Principal Engineer

City of Vista, CA; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vista invites applications for a Principal Engineer in Land Development to provide senior technical leadership for the review and delivery of private and public development projects. You will guide engineers, coordinate with multiple departments and outside agencies, and ensure compliance with codes and standards.

The role emphasizes mentorship, budget oversight, and development of long-range plans to support safe, sustainable growth in Vista.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field and five years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
• Experience leading professional, technical and clerical staff.
• California PE license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for review and delivery of land development projects.
• Coordinate with multiple municipal departments and outside agencies.
• Oversee division budget, plans, policies and procedures; mentor staff.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Tools

GIS

Job description

The Principal Engineer in Land Development provides senior technical leadership and oversight for the review and delivery of private and public land development projects. This position serves as a technical resource to applicants, consultants, developers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that proposed projects comply with applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and engineering requirements. The Principal Engineer will oversee complex development reviews, provide guidance on engineering and infrastructure issues, coordinate with multiple municipal departments and outside agencies, and help establish consistent and effective review practices. The role also provides technical mentorship to engineering and development review staff and supports the municipality’s long-term goals for safe, sustainable, and well-planned growth.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, a Principal Engineer plans, organizes, integrates, and directs the activities and work of the Land Development Engineering Division within the Engineering Department, including the oversight of projects, staff, and operations; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Principal Engineer is responsible for managing the Land Development Engineering Division in the Engineering Department. This job is distinguished from the Senior Engineer given that the scale of projects and programs that are managed are larger and more complex, and involve the supervision of Senior Engineer, Associate Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and clerical staff. These positions are also responsible for proposing and managing division budgetary expenditures and fees. The employee is expected to exercise significant independent judgment in matters related to operations, research, planning and control, and the development and interpretation of engineering policies and standards a majority of the time.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of an engineering division in the Engineering Department; with subordinate supervisors and staff, develops, implements, and monitors attainment of division goals and objectives; participates in the development of and monitors performance against the annual division budget; manages and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards; plans and evaluates the performance of staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the City’s Personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions; manages the preparation of a variety of studies and reports relating to development projects; establishes conditions of approval; coordinates inspections and project monitoring programs; provides technical assistance to staff; reviews and evaluates plans for proposed assessment and maintenance districts and related bond and fee requirements; reviews subdivision and development proposals; manages and administers operations, activities, and programs in compliance with accepted federal, state, and municipal standards governing public works construction, public utilities construction, traffic engineering, and engineering surveying; manages plan check tracking systems; reviews, analyzes, and recommends changes to the City construction policies and procedures; recommends and coordinates design changes, where appropriate; keeps informed on current construction design techniques, changes in codes and regulations, and new construction materials and methods; works with developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and others regarding unusual construction and compliance problems; ensures the maintenance of detailed records of division activities, findings, and results; ensures the timely and accurate completion of all required topographic and construction engineering surveys.

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A typical qualifying background is a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible engineering experience throughout all phases of development review in a lead capacity with supervisory experience over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

• A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Act.
• Management and supervisory principles and practices, including budgeting, goals and objectives development, and work planning principles.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering development, special districts administration, and public works construction.
• Federal, state and local codes and regulations governing public works and building construction.
• Trends, approaches and problem-solving techniques used in construction engineering and inspection and compliance processes.
• Local government organization and service delivery, as related to assigned managerial area of responsibility.
• Modern methods of construction and structural design concepts.
• Techniques, equipment and materials used in public works construction projects.
• GIS systems and technology.
• Engineering survey principles, techniques, mathematics, and procedures.

SKILL IN

• Operating a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO

• Operate a computer terminal and use word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and related software programs; operate a calculator and standard office equipment.
• Plan, organize, supervise, train and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
• Prepare and administer division budget and anticipate future budget needs.
• Communicate effectively, either orally or in writing.
• Interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.
• Perform mathematical computations and apply mathematical reasoning.
• Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances.
• Analyze technical design engineering, construction engineering, and surveying problems, evaluate alternative approaches, and adopt effective solutions.
• Manage projects to adhere to project budgets, timelines, and specifications.
• Prepare detailed written material, including staff and administrative reports analysis of policies, proposed code amendments, and changes to established programs and policies.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, contractors, developers, consultant, public and private representatives and others encountered in the work.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.

All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: [phone].

The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!

Recruitment Closes - Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026

Virtual Oral Board - Week of October 5th

Department Interviews - Week of October 12th

*Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.