Principal Engineer

overview

the position:

the opportunity
The inland empire utilities agency (ieua) is seeking a strategic and accomplished principal engineer to provide leadership and oversight for the agency's complex and high-impact capital improvement programs. Reporting to the manager of engineering, this role is responsible for managing multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and project managers, guiding the design and construction of major infrastructure projects, and ensuring delivery of high-quality, cost-effective facilities that support the agency's long-term mission.

as part of the engineering leadership team, you will oversee the planning and execution of large-scale capital projects, develop and manage the ten-year capital improvement plan, and establish performance standards that drive accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. You'll collaborate closely with internal departments, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies, serving as a trusted technical authority and organizational leader. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of critical public infrastructure while mentoring engineering talent and advancing best practices in public-sector project delivery.

an equivalent combination of training and experience to the following:

• graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in engineering civil, mechanical, electrical engineering or another engineering discipline acceptable to the agency.
• at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in diversified project engineering design and management of public works projects, two of which were at a supervisory level.

• a valid california class c driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the agency's vehicle insurance program.
• registration as a professional engineer (pe) in the state of california is required.
• a certificate in construction management (ccm) or project management professional (pmp) certification is highly desired.

• skilled in planning and delivering complex capital improvement projects, including establishing project scope, schedule, and budgets; overseeing design and constructability reviews; and tracking performance metrics to guide program-level improvements and long-term infrastructure planning.
• ability to work effectively with internal departments, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure coordinated project delivery, resolve issues proactively, and maintain alignment with agency standards, policies, and strategic objectives.
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate project performance, identify risks, inefficiencies, or compliance gaps, and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions that enhance quality, reliability, and lifecycle value of capital investments.
• skilled in leading multidisciplinary project teams, setting clear goals and performance expectations, monitoring progress, maintaining accurate documentation and records, and using project outcomes to inform continuous improvement and future capital planning.

the inland empire utilities agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water to approximately 950,000 people across 242-square miles in western san bernardino county. Under the leadership of a directly elected five-member board of directors, the agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through significant investments in a diverse water supply portfolio, reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner.

as a member agency of the metropolitan water district of southern california (metropolitan), ieua provides supplemental water supplies, primarily via the state water project (swp) for distribution among nine retail agencies. Ieua also replenishes local groundwater supplies with captured stormwater and recycled water produced by ieua that is later extracted by local water agencies for use as a drinking water supply.

at ieua, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that promotes growth, accountability, and collaboration. Our eight organizational attributes are the foundations of our success and guide us in our daily operations.

• safety- we are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
• continuous learning and improvement- our commitment to professional development ensures that our team members are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
• efficiency- we strive to optimize our processes and resources to deliver the highest quality services in the most effective manner.
• collaboration- by leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, we create innovative solutions and drive our mission forward.
• accountability- by owning our responsibilities,…