Principal Engineer (Civil)

City of Pasadena; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pasadena is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to supervise and manage a section of engineers and staff within the Department of Public Works. This hands-on leader will drive capital improvement programs from design through construction and ensure projects meet schedule, budget, and quality targets.

The ideal candidate brings substantial design and construction management experience on municipal CIP projects, strong analytical skills, and the ability to mentor staff and coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Four years of professional experience in engineering, design, field surveying, engineering inspection; civil design and construction experience preferred.
• Two years of supervisory experience; and
• Must have a valid Certificate of Registration as Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs and reviews the work of professional and para‑professional engineering teams in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, designs, cost estimates.
• Serves as project manager or project engineer on capital improvement projects.
• Oversees transportation, street, sewer and stormwater improvement projects from inception to completion, including planning, design and construction phases.
• Prepares descriptions; defines job scope; prepares cost estimates; develops schedules, procedures and time lines.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and purchases; confers with other professional and technical staff.
• Coordinates work with other City departments, outside agencies, contractors and consultants.
• Ensures compliance with technical and legal requirements.
• Participates in the selection of consultants and contractors; reviews consultant proposals and contractor bids.
• Provides engineering services and consultation to a variety of field and office personnel.
• Performs and/or reviews difficult engineering work, highly specialized design, research, and analysis.
• Prepares and/or reviews a variety of documents and reports including agenda and project reports.
• Prepares and/or reviews complex grant applications for project funding from various governmental agencies.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Program and Operating division budget and monitors project expenditures.
• Supervises and evaluates the work performance of subordinate personnel.
• Administers discipline to subordinates.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public and City staff; represents the City at public and joint department meetings; makes presentations; and,
• Research new materials and techniques and monitors current developments in engineering.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget development

Capital improvement projects

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Four years engineering experience

Two years supervisory experience

Professional Engineer (CA) license

Job description

The City of Pasadena - Department of Public Works is seeking a Principal Engineer (Civil) to supervise, organize, and manage a section of engineers, engineering aides, and clerical support staff. The ideal candidate will possess experience supervising staff, develop budgets, and oversee capital improvement projects through design and construction, including construction contract administration. This is an excellent career opportunity for a hands‑on leader who takes ownership, develops staff, and drives projects and programs to completion.

The current vacancy is in the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced civil engineering leader with substantial design and construction management experience on municipal capital improvement projects, including transportation, streets and sidewalks, stormwater, sewer systems, and other public infrastructure. Experience in a high-volume municipal environment and/or prior experience working for a heavy civil contractor or serving as a construction project manager is highly desirable. The successful candidate will take ownership of assigned programs and projects, make timely and sound decisions, provide clear direction to consultants and contractors, enforce contract requirements, and hold project teams accountable for schedule, budget, quality, and results. This position also requires strong analytical skills and the ability to organize, interpret, and use service‑request, field, and performance data to establish priorities, manage a high volume of work, and drive programs to measurable outcomes. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities are essential.

The following list represents some of the essential functions of this position. For more detailed information, please review the Principal Engineer job description.

• Plans, organizes, directs and reviews the work of professional and para‑professional engineering teams in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, designs, cost estimates;
• Serves as project manager or project engineer on capital improvement projects;
• Oversees transportation, street, sewer and stormwater improvement projects, from inception to completion, including planning, design and construction phases of the project;
• Prepares descriptions; defines job scope; prepares cost estimates; develops schedules, procedures and time lines;
• Reviews purchase requisitions and purchases; confers with other professional and technical staff;
• Coordinates work with other City departments, outside agencies, contractors and consultants;
• Ensures compliance with technical and legal requirements;
• Participates in the selection of consultants and contractors; reviews consultant proposals and contractors bids;
• Provides engineering services and consultation to a variety of field and office personnel;
• Performs and/or reviews difficult engineering work, highly specialized design, research, and analysis;
• Prepares and/or reviews a variety of documents and reports including agenda and project reports;
• Prepares and/or reviews complex grant applications for project funding from various governmental agencies;
• Participates in the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Program and Operating division budget and monitors project expenditures;
• Supervises and evaluates the work performance of subordinate personnel;
• Administers discipline to subordinates;
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public and City staff; represents the City at public and joint department meetings; makes presentations; and,
• Research new materials and techniques and monitors current developments in engineering.

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Actions and Results Focus– Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Decision Making-Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Project Management- Ensuring that projects are on‑time, on‑budget, and achieve their objectives
• Leadership- Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
• Professional & Technical Expertise- Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data - Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field;
• Four years of professional experience in the field of engineering, design, field surveying, engineering inspection; civil design and construction experience is preferred;
• Two years of supervisory experience; and
• Must have a valid Certificate of Registration as Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of training and experience evaluation, an oral panel interview, and department‑level interview.

Probationary work period is one year.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently one vacancy in the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works.

The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Must have a valid Certificate of Registration as Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.

Must possess a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.