Principal Engineer – Water, Wastewater & Recycled Water

Overview

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.

Hybrid

$195,000‑$215,000 annually*

Southern California/Northern California

Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer with a specific focus on Water, Wastewater & Recycled Water 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.

As an employee‑owner, you embrace accountability, work safely, and collaborate 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.

Dudek is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer with specific focus on Water, Wastewater & Recycled Water 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.

• 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.

• 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…