Principal Engineer - Water Treatment

Who we are:

We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work® based on feedback from our community of over 250 team members. We are a leading employer with recognitions for diversity and workplace excellence. Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team, offering services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology from locations in the west.

We work with clients to understand their true needs, building long-term relationships based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions. In 2025 and beyond, we continue advancing water resources and living our core values daily.

Compensation range: $129,260 to $194,145. Based on our Irvine & San Diego office locations. West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that apply for candidates in other regions.

Location: Can sit in either our Irvine or San Diego office locations. Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Standard benefits:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to protect health, family, and lifestyle. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and pet insurance.

Position

Description:

The Principal Engineer – Water Treatment leads planning and design of water treatment projects, including business development and proposal writing, and manages project work from planning and preliminary design through construction support. We seek a dynamic leader who collaborates with clients and team members to drive success, mentoring staff and shaping our future with a proven track record in delivering impactful projects and strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering designs, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations for various projects. Review project designs for compliance with engineering principles, firm standards, regulatory requirements, customer contracts, and related specifications.
• Establish and foster client relations, develop proposals and budgets, meet with clients to determine scope and staffing/fee needs.
• Develop and maintain client contact before, during, and after project completion; cultivate relationships through organizational involvement and direct contact.
• Use technical knowledge to develop technical studies/reports and designs for water treatment projects.
• Recommend staffing and resources to senior management; assign staff and coordinate with other managers to balance workload.
• Prepare and conduct technical reviews of staff work, calculations, and recommendations; prepare opinions of probable cost; ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope and budget.
• Project management of major design and construction projects; monitor progress, schedule, and budget; manage scope changes when appropriate.
• Mentor engineering staff on technical matters and act as a technical resource.
• Contribute to technical journals and conference presentations.
• Provide quality assurance for plans and contract documents for construction within the specialty area.
• Determine clients’ invoicing requirements and coordinate with accounting to prepare timely monthly invoices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years’ experience in civil engineering consulting or engineering management.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• PE licensure in the State of California, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire; licensure in other states may be considered.

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel to other offices and/or client sites. Applicant must carry a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive for business. West Yost’s insurance…