Principal-Water/Wastewater Engineer

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and highly respected environmental engineering and civil infrastructure firm recognized for technical excellence, responsiveness, and successful project delivery. The firm is employee-focused and investing strategically in the continued expansion of its California water infrastructure capabilities.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative organization at an important stage of growth and play a pivotal role in building a new civil infrastructure practice.

About the Position

The Principal – Water/Wastewater Engineer will provide entrepreneurial leadership in establishing and expanding a new Water/Wastewater practice throughout California. This high-impact position is designed for a seasoned engineering professional who combines deep technical expertise with a strong record of client development, revenue generation, and practice leadership.

Working closely with senior management, the Principal will define the practice's growth strategy, identify target markets, develop key client relationships, and establish the firm as a trusted provider of water and wastewater engineering services across California.

The firm will provide significant support for the Principal's success, including strategic planning, recruiting, technical resources, administrative support, marketing and proposal assistance, and investment in the tools needed to build a sustainable and successful business line.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and growth of the Water/Wastewater practice across California, including annual growth plans, staffing strategies, market expansion, and operational oversight.
• Develop and maintain relationships with municipal, utility, industrial, and private-sector clients.
• Generate annual net revenue exceeding $750,000 through client development, project pursuits, and strategic business development.
• Lead strategic pursuits, proposals, client presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations.
• Provide executive oversight and technical leadership for water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater projects from planning and design through construction.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for hydraulic modeling, condition and vulnerability assessments, asset management, capital improvement planning, conveyance systems, treatment facilities, and rehabilitation/retrofit projects.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering and technical professionals to support the growth of the practice.
• Oversee quality assurance for engineering calculations, technical reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction documents.
• Represent the firm at industry organizations, conferences, professional associations, and other strategic forums.
• Partner with senior leadership on long-term business strategy, financial performance, staffing, and market expansion.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressively responsible engineering consulting experience, with substantial experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, or utility infrastructure.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading or managing a practice, business line, regional operation, or similar organization.
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) registration required.
• Proven success in client development, strategic growth, and revenue generation.
• Strong existing relationships with California municipalities, utilities, industrial clients, and/or regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience leading complex infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: water supply, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, infrastructure planning and design, utility operations technology, and rehabilitation/retrofit.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms, hydraulic modeling software, and infrastructure design applications.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, contracts, and financial performance.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, develop relationships, and build a sustainable practice.

Location: Fully Remote – candidates must be based in Northern California or the Bay Area. Periodic travel throughout California will be required for client meetings, business development, project oversight, and industry events.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $170,000–$200,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Support and resources to build and grow a new business line.
• Strategic, technical, recruiting, administrative, marketing, and proposal support.
• Opportunity to play a significant role in the firm's long-term California growth strategy.
• Additional benefits are available; specific benefits package to be confirmed.