Senior Utility Engineer

Senior Utility Engineer

Salary: $ - $ annually.

Location:

Kirkland, WA.

Job Type: Full-Time.

Job Number: .

Department:
Public Works - Capital Improvement.

Opening Date: 05/05/2026.

FLSA:
Exempt.

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME.

The City of Kirkland’s Public Works Department is seeking to hire a Senior Utility Engineer to support the planning, design, and delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

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.

• Works collaboratively with managers and engineers across Public Works’ engineering and operational divisions to ensure continuity between planning, construction, and operations of the utilities. This work will include reviewing CIP project scopes, design, modeling, and cost estimates.
• Prepares and manages complex water and wastewater planning and technical studies, including Comprehensive Plan updates and long-term strategic planning.
• Identifies and prioritizes capital improvement projects for water and sewer utilities and independently plans, develops, and prepares scope of work, cost estimates, and schedule for projects.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive operational understanding of water and sewer models, analyzes and determines service level capability, needs, deficiencies, problems, and solutions. Uses analysis as basis for making decisions on system extensions, required developer improvements, or identification of future CIP projects.
• Works collaboratively with City utility and financial staff to advise on capital needs and regulatory requirements that need to be considered for utility rate studies.
• Advises the City's Utility Policy & Community Relations Supervisor and the Utility Policy Group on how state and regional requirements, policy, and capital investments may impact the water and wastewater system and/or rate models.
• Presents oral and written information to a variety of audiences including City Council, public stakeholders, adjacent departments, outside agencies, and others.
• Develops Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Request for Qualifications (RFQs); negotiates and administers contracts for consultants and contractors, and service providers. Reviews and directs the work of consulting engineers, designers, and surveyors; ensures conformance with regulatory and system requirements; reviews and approves invoices; and manages and oversees contract scope and costs. Ensures all designs meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Responds promptly to resident questions and concerns; analyzes situations and recommends corrective action.
• Uses AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and other related engineering and CAD software to prepare and review detailed design drawings.
• Revi…