Principal Engineer

Job Description:

Principal Engineer

Description

Job Summary

Are you looking for an opportunity for professional growth and development?  Consider joining the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department as a Principal Engineer.

The City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department is seeking a self-starter able to work in a fast-paced environment responsible for planning, directing, supervising and reviewing the activities of staff engaged in the construction management, inspection, and constructability review, assisting in the planning and scheduling for the construction or alteration of water utility, water reclamation, sewer collections, power generation, and geothermal systems, gathering and compiling data, preparing and reviewing design plans for constructability, preparing or reviewing of construction cost estimates, specification, and reports, directing and assisting engineering personnel with matters association with construction management and construction inspection, and overseeing the management and coordination of contractor/developer installed projects.

The class of Principal Engineer is the advanced professional level class in the engineering series.  Supervision is received from the Engineering Manager.  Supervision may be exercised over Engineering Section staff.  In the absence of the Engineering Manager, the Principal Engineer may act as his or her designee.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Water Technology, Wastewater Technology, or closely related field, at least 4 years of increasingly responsible experience in construction management or project management handling multiple large and complex Public Works projects involving pipes and complex process facilities, wastewater collection systems, mechanical equipment, medium voltage and instrumentation systems, tenant improvements, or new facilities, including experience in a lead or supervisory role, and a valid Professional Engineer License (Civil) in the State of California, and a valid California Class "C" driver's license.

Click here to view the Principal Engineer job description.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

For staff assigned to the Planning and Design Group, the following minimum qualifications shall apply:

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, or other related discipline 

Experience: Four (4) years of civil engineering experience 

Certification: Must possess a valid Professional Engineer License (Civil) in the State of California at the time of application

And

Must obtain and maintain a State of California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certificate and a SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certificate within 36 months of hire date.

For staff assigned to the Construction Services Group, the following minimum qualifications shall apply:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, architecture, Water Technology, Wastewater Technology, or closely related field.

And

Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction management or project management handling multiple large and complex Public Works projects involving pipes and complex process facilities, wastewater collection systems, mechanical equipment, medium voltage and instrumentation systems, tenant improvements, or new facilities, including experience in a lead or supervisory role.

Certification: Must possess a valid Professional Engineer License (Civil) in the State of California at the time of application

And

Must obtain and maintain a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 or higher and an SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 or higher within 36 months of appointment;

General contractor license is highly desirable.

Certified Construction Manager certification is highly desirable.

Obtaining and maintaining required certification is a condition of employment. Failure to obtain and maintain any required certifications noted within the stipulated timeframes shall be considered grounds for termination. The responsibility for obtaining and maintaining certifications is the sole responsibility of the employee.

This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the construction management and inspection of Public Works projects, not performing operations, maintenance, construction, repair, or installation of Department assets or systems, therefore, experience in the performance of these tasks shall not be considered as meeting the minimum experience qualifications.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be able to respond to call-outs or emergencies including being on-call

Possession of a valid California Class “C: driver’s license is required upon application.   For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver’s license is required and a valid California driver’s license is required within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions

Work involves exposure to potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and infectious disease.  There is frequent need to stand, sit, stoop, walk, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday.  Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment, transport materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and to travel to various locations.   Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction with vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens and other printed documents.  Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.  Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Salary: $67.4693 - $86.1099

Apply online at: www.sbmwd.org

Recruitment opens 1/26/2026 and closes when the first 50 qualified applications are received or 2/15/2026, whichever occurs first.

EEO/ADA (909)453-6091