Principal Engineer – Water, Wastewater & Recycled Water

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.   Position Overview 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 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.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 including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.  Working Conditions   Environment  This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.  This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.  Physical Requirements  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:   Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.  Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.   Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Connect with us!   💼 LinkedIn   📸 Instagram   ▶️ YouTube   🤝 Dudek Talent Community   Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair