Senior or Principal Engineer

Mojave Water Agency; Apple Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mojave Water Agency seeks a Senior Engineer to lead water pipeline infrastructure projects, manage planning and construction, and oversee asset management. The role requires coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery and regulatory compliance.

The position involves design review, cost-benefit analysis, and advanced modeling using CADD/GIS. A CA PE license is preferred; eligible candidates should possess strong communication and leadership skills for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental or mechanical engineering required.
• Graduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years progressively responsible engineering experience; at least 2 years in PM or construction oversight.

Responsibilities

• Manage medium-scale capital projects through planning, procurement and construction phases.
• Develop scopes, schedules, budgets and technical documentation.
• Lead construction meetings and manage change orders; ensure contract code/safety compliance.
• Coordinate internal teams and external partners; use project tools to monitor progress.
• Review technical proposals, submittals and designs for compliance and quality.
• Contribute to hydraulic modeling, asset management and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Project Management

Engineering Analysis

Team Collaboration

Technical Communication

Hydraulic Modeling

CADD/GIS

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Bachelor's degree in environmental/mechanical engineering

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

CADD

GIS

Job description

Applications will be accepted until 9/11/2026, 11:59pm Pacific.

The Senior Engineer – Water Pipeline Infrastructure manages infrastructure engineering and asset management functions for the Agency, working in close coordination with the Engineering Manager. They independently manage medium-scale capital projects through planning, procurement, and construction phases, conduct technical evaluations and assessments, and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements. They apply advanced engineering software tools to support project design, spatial analysis, and asset data maintenance, and contribute to Agency planning through clear technical communication with internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

Functional Competencies

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Independently diagnoses and resolves engineering or construction issues.
• Weighs risks, considers multiple solutions, and adapts methods to specific project constraints.
• Exercises judgment to engage others as appropriate.

Project & Construction Management

• Independently manages medium-scale projects through planning, procurement, and construction phases.
• Develops and oversees scopes, schedules, budgets, and technical documents.
• Leads construction meetings, processes change orders, and ensures compliance with contract terms, codes, and safety standards.
• Coordinates internal teams and external partners; uses project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) to monitor progress and reporting.

Technical Evaluations, Review, and Assessment

• Independently reviews and assesses technical proposals, contractor submittals, and engineering designs.
• Ensures compliance with standards and project requirements.
• Designs and conducts credible technical evaluations related to water pipeline infrastructure function.

Water Pipeline Infrastructure Engineering and Maintenance

• Helps manage water pipeline design and construction projects, including rehabilitation and replacement.
• Manages hydraulic modeling, condition assessments, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Helps resolve operational issues and ensures regulatory compliance.

Technical Communication

• Independently prepares well-structured technical reports, memos, and presentations.
• Explains complex engineering concepts to non-engineers and contributes to Agency planning discussions.

Engineering Software Systems (CADD, GIS, etc.)

• Integrates CADD, GIS, and/or other engineering software into project planning, design, and maintenance workflows.
• Performs advanced spatial analyses (e.g., hydraulic modeling support, service area analysis).
• Maintains accurate data in the software for water assets and coordinates with field staff for updates.

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, stakeholders 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

• 5 years minimum of progressively responsible professional engineering experience is required, including at least 2 years in project management or construction oversight.
• Experience in the planning, design, and implementation of water pipeline infrastructure projects is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Class C driver’s license and current automobile insurance are required.
• Professional Engineering License, State of California is preferred.
• If hired, will be required to obtain a Professional Engineering License in California within two years of start date.

Working Conditions

• Work in an office setting, primarily sitting, occasionally standing and walking
• Operate standard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor
• Read printed materials and digital text and images
• Occasionally lift, carry, push or pull 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

Work Locations

This position can be hybrid—typically with three days a week in the Agency offices 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 work isn’t guaranteed and may change over time.