Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Principal Engineer in the Engineering Department. This is a salaried, exempt, non-represented position. The City may use this recruitment to establish an eligibility list for current or future vacancies. The City of Bend is seeking an experienced and collaborative Principal Engineer to lead the Engineering Department's Water and Stormwater Team and help deliver critical infrastructure projects that support one of Oregon's fastest-growing communities.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership and strategic oversight for the planning, design, and delivery of water and stormwater capital improvement projects, including treatment, storage, transmission, distribution, and related infrastructure improvements. You will work closely with Water Services staff, operations personnel, consultants, contractors, regulators, and community stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and with long-term community value.

This is an exciting opportunity to assume leadership of an established engineering team and influence major investments in Bend's water and stormwater infrastructure. The successful candidate will oversee a diverse portfolio of capital projects, guide engineering staff, manage consultant partnerships, and help shape infrastructure strategies that support system reliability, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and future growth. The position offers meaningful opportunities to solve complex technical challenges while contributing to the City's long-range planning efforts.

The Principal Engineer plays an important role in connecting engineering solutions with community priorities. Candidates who are energized by public service, enjoy mentoring staff, and are motivated by delivering high-impact infrastructure projects will find significant opportunities to make a lasting contribution to the City of Bend and its residents.

Classification Framework:
Principal Engineer

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of water and stormwater infrastructure capital improvement projects.
• Manage a portfolio of projects from early concept development through construction completion.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the professional growth of engineering staff and project team members.
• Coordinate with Water Services staff, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, scopes, risks, and performance outcomes.
• Review engineering plans, technical reports, specifications, and contract documents.
• Present project information, recommendations, and updates to City leadership, City Council, advisory groups, and the public.
• Oversee consultant selection, contract administration, procurement activities, and construction administration.
• Help establish infrastructure priorities and support long-range capital planning efforts.
• Respond to public inquiries and assist in resolving project-related concerns.

We're looking for someone who is a collaborative and approachable leader, thrives in a team environment, and enjoys developing others. The ideal candidate can balance competing priorities, effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences, and build trusted relationships with colleagues, consultants, regulators, and community members. They are adaptable, solutions-focused, and motivated by serving the public through meaningful infrastructure investments.

Highly qualified candidates will bring advanced knowledge of civil and water utility engineering practices, capital project delivery, construction management, consultant and contract administration, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and public-sector project management. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience, will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your…