San Diego County Water Authority

Engineer (P.E.)

SALARY

$68.74 - $92.45 Hourly

$11,914.76 - $16,024.15 Monthly

$142,977.12 - $192,289.76 Annually

LOCATION

Kearny Mesa, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026-10-1303

DEPARTMENT

Engineering

OPENING DATE

10/16/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

SALARY

$68.74 - $92.45 Hourly

$11,914.76 - $16,024.15 Monthly

$142,977.12 - $192,289.76 Annually

LOCATION

Kearny Mesa, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026-10-1303

DEPARTMENT

Engineering

OPENING DATE

10/16/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Organization

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.

For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We’re also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families. Learn more at www.sdcwa.org.

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as a Combat Engineer, Construction Engineer, Civil Engineer Officer, Facilities Engineer, or Engineering Officer or in a similar military role? Your engineering, infrastructure planning, construction management, project delivery, and public works experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at [https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload="load(this)"/mos-translator](https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload=).

The Engineering Department The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.

The Design Services Group

The Engineering Department's Design Services Group is a team of engineers and drafters responsible for in-house design execution of Water Authority CIP projects. The Design Services Group develops biddable plans and specifications for a wide variety of water infrastructure projects and provides engineering support for the Right of Way and Construction Groups as well as the Operations and Maintenance and Water Resources Departments. The Design Services Group also procures and manages consultant designs for Water Authority CIP projects.

The Position

The Engineer (P.E.) participates in the conduct of difficult and technical engineering projects, conducts engineering analyses, and performs research, planning, and design work for various capital construction and maintenance or improvement programs.

This position will lead the daily development and technical execution of Water Authority CIP projects, performing professional-level engineering planning, analysis, and calculations required for water facility design and construction administration. Responsibilities include managing small to medium-sized projects, encompassing project budgeting, scheduling, oversight of team members' work, and maintaining communication with member agencies, stakeholders, and management.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in engineering design and construction support, specifically developing plans and specifications for water conveyance infrastructure, from preliminary to final design. The desired experience includes in depth understanding of pipeline hydraulics, and leading technical tasks and managing project budgets and schedules. They will also excel in providing comprehensive scheduling support for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, adapt well to shifting priorities and tight deadlines, and quickly grasp complex issues. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Additionally, the candidate will thrive in team settings, demonstrate reliability, and engage in professional and respectful feedback exchanges with colleagues.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Engineer (P.E.) is the skilled, journey-level class in the professional engineering series. Incumbents independently perform a variety of engineering activities that involve evaluating, selecting and applying difficult engineering techniques and processes in the design and construction of Water Authority pipelines and facilities.

Representative Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

Serves as project manager on small- to medium-sized CIP projects or as project engineer on large projects.
Performs engineering planning, analysis and design for Water Authority capital construction and improvement programs.
Writes engineering specifications, prepares preliminary and final engineering design plans and reports for Water Authority projects.
Reviews and evaluates design parameters of pipelines and flow control facilities.
Performs hydraulic calculations, modeling, gradient analysis, aqueduct system analysis, pipeline design calculations and stress analysis.
Formulates instructions for technical staff and interns.
Reviews shop drawings and contractor submittals for conformance with construction specifications.
Prepares cost estimates and professional service RFPs; assists in evaluating and selecting consultants; negotiates and administers agreements for design, construction management, inspection and other specialty services; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with standards; interprets specifications and Water Authority policies and initiates or reviews change orders; prepares periodic project status reports.
Represents Water Authority with consultants and contractors; prepares correspondence on technical engineering issues; coordinates project engineering planning, design, and construction activities with Water Authority departments, member agencies and other entities; interprets applicable laws, regulations, policies and design standards; drafts construction contract documents; coordinates and responds to requests for information from contractors; negotiates change orders and obtains Water Authority approval for contract changes.
Represents the Water Authority on assigned committees; assists with budget development and operational or maintenance issues that arise throughout the year.
Analyzes and responds to requests for information from member agencies, other public entities and the public; represents the Water Authority at meetings.
Develops project budgets and schedules; tracks, evaluates and prepares reports and presentations on design and construction project progress; drafts engineering correspondence, interoffice memoranda, and bid documents; collects supporting data for EIR and administrative reports; performs special engineering studies.
Monitors and evaluates construction work in progress, site investigations, to ensure compliance with budget, approved plans, specifications and material standards.
Inspects and evaluates existing Water Authority facilities, structures, and/or pipelines.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Engineer (P.E.)

Work Schedule:

Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. An option to telework up to one day bi-weekly is available for this position. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed, depending on the operational needs of the department and/or area of assignment.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or related field supplemented by six years of professional engineering experience, including experience in public water/utility design and construction, and two years of experience at the level of the Water Authority's Engineer II class.

Licenses and Other Requirements

A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.
A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 8 , 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Tentative Exam Schedule

Application Deadline: 11/08/2026

Written Exam: 11/18/2026

Tentative Interview Date: Week of 12/07/2026

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit_.__Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

EmployerSan Diego County Water Authority

Address

4677 Overland Avenue

San Diego, California, 92123

Phone 858-522-6660

Websitehttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm

EmployerSan Diego County Water AuthorityPhone 858-522-6660 Websitehttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfmAddress

4677 Overland Avenue

San Diego, California, 92123

Engineer (P.E.) Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.

I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application.

QUESTION 2EDUCATION Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college, but no degree

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Masters Degree or higher

None of the above

QUESTION 3 If you have graduated from an accredited college or university, please indicate the major area of study below.

Engineering

Civil Engineering

Engineering Mathematics

Other related field

Other non-related field

QUESTION 4LICENSE: Do you possess a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California?

Yes

QUESTION 5 If you responded "Yes" to question 4, please indicate the type, number, and status of your license.

QUESTION 6 Do you possess a valid driver's license (equivalent to California Class A, B, or C)?

Yes

QUESTION 7WORK EXPERIENCE: Please indicate your years of professional engineering experience, including experience in public water/utility design, construction, and project scheduling and control tools. Please note: We must be able to verify your selection against the Work History section of your application.

I do not have any related experience.

Less than 4 years

More than 4 years, but less than 6

More than 6 years, but less than 8

More than 8 years

QUESTION 8 Please indicate your years of professional engineering experience leading, training and mentoring staff.

Please note: We must be able to verify your selection against the Work History section of your application.

I do not have any related experience.

Less than 4 years

More than 4 years, but less than 6

More than 6 years, but less than 8

More than 8 years

QUESTION 9 Based on the information provided on the job announcement, please describe how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the Engineer (P.E.) position. In your response, describe an engineering project when you have been involved in all aspects such as performing design and plans production, cost estimates, contract documents and technical specifications. Include your experience working on a team and what role you played on the team. If you do not have any experience in this area, please type "N/A."
QUESTION 10APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires inspections and evaluations at construction sites or in confined spaces, such as pipelines.

I acknowledge that this position requires inspections and evaluations at construction sites or in confined spaces, such as pipelines.

QUESTION 11WORK HISTORY

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.

I understand and have provided a complete employment history, including accounting for any employment gaps of more than 30 days.

QUESTION 12SALARY: I understand that, if selected for this position, my compensation will be determined within the advertised salary range in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The San Diego County Water Authority salary & classification table can be found at www.sdcwa.org/careers.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

QUESTION 13NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)

The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

Required Question