Design Engineering Supervisor

The City of Kent is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Design Engineering Supervisor to lead a talented team in delivering high‑quality public works infrastructure. In this key leadership role, you will oversee the design and preparation of plans and specifications for streets, utilities, and major municipal projects that directly support the City’s growing community and long‑term development goals.

Working with a high level of autonomy, the Design Engineering Supervisor manages complex civil engineering design work, reviews technical project submittals, ensures regulatory compliance, and collaborates closely with engineers, technicians, consultants, contractors, and other City departments. This position also plays a vital role in guiding staff development, resolving project challenges, and coordinating with the Construction Section throughout project delivery.

If you are a licensed Professional Engineer with strong leadership skills and a passion for designing safe, efficient, and innovative public infrastructure, we invite you to bring your technical expertise and collaborative approach to a team that helps shape the future of Kent.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and eight (8) years of technical civil engineering design experience.

This is a full‑time, benefited position that is not represented by a union. All City of Kent employees and external candidates are eligible to apply at this time.

The position is open until filled, but the tentative date for initial panel interviews is August 4th. The selection process for this position will include at least one panel interview.

$12,185.00 – $14,825.00 per month, depending on experience

Under the direction of the Design Engineering Manager, supervise Design Engineering staff in the design and preparation of project plans and specifications for streets, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, and other municipal public works projects.

Work is characterized by supervisory and administrative functions in the performance of advanced‑level, professional engineering duties involved in the preparation and review of designs, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, and construction plans for public works improvement projects. The incumbent is also required to coordinate communications with the Construction Section during construction. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing the review of streets, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, and other civil municipal engineering projects;

performing supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies, procedures, and applicable laws; and effectively communicating with the public, contractors, developers, City personnel and other agencies.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The manager sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and the manager work together to develop deadlines and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the manager informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far‑reaching implications.

Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

Oversee the review and design of streets, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, and other civil municipal engineering projects in accordance with established standards of safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in interviews; making recommendations to hire and train employees; planning, assigning, directing, and evaluating work in progress and completed work; authorizing leave and hours worked; appraising subordinate work performance; recommending promotion and disciplinary actions; addressing complaints; resolving miscellaneous personnel issues.

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