Senior - Principal Engineer

About the role

You will own the technical direction and delivery of complex municipal water conveyance and storage projects within Northern California. You will lead the preparation of design calculations, construction drawings, and comprehensive reports that define resilient water infrastructure solutions. You will interface directly with public agency clients to translate their operational needs into technically sound and buildable systems. You will champion quality and innovation while ensuring designs adhere to rigorous engineering standards and regulatory requirements. You will manage project scope, schedules, and budgets to align with client expectations and firm objectives. You will cultivate long-term partnerships that reinforce West Yost as a trusted advisor in the water sector. You will provide thought leadership that elevates the technical practice and supports the growth of your peers and direct reports.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the development of detailed engineering designs for municipal water conveyance and storage infrastructure across Northern California projects.

Prepare technical reports, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations that communicate design intent and ensure constructability.

Evaluate product designs and drawings to verify compliance with engineering principles, firm standards, and client contract requirements.

Develop defensible proposals and budgets for targeted smaller engineering efforts while protecting scope and value.

Meet with public agency clients to define project scope, estimate staffing requirements, and structure fees for formal engagement and approval.

Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent outreach, organizational involvement, and proactive contract management.

Produce three-month workload projections for all projects under personal management to optimize resource deployment.

Collaborate with engineers and managers to balance workload demands and align capacity with project timelines.

Mentor and train Associate Engineers, Engineers, and Engineering Interns through hands-on guidance and technical feedback.

Conduct rigorous technical reviews of staff reports, correspondence, calculations, and deliverables to uphold excellence and accuracy.

Plan, organize, and supervise the work of technical professionals and support staff to ensure on-time delivery.

Prepare detailed specifications and contract documents that clearly articulate project requirements and expectations.

Develop reasoned opinions on probable costs and construction schedules or sequencing based on design development and field conditions.

Act as project manager or senior team member on multifaceted design and construction projects from planning through delivery.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an accredited institution.

Accumulate 10 or more years of relevant professional experience in water infrastructure design and delivery.

Demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills in both verbal and written forms across diverse audiences.

Show documented experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.

Possess a current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in good standing.

Maintain eligibility to work in the location specified on the job description without sponsorship.

Be willing to travel to other offices and/or client offices as required by project demands.

Reside or be capable of working in alignment with the hybrid schedule that includes three days in the office and two days remote.

Operate in compliance with firm policies, quality standards, and regulatory mandates governing water infrastructure practice.

Nice to have

Hold a Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Bring prior experience on municipal water conveyance and storage projects in Northern California.

Showcase familiarity with local regulatory environments and agency expectations for water infrastructure.

Practical notes

This role follows a Hybrid schedule requiring three days in the office and two days remote.

Travel to other offices and/or client sites may be required depending on project needs.

Eligibility for employment without sponsorship is required.

Compensation is defined within the range of $112,000 - $189,530, based on Davis, CA office location and geographic differentials.

Status is Full-Time and Exempt.

Preference is given to candidates who can work from one of the Northern California office locations listed on the West Yost careers site.