk and smaller engineering efforts.
• Meet with clients to determine recommended project scope, estimate staffing, and prepare fees for review and signature.
• Develop and maintain client contact before, during, and after project completion.
• Cultivate client relationships through organizational involvement and direct contract.
• Maintain three‑month workload projections for all projects under personal management.
• Work closely with engineers and managers to balance workload demands.
• Mentor and train Associate Engineers, Engineers, and Engineering Interns.
• Prepare and conduct technical reviews of staff reports, correspondence, and calculations; provide technical recommendations.
• Plan, organize, and supervise work of professionals and technicians as needed.
• Prepare specifications and contract documents.
• Prepare opinions of probable cost and construction schedules/sequencing on current and new designs.
• Act as project manager or team member on larger design and construction projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience with CAD and GIS.
• PE licensure.

• Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering.

This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

Opportunities for professional growth through collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. The hybrid schedule supports work/life balance. Employees participate in events, work groups, and community service while accessing leadership and mentorship programs for career advancement.

Support for ongoing education: 529 college savings, student‑loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, paid memberships, training, and Leadership Academy. Recognition through milestone benefits, peer recognition, employee stock, performance bonuses, merit increases, referral bonuses, and wellness reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.