Principal Engineer - Water Pipeline Infrastructure

Mojave Water Agency (CA); Apple Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Mojave Water Agency in Apple Valley, CA seeks a Principal Engineer – Water Pipeline Infrastructure to provide technical leadership on complex capital projects, asset management, and emergency response protocols. Lead multi-phase projects from planning through construction closeout and serve as the agency's technical authority on pipeline design and materials.

Responsibilities include guiding evaluation teams, coordinating across disciplines, and representing the agency in discussions with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• A graduate degree in one of the above-mentioned fields is preferred.
• 8 years minimum of progressively responsible professional engineering experience.
• At least 3 years leading complex or multi-phase capital projects.
• Active Professional Engineering License, State of California required.
• Valid California driver’s license and current automobile insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-phase capital projects from planning through construction closeout.
• Develop and implement asset management strategies and emergency response protocols.
• Guide technical evaluation teams and provide expert recommendations.
• Represent the Agency in technical discussions with contractors, regulators, stakeholders, and customers.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Project Mgmt

Technical Evaluation

Water Pipeline Eng

Technical Communication

Engineering Software

Education

Bachelor's in civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

CADD

GIS

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

The Principal Engineer – Water Pipeline Infrastructure serves as the Agency's senior individual contributor engineering role, providing expert technical leadership across complex capital projects,infrastructurerepair andrehabilitation initiatives, and asset management programs. They lead multi-phase projects from planning through construction closeout, develop and implement Agency-wide asset management strategies and emergency response protocols, and function as the Agency's technical authority on water pipeline infrastructureincluding but not limited to design standards, materials, etc. Responsibilities include leading technical evaluation teams,facilitatingcoordination across multidisciplinary teams, andrepresentingthe Agency in technical discussions with contractors, regulatory agencies,stakeholders,and customers. The Principal Engineer works under the general direction of the Engineering Manager.

Functional Competencies

Job-specific competencies critical to success:

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Anticipates and mitigates potential project risks.
  • Leads root cause analysis and develops innovative or cross-disciplinary solutions.
  • Makes well-justified decisions under pressure.
• Project & Construction Management
  • Oversees large, complex, or multi-phase capital projects.
  • Develops and executes project delivery plans, risk management strategies, and QA/QC programs.
  • Resolves high-level construction issues, including claims, disputes, and change negotiations.
  • Ensures alignment with agency goals, regulatory mandates, and funding conditions; mentors project and construction managers.
• Technical Evaluations, Review, and Assessment
  • Leads technical evaluation teams.
  • Performs in-depth assessments of complex or innovative designs, value engineering proposals, and contract compliance.
  • Provides expert recommendations.
• Water Pipeline Infrastructure Engineering and Maintenance
  • Leads complex pipeline system projects involving advanced materials, trenchless technologies, or large-scale renewals/replacements.
  • Develops and implements asset management strategies, preventive maintenance plans, and emergency response protocols.
• Technical Communication
  • Leads technical discussions with contractors, regulatory agencies, and the Agency customers.
  • Reviews and edits technical documents prepared by others.
  • Facilitates coordination between multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ensures all projects comply with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including but not limited to SWRCB DDW
• Engineering Software Systems (CADD, GIS, etc.)
  • Leads CADD, GIS, and/or other engineering software applications for complex water system analysis and decision support.
  • Develops custom tools, dashboards, or workflows to support asset management, risk assessments, and capital planning.
  • Coordinates data integration with other systems (e.g., CMMS, SCADA).

Behavioral Competencies

All Agency employees are expected to demonstrate the following behaviors:

• Communication
  • Listens actively and asks clarifying questions.
  • Communicates clearly, concisely and respectfully to coworkers and customers.
  • Manages emotions constructively in routine and stressful situations.
• Accountability
  • Follows through on commitments and updates others when plans change.
  • Adheres to policies, safety standards, and procedures.
  • Owns mistakes and takes corrective action.
• Collaboration
  • Shares information and resources proactively.
  • Recognizes and values others' expertise and responsibilities; seeks input when needed.
  • Offers and requests help during high-demand or cross-team tasks.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Adapts to new processes, technologies, and priorities.
  • Identifies, suggests and helps implement improvement opportunities.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required.
• A graduate degree in one of the above-mentioned fields is preferred.

Experience

• 8 years minimum of progressively responsible professional engineering experience is required, including at least 3 years leading complex or multi-phase capital projects.
• Experience in the planning, design, and implementation of water pipeline infrastructure projects, including asset management, is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Class C driver’s license and current automobile insurance are required.
• Active Professional Engineering License, State of California is required.

Typical Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Typical working conditions andphysical demandsrequiredto perform the essential functions of the jobinclude but are not limited to:

• Work in an office setting, primarily sitting, occasionally standing and walking
• Operatestandard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor
• Read printed materials and digital text and images
• Occasionally lift, carry,pushorpull materials up to 60 pounds with the use of proper equipment
• Operate a motor vehicle to visit various Agency sites
• Work outside at infrastructure or construction sites, occasionally in cramped spaces, walking in operational areas, sometimes with uneven terrain and exposure to noise, dust, cold or hot weather, etc.
• Follow strict safety procedures and risk mitigation measures
• Occasionally may be required to interact with Agency customers or members of the public

This position can be hybrid—typically with three days a week in the office at 13846 Conference Center Drive, Apple Valley, CA—if the employee qualifies under Mojave Water Agency’s Remote Work Policy. In-office presence is expected on a flexible basis, depending upon departmental needs and in coordination with the Engineering Manager.Remote workisn’tguaranteed and may change over time.