Senior Utility Engineer

The City of Kirkland's Public Works Department is seeking to hire a Senior Utility Engineer!

Who We're Looking For

Kirkland Public Works is seeking to fill a new Senior Utility Engineer position to support the planning, design, and delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. This senior-level role requires a strong technical foundation in municipal utility systems, combined with the ability to independently manage complex capital projects from scoping through construction and closeout as well as lead comprehensive planning efforts.

We are seeking a highly skilled, dynamic, and solutions-oriented engineer who brings sound judgment, political awareness, and the ability to navigate complex, and at times sensitive, public infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in project management, engineering design, and construction administration, along with the ability to coordinate across multiple divisions, consultants, and external agencies. Success in this role requires balancing competing priorities, delivering high-quality outcomes on schedule and within budget, and providing clear communication to internal stakeholders, leadership, and the public.

Kirkland is looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented leader who can serve as a technical resource to others, contribute to continuous improvement of systems and standards, and support the City's commitment to reliable, sustainable, and high-performing infrastructure. The position works in-person at Kirkland City Hall and the Public Works Maintenance Center, with a typical Monday-Friday schedule and occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

About Public Works

The Public Works Department ensures the City's infrastructure remains safe, functional, and sustainable. It oversees vital services including stormwater management, transportation, water and wastewater systems, maintenance of streets and grounds, and capital improvement projects.

As the City's largest department, we are committed to the City's vision and the Department's mission. We play a vital role in making Kirkland livable, sustainable, and connected. We are City employees who take pride in being trusted stewards of the public's resources, infrastructure, environment, and quality of life.

We have a One Team approach, strive for excellence and attract, value, and keep diverse, talented employees.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages:  We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits:  The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers.  Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs:  To help address the challenge of reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has agreements with two local childcare providers that offer discounted rates for our employees at 10 locations within 20 miles of Kirkland. Learn more!

Training and Career Development:  The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Job Summary

The role of the Senior Utility Engineer is to provide senior-level administration and management of complex municipal utility engineering projects within the Public Works Department. Performs a variety of activities related to the planning, design, and construction of various wastewater and water utility projects for both capital improvements projects and private development, ensuring regulatory compliance and system optimization.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Senior Utility Engineer handles complex and highly visible assignments and has specialized experience with utility infrastructure. This position provides technical expertise for utility system performance, and advises on complex engineering projects and design. The Senior Utility Engineer is different from the Senior Development Engineer and the Senior Surface Water Engineer, as it will function 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.

Essential Functions:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all…