Principal Engineer – Water, Wastewater & Recycled Water Treatment Systems

Overview

Location(s):
Southern California/Northern California
Practice/Department:
Engineering
Work Environment:
Hybrid
Compensation: $195,000-$215,000 annually*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies.

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.

Learn more about our
award-winning culture
, the
benefits and perks
of being a Dudekian, and the
projects
you will have the opportunity to shape.

Who You Are

As an
employee-owner
, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and
solution-oriented
, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of
innovation
.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Dudek is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to join our growing Engineering team. As an employee-owner at Dudek, you will lead complex treatment and conveyance projects that strengthen community resilience, expand regional water supply, and support sustainable infrastructure throughout California and the Western U.S. This senior role is ideal for a technically strong, people-focused leader who thrives on delivering high-quality solutions, building trusted client relationships, and mentoring the next generation of Dudek engineers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of water, wastewater, recycled water, and advanced treatment facilities.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams across civil, mechanical, electrical, process, and controls engineering, including close coordination with Dudek’s in-house hydrogeology, environmental and other professionals.
• Oversee preparation of technical documents including basis-of-design reports, P&IDs, design drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and permitting packages.
• Drive project performance with full ownership of scope, schedule, budget, risk management, QA/QC, and change control.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with municipal agencies, special districts, and regional utilities.
• Represent Dudek in workshops, stakeholder engagements, and project meetings.
• Mentor less-tenured engineers, supporting their growth and reinforcing Dudek’s People First and employee-owner culture.
• Contribute to strategic pursuits, including proposal development and interview participation, for large capital projects across California and the US.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 18+ years of experience delivering water, wastewater, or recycled water treatment systems.
• Proven success managing in excess of $2M to $5M municipal capital improvement projects.
• Technical expertise in treatment processes (e.g., filtration, GAC, IX, biological treatment, disinfection, RO/NF, brine management, recycled water compliance).
• Proficiency with California water/wastewater regulatory frameworks (SWRCB, DDW, RWQCB).
• Strong communication, leadership, and client service skills with an “owner mindset.”
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple practices in a fast-moving, enjoyable, employee-owned organization.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced treatment design and implementation.
• Experience with major California funding programs.
• Experience supporting construction management, commissioning, or startup.

Compensation: $195,000-$215,000 annually*

* Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors…