Senior Utility Engineer

Senior Utility Engineer

The City of Kirkland’s Public Works Department is seeking a Senior Utility Engineer to support the planning, design, and delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. The role requires a strong technical foundation in municipal utility systems and the ability to manage complex capital projects from scoping through construction and closeout, as well as lead comprehensive planning efforts.

The Senior Utility Engineer will provide senior-level administration and management of complex municipal utility engineering projects. Responsibilities include planning, design, and construction of wastewater and water utility projects for capital improvements and private development, ensuring regulatory compliance and system optimization.

This position handles complex and highly visible assignments with specialized experience in utility infrastructure. The role provides technical expertise for utility system performance and advises on complex engineering projects and design. It differs from the Senior Development Engineer and Senior Surface Water Engineer by functioning like the Senior Project Engineer in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Division, managing City plans, studies, and projects and advising on operations, policy, and priorities.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with managers and engineers across Public Works divisions to ensure continuity between planning, construction, and operations of utilities, reviewing CIP project scopes, design, modeling, and cost estimates.
• Prepare and manage complex water and wastewater planning and technical studies, including Comprehensive Plan updates and long-term strategic planning.
• Identify and prioritize capital improvement projects for water and sewer utilities, independently planning, developing, and preparing scope of work, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Demonstrate comprehensive operational understanding of water and sewer models, analyze service levels, and make decisions on system extensions and future CIP projects.
• Work with City utility and financial staff to advise on capital needs and regulatory requirements for utility rate studies.
• Advise the Utility Policy & Community Relations Supervisor and Utility Policy Group on state and regional requirements, policy, and capital investments that impact the system and rate models.
• Present oral and written information to City Council, public stakeholders, and other agencies.
• Develop RFPs or RFQs; negotiate and administer contracts with consultants, contractors, and service providers, reviewing and directing work, ensuring regulatory compliance, approving invoices, and managing scope and costs.
• Respond to resident questions and concerns; analyze situations and recommend corrective action.
• Use AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and related CAD software to prepare and review detailed design drawings.
• Review private development plans and City project plans for conformance to engineering standards, identifying conflicts and opportunities, and monitoring developer extensions.
• Develop and maintain standardized engineering procedures, policies, specifications, and documentation for water and sewer utilities.
• Coordinate project improvements with City Departments, private utilities, other public agencies, private developers, and residents.
• Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and operational staff with technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Promote a positive, inclusive work environment supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Perform functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan during emergencies.
• Assist Finance & Administration Department with documentation to support issuance of utility revenue bonds for capital projects.

• Knowledge of civil and utility engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of modern methods for equipment, drafting techniques, software applications, and materials used in civil engineering projects.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems and asset management principles.
• Application of civil engineering and construction project management principles to…