Principal Engineer

Salary: $38.02 - $52.80 Hourly
Location : 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI
Job Type: Permanent full time
Job Number: 2026-00422
Department: Engineering Department
Opening Date: 07/27/2026


Description
The City of West Allis is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects that enhance our community. This position is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of City infrastructure-including streets, sewers, water mains, bridges, buildings, parks, trails, and utilities-in accordance with City, State, and industry standards.

The Principal Engineer manages complex capital improvement projects, monitors project budgets and cost analyses, administers special assessments, and ensures successful implementation through field inspections and coordination with contractors and City staff. This leadership role also provides technical guidance to Engineering Technicians, helping deliver high-quality public infrastructure that serves residents today and into the future.

Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including contributory medical coverage, fully paid dental benefits, a dual pension program, and paid time off. West Allis residents earn an additional 5% on top of the pay range. Apply Today!
Examples of Duties
• Design, Plan & Coordinate Construction for DPW including Progress, and Quality Assurance as needed
• Work with City Surveyor to Plan & Coordinate Surveying for CIP Projects
• Advise DPW on Means & Methods of Construction
• Perform and/or Supervise Construction Inspection for CIP Projects and Other Projects as needed
• Perform and/or Supervise Private Utility Inspection & Permitting with Engineering Staff
• Coordinate Construction with Other City Departments
• Prepare Ordinances, Resolutions, Reports, & Records
• Plan & Coordinate Engineering Consultants' Work for Public Utilities
• Respond to Public Inquires & Complaints Regarding Construction Activities
• Respond to Public Inquires & Complaints Regarding Traffic Concerns
• Represent the City on Projects Impacting the City lead by other Groups & Agencies
• Calculate, Enter, & Finalize Special Assessments for Projects
Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from accredited college or university is required.
• A Professional Engineer License is preferred but will consider candidates who can obtain within a year.
• 3 to 5 years of engineering design, field inspection and project management experience preferably in local municipal government. Ability to utilize CAD and GIS software in accordance with the needs of the department.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs - including Microsoft Outlook (mail, calendar, tasks), Word (templates, forms, mail merge, reviewing) and Excel; and Adobe Acrobat. Advanced skills in English grammar/writing and math.
Benefits include: Time off Bank with the ability to accrue up to 25 days in one year to be used at your discretion with management approval; nine (9) paid holidays; eligibility for health insurance the first of the month following thirty (30) days of service with choice of a PPO Plan or High Deductible Health Plan (with optional participation in a Health Savings Account) - both plans are contributory and cover the employee and his/her family; fully paid dental insurance covering the employee and his/her family, with eligibility the first of the first of the month following thirty (30) days of service; a dual pension system comprised of the Wisconsin Retirement Fund* and Federal Social Security (both of which are contributory); a fully paid Life Insurance Program* with coverage in the amount of the employee's annual salary adjusted to the next highest one thousand dollars, with the option for additional coverage; an educational reimbursement plan for the pursuit of job related courses including personal and professional training opportunities and professional organization memberships; voluntary benefit programs consisting of vision, Flexible Spending Benefits for Dependent Care and Medical Reimbursement, Section 457: Deferred Compensation, Treasury Direct Payroll Savings Plan for Savings Bonds, and other various benefits including, but not limited to, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Wellness Program, Armed Services Reserve Training, and Federal Loan Program. For more detailed benefit information click here.


*The Wisconsin Retirement Fund and Life Insurance Program benefits are provided according to plan guidelines of the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.