Principal Water/Wastewater Engineer

Kimmel & Associates

Principal engineer building a California water/wastewater practice for an environmental engineering and civil infrastructure firm. Leading growth, client development, technical delivery, and team expansion.

Posted 8/14/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $170,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure, including project management from planning to construction, while fostering client relationships and driving strategic growth. Proven leadership in developing multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects with a focus on financial performance and quality assurance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

California Professional Engineer (PE) RegistrationClient DevelopmentStrategic GrowthHydraulic ModelingInfrastructure Planning and Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Water SupplyWastewaterStormwaterRehabilitation/RetrofitProject Budget ManagementProject Schedule ManagementContract ManagementQuality AssuranceAsset ManagementCapital Improvement Planning

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringRelationship BuildingEntrepreneurial MindsetTeam Management

Tools & Technologies

CAD PlatformsHydraulic Modeling SoftwareInfrastructure Design Applications

Certifications & Qualifications

California Professional Engineer (PE) Registration

Industry Keywords

Municipal ClientsUtility InfrastructureIndustrial ClientsRegulatory AgenciesMarket Expansion

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategic development and growth of the Water/Wastewater practice across California, including annual growth plans, staffing strategies, market expansion, and operational oversight
Develop and maintain relationships with municipal, utility, industrial, and private-sector clients
Generate annual net revenue exceeding $750,000 through client development, project pursuits, and strategic business development
Lead strategic pursuits, proposals, client presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations
Provide executive oversight and technical leadership for water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater projects from planning and design through construction
Serve as a senior technical resource for hydraulic modeling, condition and vulnerability assessments, asset management, capital improvement planning, conveyance systems, treatment facilities, and rehabilitation/retrofit projects
Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering and technical professionals to support the growth of the practice
Oversee quality assurance for engineering calculations, technical reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction documents
Represent the firm at industry organizations, conferences, professional associations, and other strategic forums
Partner with senior leadership on long-term business strategy, financial performance, staffing, and market expansion

Requirements

What you’ll need

15+ years of progressively responsible engineering consulting experience, with substantial experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, or utility infrastructure
Minimum 5 years of experience leading or managing a practice, business line, regional operation, or similar organization
Active California Professional Engineer (PE) registration required
Proven success in client development, strategic growth, and revenue generation
Strong existing relationships with California municipalities, utilities, industrial clients, and/or regulatory agencies
Demonstrated ability to build and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams
Experience leading complex infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction
Expertise in one or more of the following areas: water supply, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, infrastructure planning and design, utility operations technology, and rehabilitation/retrofit
Familiarity with CAD platforms, hydraulic modeling software, and infrastructure design applications
Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, contracts, and financial performance
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, develop relationships, and build a sustainable practice
Must be based in Northern California or the Bay Area
Periodic travel throughout California required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary of $170,000–$200,000, based on experience and qualifications
Support and resources to build and grow a new business line
Strategic, technical, recruiting, administrative, marketing, and proposal support
Opportunity to play a significant role in the firm's long-term California growth strategy
Additional benefits are available; specific benefits package to be confirmed