Principal Engineer - Water Treatment

Senior Talent Acquisition Lead at West Yost Associates

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 ranked top three in the AEC Advisors 2021 and 2022 Diversity Index Top Firms and were recognized as one of Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services in 2023 and 2024. Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team.

Over the years we have built upon that mission and now integrate a host of high-quality services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology from our multiple locations in the west. As a team, we work with our clients to understand their true needs. Our long-term relationships are based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions.

In 2025 and beyond, West Yost is advancing water resources for future generations and living our core values every day.

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

LOCATION: Can sit in either our Irvine or San Diego office locations -

• This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

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

Position Description

The Principal Engineer –Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business development and proposal writing along with managing and engaging in project work from project planning, preliminary design, design, and support services during construction. We are seeking a dynamic leader who is passionate about pushing our capabilities to new heights. This individual will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with both clients and team members to drive success.

With a proven track record in capturing and delivering impactful projects, developing strong client relationships, and mentoring and guiding staff, this leader will play a pivotal role in shaping our future. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic support to the Treatment Business Sector, while making a lasting impact on our organization’s growth and success.

Other Duties Include

• Lead engineering designs, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations for various projects. Review project designs and drawings for compliance with engineering principles, firm standards, regulatory compliance, customer contract requirements, and related specifications.
• Establish and foster client relations and develops proposals and budgets. Meet with clients to determine recommended project scope and estimate staffing requirements and fee.
• Develop and maintain client contact before, during, and after project completion. Cultivate client relationships through organizational involvement and by direct contact.
• Use technical knowledge to develop technical studies/reports and designs for water treatment projects.
• Make recommendations to senior management as to additional staff and resource needs. Assign staff and other resources, working with other managers to balance overall company workload and best utilize personnel.
• Prepare and conduct technical review of staff, reports, correspondence, calculations and prepare technical recommendations. Prepare opinions of probable cost on current and new designs. Ensures projects are delivered on schedule and within scope and budget.
• Project…