SENIOR - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - WATER SYSTEMS & WATER SUPPLY PLANNING

West Yost; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in water-focused engineering consulting is seeking a Senior - Principal Engineer to enhance their Water Business Sector. This role involves leading technical evaluations, managing projects, and collaborating across regions to ensure efficient water supply and system planning. With a commitment to employee growth and a diverse workplace culture, this firm offers a supportive environment where your expertise will directly contribute to sustainable water resource management. If you have a passion for engineering and client engagement, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Vacation

Sick Leave

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Employee Assistance Programs

Professional Memberships

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Water System Planning and Hydraulic Modeling.
• Proficiency with CAD, GIS, and hydraulic modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluations of water distribution systems.
• Develop water supply and system capital improvement plans.
• Engage directly with clients, ensuring excellent service.

Skills

Water System Planning

Hydraulic Modeling

Communication Skills

Project Management

Client Interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Tools

InfoWater Pro

OpenFlows WaterGEMS

Aquanuity

CAD

GIS

Job description

SENIOR - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - WATER SYSTEMS & WATER SUPPLY PLANNING

We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work based on feedback from our community of over 240 team members. We ranked top three in the AEC Advisors 2021 and 2022 Diversity Index Top Firms and were recognized as one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services in 2023 & 2024. Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team. Over the years, we have built upon that mission by offering high-quality services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology across our locations in the west. We prioritize understanding our clients' true needs, building long-term relationships based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, West Yost continues to advance water resources for future generations, living our core values daily.

Compensation range: $119,040 to $173,680. Based on our Irvine, CA office location. (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials for candidates in other regions).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (with company contribution), paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, employee assistance programs, travel assistance, 401(k) with employer match, leaves of absence, parental leave, insurance coverage, disability insurance, and pet insurance.

Role Overview

The Senior - Principal Engineer will contribute to the development of our Water Business Sector, focusing on water system, water resource, stormwater, recycled water, and collection system planning. Experience with Water System Planning and Hydraulic Modeling is essential. Candidates eager to develop into technical leaders, client service managers, or regional/sector managers are ideal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluations of water distribution systems using software like InfoWater Pro, OpenFlows WaterGEMS, Aquanuity, etc.
• Collaborate on projects across California and Oregon, with a focus on Southern California.
• Analyze water use, population, water quality, and infrastructure data.
• Assess water supply availability.
• Develop water supply and system capital improvement plans.
• Prepare technical reports and master plans.
• Manage projects, overseeing hydraulic modeling and master planning efforts.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews of team work.
• Engage directly with clients, ensuring excellent service.
• Support marketing and proposal development as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in Water System Planning and Hydraulic Modeling.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with CAD, GIS, and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., InfoWater Pro).
• PE licensure in California; licensure in other states is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in engineering calculations and report writing.
• Experience with client interaction and proposal writing.
• High proficiency with InfoWater PRO and Aquanuity software.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Willingness to travel for work assignments.

Travel Requirements

This role may involve travel to other West Yost offices and client sites.

Our Culture & Benefits

We are committed to diversity and employee growth, offering hybrid and flexible schedules, community events, mentorship, and leadership programs. Our benefits include education support, professional memberships, bonuses, and wellness programs. We foster a fun, inclusive environment with regular company events and recognition programs.

Qualifications & Certifications

Preferred

Professional Engineer license

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. We comply with all federal employment laws and inform applicants of their rights per the Department of Labor’s Know Your Rights notice.