Principal - Civil Design Engineer Water/Wastewater

Overview

ETIC is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Principal – Water/Wastewater Engineer to lead the development and expansion of a new civil infrastructure practice as part of the company’s long-term strategic growth initiative. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional with deep expertise in water supply, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater, infrastructure planning and design, construction management, and utility operations technology, combined with a strong track record of client development, strategic growth, and practice leadership.

The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and growing ETIC’s Water/Wastewater practice throughout California by leveraging existing industry relationships, developing new client partnerships, and building a high-performing technical team. This position is ideal for a motivated leader seeking the opportunity to shape and scale a business line within a dynamic and growing employee-focused firm known for technical excellence, responsiveness, and successful project delivery.

In this role, you will work closely with senior management to define growth strategies, identify target markets, expand service offerings, and establish ETIC as a trusted provider of water and wastewater engineering services. Roles may include business line leader, client service manager, project executive, technical advisor, and mentor to developing staff. ETIC leadership is fully committed to supporting the successful growth of this practice through strategic planning assistance, recruiting support, internal technical resources, administrative support, marketing and proposal resources, and investment in the personnel and tools necessary to build a sustainable and successful business line. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established and respected firm while helping shape its next phase of growth.

Core responsibilities

• Business Line Leadership: Lead the strategic development and growth of ETIC’s Water/Wastewater Engineering practice across California, including development of annual growth plans, staffing strategies, market expansion initiatives, and operational oversight.
• Client Development & Account Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal, utility, industrial, and private-sector clients. Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities while expanding existing client relationships. Generate annual net revenue exceeding $750,000 while maintaining benchmark utilization target, with remaining capacity focused on strategic growth and client engagement.
• Business Development: Leverage industry relationships, professional networks, and market expertise to expand ETIC’s client base and increase civil infrastructure opportunities. Lead strategic pursuits, proposal development, interviews, and contract negotiations for complex infrastructure and utility projects.
• Project Leadership: Provide executive oversight and technical leadership for water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater projects from planning through design and construction. Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with ETIC’s quality standards and client expectations.
• Technical Expertise: Provide senior-level technical expertise related to utility infrastructure planning and design, hydraulic modeling, condition and vulnerability assessments, asset management, capital improvement planning, conveyance systems, treatment facilities, and rehabilitation/retrofit projects.
• Team Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering and technical staff needed to support practice growth. Collaborate with ETIC leadership to build a scalable, multidisciplinary team capable of supporting long-term business objectives.
• Quality Assurance & Technical Oversight: Oversee preparation and review of engineering calculations, technical reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction documents. Coordinate with clients, agencies, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to companywide growth initiatives and help position ETIC within the California water infrastructure market. Evaluate emerging market trends, regulatory drivers, funding opportunities, and client needs to guide business development strategies.
• Industry Leadership: Represent ETIC through participation in industry organizations, conferences, technical committees, and professional associations. Maintain awareness of evolving regulations, technologies, and best practices affecting the water and wastewater industry.

Relevant Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a civil engineering related discipline and current Professional Engineer (PE) registration in California.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in engineering consulting, with substantial focus on water, wastewater, stormwater, or utility infrastructure projects.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading or managing a water/wastewater engineering practice, business line, or regional operation; experience successfully building or expanding a practice strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in client development, strategic growth, and revenue generation.
• Strong existing relationships with California municipalities, utilities, industrial clients, and/or regulatory agencies.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and overseeing complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical understanding of utility planning, design, hydraulic modeling, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms, hydraulic modeling software, and infrastructure design applications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, technical writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, and financial performance.
• Ability to travel periodically for client meetings, project oversight, and business development activities throughout California.

Salary Range: $170,000 to $200,000+ annually DOE (final offer based on experience, skills, and internal equity)

Notice to California Applicants: ETIC collects personal information in connection with your application for employment in accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). This information is used for employment-related purposes only. For more details, please refer to the “Notice to Applicants/Employees” available on ETIC Central under the Administrative Guides icon in the Labor Law Posters & Legal Notices folder.