Principal Engineer – Water Treatment

Who We Are

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

Our team of more than 260 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities.

We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, and to be recognized among Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality.

$129,260 - $194,145. Based on our Irvine, CA office location. (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions).

Full-time, Exempt

Preferred locations are Irvine or San Diego, CA ()

This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

The Principal Engineer – Drinking Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business development and proposal writing along with managing and engaging in project work from project planning, preliminary design, design, and support services during construction. We are seeking a dynamic leader who is passionate about pushing our capabilities to new heights. This individual will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with both clients and team members to drive success.

With a proven track record in capturing and delivering impactful projects, developing strong client relationships, and mentoring and guiding staff, this leader will play a pivotal role in shaping our future. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic support to the Treatment Business Sector, while making a lasting impact on our organization’s growth and success.

• Lead engineering designs, construction drawings, specifications, and calculations for various projects. Review project designs and drawings for compliance with engineering principles, firm standards, regulatory compliance, customer contract requirements, and related specifications.
• Establish and foster client relations and develop proposals and budgets. Meet with clients to determine recommended project scope and estimate staffing requirements and fee.
• Develop and maintain client contact before, during, and after project completion. Cultivate client relationships through organizational involvement and by direct contact.
• Use technical knowledge to develop technical studies/reports and designs for water treatment projects.
• Make recommendations to senior management as to additional staff and resource needs. Assign staff and other resources, working with other managers to balance overall company workload and best utilize personnel.
• Prepare and conduct technical review of staff, reports, correspondence, calculations and prepare technical recommendations. Prepare opinions of probable cost on current and new designs. Ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope and budget.
• Project management of major design and construction projects. Effectively direct projects from planning through completion. Keep timely track of project progress, schedule, and budget. Monitor project scopes, request contract amendments when appropriate.
• Mentor engineering staff on technical matters and procedures and act as a technical resource.
• Contribute to…