Principal Engineer - Treatment

About the role

You will lead the technical direction and delivery of water and wastewater treatment and recycled water projects from initial client engagement through construction support. You will own the development of innovative, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions that meet rigorous regulatory standards and client expectations. This role requires driving business growth by cultivating strong, long-term client relationships and successfully managing the full project lifecycle. You will mentor and guide engineering staff, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and professional development. You will also be responsible for preparing high-level technical reports, construction drawings, and specifications that reflect best practices in the industry. In addition, you will actively contribute to the growth of the firm by identifying opportunities for process improvement and new project capabilities. You will serve as a key technical resource and thought leader, supporting proposals and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and budget.

Key facts

What you'll do

Establish and foster deep client relationships by understanding their unique challenges and translating them into tailored water and wastewater treatment solutions.

Lead the development of complex technical studies, reports, and designs for water and/or wastewater treatment and recycled water systems, ensuring adherence to engineering principles and regulations.

Prepare comprehensive project deliverables, including construction drawings, specifications, and calculations, while reviewing them for compliance with firm standards and client contract requirements.

Manage and balance a four-month workload projection for all projects under personal supervision, collaborating closely with other engineers and managers to optimize staff utilization.

Mentor engineering staff on technical matters, procedures, and best practices, acting as a go-to resource for guidance and professional growth.

Make informed recommendations to senior management regarding additional staff and resource needs to support project demands and company growth.

Assign and allocate staff and other resources in coordination with other managers to ensure balanced workloads and efficient use of personnel across the firm.

Develop fee estimates for all project types and prepare detailed billing descriptions, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and budget.

Act as Project Manager or team member on major design and construction projects, directing efforts from planning through completion while monitoring scope, schedule, and budget.

Maintain proactive client communication throughout the project lifecycle, from initial contact through completion, to ensure alignment and satisfaction.

Provide quality assurance for plans and contract documents related to construction improvements within the specialty area, safeguarding technical accuracy.

Determine clients' invoicing requirements and collaborate with accounting staff to prepare timely monthly invoices and financial summaries.

Contribute to the firm's knowledge base by contributing to technical journals and preparing conference presentations that showcase expertise and insights.

Use advanced technical knowledge to solve complex problems and drive innovation in water and wastewater treatment project delivery.

Engage in business development and proposal writing activities that position the firm as a leader in water resource management solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field.

15+ years' experience in civil engineering consulting or engineering management.

Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to craft clear, concise, and technically accurate documents.

Strong experience in capturing and delivering projects, including developing and nurturing client relationships.

Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering staff, providing technical guidance and support.

Demonstrated expertise in water and/or wastewater treatment and recycled water systems design and planning.

Thorough understanding of regulatory compliance and engineering principles relevant to water resource projects.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards.

Proficiency in preparing technical reports, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations.

Experience with project management tools and methodologies for tracking schedules, budgets, and scopes.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex engineering challenges.

Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with clients, staff, and senior management.

Commitment to upholding firm standards and contributing to a collaborative, quality-focused work environment.

Practical notes

This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Can sit in our Lake Oswego, OR, Sacramento, CA, or Concord, CA office locations. (https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ).