San Diego County Water Authority

Senior Engineer (Design Services)

SALARY

$75.88 - $102.04 Hourly

$13,151.67 - $17,687.63 Monthly

$157,820.00 - $212,251.52 Annually

LOCATION

San Diego, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026-10-1302

DEPARTMENT

Engineering

OPENING DATE

10/27/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

SALARY

$75.88 - $102.04 Hourly

$13,151.67 - $17,687.63 Monthly

$157,820.00 - $212,251.52 Annually

LOCATION

San Diego, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026-10-1302

DEPARTMENT

Engineering

OPENING DATE

10/27/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/29/2026 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 veterans and transitioning service members to apply. Are you a current or former member of the military with experience as a Combat Engineer, Civil Engineer Officer, Facilities Engineer, Construction Engineer, Public Works Officer, Engineering Duty Officer, or in a similar engineering leadership role? Your experience managing infrastructure projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing construction and maintenance activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering complex capital improvement programs may translate directly into success as a Senior Engineer. 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 Senior Engineer serves as a project manager and technical leader for complex engineering projects. The position conducts advanced engineering analysis, research, planning, design, and construction management support for a variety of capital improvement and major maintenance projects. The Senior Engineers will also supervise and review the work of assigned professional and technical staff and provide programmatic support across multiple Water Authority initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a proactive, independent self-starter and an effective communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Highly organized and adaptable, the Senior Engineer will oversee contract development and management while supervising and supporting a team of engineers. The successful candidate will balance mentoring, supervising, and leading technical staff with hands-on project execution. This individual brings strong technical proficiency, including experience serving as Engineer of Record, and possesses solid knowledge of hydraulic principles, engineering design processes, quality assurance and quality control practices, and modern construction methods. The ideal candidate also demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve project challenges while working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will:

Demonstrate strong leadership in managing complex engineering projects from planning through construction.
Excel in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Apply sound judgment, initiative, and strategic thinking to project challenges and organizational needs.
Be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Value collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in engineering practices and project delivery.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The responsibilities of incumbents in this class require them to be technically competent in leadership, project management, project scheduling and controls, project financial management, Water Authority policies and procedures, and utilities engineering. Assist in providing required programmatic support to other Water Authority programs such as Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Right of Way management, Aqueduct Protection Program, and urgent repairs. Assignments are general, broad based and of a continuing nature, requiring the application of advanced leadership, project management and engineering knowledge, and the exercise of judgment and initiative in coordinating their work and that of others both inside and outside the Water Authority. This position is distinguished from the Engineer (PE) in that this position will manage larger more complex projects or manage a portfolio of capital projects and exercise leadership over a professional team who may be supporting the portfolio of projects. This position is distinguished from the Principal Engineer in that the Principal Engineer has a programmatic role for multiple project portfolios and supervisory responsibilities.

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.

Manages, plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of a project team of professional and technical staff chartered with responsibility to manage capital projects.
Coordinates with staff and team members to develop, implement, and monitor project plans to achieve CIP vision, goals, objectives, and key performance indicators; works with project team to identify critical path events and success factors for a successful resolution.
Monitors performance against the project plan and CIP schedule/budget; manages project standards, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
Assists in the development of Water Authority programs including CIP and engineering department priorities.
Supervises, leads, and trains assigned staff; provides daily leadership and project management to project team staff to ensure a high-performance work environment which supports achieving the department's and Water Authority's mission and goals.
Manages the project planning design, preparation and construction of assigned capital improvement projects utilizing in-house staff, consulting firms and construction contractors; prepares cost estimates; establishes the scope, schedule and task level budgets and prepares variance analysis reports for design and construction projects; prepares professional service RFPs; evaluates and selects consultants; negotiates, administers and manages agreements for geotechnical services, design, construction management, inspection and other specialty services; collaborates with project team members and other departmental personnel in a participative manner.
Reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with Water Authority standards; interprets specifications and Water Authority policies, and initiates or reviews change orders; ensures compliance with project regulatory requirements.
Prepares periodic project reports; responds to requests for information; seals final design plans and documents.
Represents the Water Authority with consultants and contractors; prepares correspondence on technical engineering, contract management and community issues.
Coordinates project engineering design, planning and construction activities with Water Authority departments, member agencies and other entities.
Proposes revisions to design and construction standards, and to Water Authority processes to improve methods, procedures and practices; makes interpretations of applicable laws, regulations, policies and design standards.
Participates in the preparation of CIP and Operating Budget recommendations; authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs, quality, and safety.
Analyzes and responds to requests for information from member agencies, other public entities and the public; represents the Water Authority at meetings.
Tracks, evaluates, and prepares reports and presentations on project progress and issues to Water Authority management and Board.
May represent the Water Authority at public hearings; participates in preparing interagency agreements.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Senior Engineer

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 eight years of professional engineering experience, including experience in public water/utility design, construction, and project scheduling and control tools with at least two years of experience at the level of the Water Authority's Engineer (P.E.) class.

Licenses and Other Requirements

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

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 29, 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: 11/29/2026

Written Exam: 12/09/2026

Tentative Interview Date: Week of 12/16/2026

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

Senior Engineer (Design Services) 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: Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or a related field?

Yes

QUESTION 3LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

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

Yes

QUESTION 4 Do you possess a valid license as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) issued by the State of California?

Yes

QUESTION 5WORK 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 6 years

More than 6 years, but less than 8

More than 8 years, but less than 10

More than 10 years

QUESTION 6 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 5

More than 5 years, but less than 6

More than 6 years

QUESTION 7 Based on the information provided on the job announcement, please describe how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the Senior Engineer position. In your response, describe an engineering project where you served as an Engineer of Record and/or 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 with developing and managing contracts, and leading technical teams. If you do not have any experience in this area, please type "N/A."
QUESTION 8APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires work at construction sites or in confined spaces, such as pipelines.

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

QUESTION 9WORK 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 10SALARY: 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 11NOTIFICATION 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