Principal Engineer

Palmdale Water District, California
Principal Engineer
Step into a pivotal leadership role at the Palmdale Water District, where your vision and expertise will drive the transformation of water infrastructure across Antelope Valley. As Principal Engineer, you’ll manage and deliver critical capital projects that improve water quality and reliability for thousands of residents. This is your chance to oversee innovative planning, design, and construction projects—from advanced water treatment facilities to groundbreaking distribution solutions. You’ll work directly alongside executive leadership, engineering teams, and operations professionals, setting industry standards and ensuring efficient, compliant project execution. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact, this is the role for you.Are you a visionary engineer with a passion for public service and technical excellence? We’re searching for a highly experienced leader in municipal water or wastewater engineering—someone eager to tackle complex challenges and inspire a team. You’ll bring a California PE license, exceptional project management skills, and a track record of delivering results. Your expertise will be central to advancing capital improvement programs, guiding developer-led improvements, and executing large-scale infrastructure projects. If you thrive on responsibility, collaboration, and innovation, we want you to drive our department forward.Experience: The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in water and/or wastewater engineering, including directing the work of others, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
Education: The required qualification is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related field.
License/Certificate:

• Possession of a certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer or other engineering discipline issued by the California State Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
• Possession of a Grade D2 Distribution Certificate and a Grade T2 Treatment Certificate within 6 months from the time of appointment.
  

*The District may consider filling this role as a Senior Engineer.Lead signature projects like Pure Water Antelope Valley, Palmdale Ditch Conversion, Groundwater Well Rehabilitation, and Water System Capital Improvements—projects that shape the region’s future.

Enjoy Antelope Valley’s career growth, affordability, and family-friendly environment—home to major infrastructure investment and thriving aerospace and engineering industries.

We’re moving fast! First application review is Friday, May 8, 2026, but applications are open until May 22, 2026. Don’t wait—this opportunity won’t last!

To learn more about this job opportunity and benefits, click here.