Principal Engineer

City of West Allis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory medical coverage

Fully paid dental benefits

Dual pension program

Paid time off

Job summary

The City of West Allis seeks an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects—streets, sewers, water mains, bridges, buildings, parks, trails, and utilities. You will oversee planning, design, and construction while guiding Engineering Technicians and coordinating with contractors and City staff.

This leadership role requires strong project management, budget oversight, and commitment to public safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer license preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• 3–5 years of engineering design, field inspection, and project management experience in local municipal government.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat; CAD/GIS software proficiency expected.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and coordinate construction for DPW projects with quality assurance.
• Coordinate surveying for CIP projects with City Surveyor.
• Advise on means and methods of construction.
• Perform and supervise construction inspection for CIP and other projects.
• Supervise private utility inspection and permitting with Engineering staff.
• Coordinate construction with other City departments.
• Prepare ordinances, resolutions, reports, and records.
• Plan and coordinate engineering consultants' work for public utilities.
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints regarding construction activities and traffic concerns.
• Represent the City on projects led by other groups and agencies.
• Calculate, enter, and finalize special assessments for projects.

Skills

CAD

GIS

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer License (preferred)

Tools

CAD

GIS

Job description

Description

The City of West Allis is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects that enhance our community. This position is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of City infrastructure-including streets, sewers, water mains, bridges, buildings, parks, trails, and utilities-in accordance with City, State, and industry standards. The Principal Engineer manages complex capital improvement projects, monitors project budgets and cost analyses, administers special assessments, and ensures successful implementation through field inspections and coordination with contractors and City staff. This leadership role also provides technical guidance to Engineering Technicians, helping deliver high-quality public infrastructure that serves residents today and into the future. Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including contributory medical coverage, fully paid dental benefits, a dual pension program, and paid time off. West Allis residents earn an additional 5% on top of the pay range.

Examples of Duties

• Design, Plan & Coordinate Construction for DPW including Progress, and Quality Assurance as needed
• Work with City Surveyor to Plan & Coordinate Surveying for CIP Projects
• Advise DPW on Means & Methods of Construction
• Perform and/or Supervise Construction Inspection for CIP Projects and Other Projects as needed
• Perform and/or Supervise Private Utility Inspection & Permitting with Engineering Staff
• Coordinate Construction with Other City Departments
• Prepare Ordinances, Resolutions, Reports, & Records
• Plan & Coordinate Engineering Consultants' Work for Public Utilities
• Respond to Public Inquires & Complaints Regarding Construction Activities
• Respond to Public Inquiries & Complaints Regarding Traffic Concerns
• Represent the City on Projects Impacting the City lead by other Groups & Agencies
• Calculate, Enter, & Finalize Special Assessments for Projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from accredited college or university is required.
• A Professional Engineer License is preferred but will consider candidates who can obtain within a year.
• 3 to 5 years of engineering design, field inspection and project management experience preferably in local municipal government. Ability to utilize CAD and GIS software in accordance with the needs of the department.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs - including Microsoft Outlook (mail, calendar, tasks), Word (templates, forms, mail merge, reviewing) and Excel; and Adobe Acrobat. Advanced skills in English grammar/writing and math.