Principal Engineer

Description

DESCRIPTION:

The City of Santa Clara is seeking to fill multiple Principal Engineer positions to perform high-level civil engineering tasks to manage and support capital improvement projects. Projects can range across water, sewer, storm systems, public-right-of-way infrastructure, transportation infrastructure planning and implementation, parks and recreation facilities, and other city-owned infrastructure. Under direct supervision of the Department Director or Assistant Director, the Principal Engineer will work independently as a hands-on contributor to the engineering team’s work and will be in charge of engineering, construction, maintenance, and related activities. Principal Engineers may also have responsibility for the quality and quantity of the work of an engineering unit, as well as other supervisory duties, as distinguished from the lower level of Engineering classifications.

Water and Sewer Utilities Department

The Water and Sewer Utilities Department plans, designs, constructs, maintains, and operates the City’s water distribution system, sewer collection system, and recycled water system. These three utilities operate independently and charge rates to recover the costs of providing these services to Santa Clara residents and businesses, including capital investment in City infrastructure and funding needed for adequate reserves.

In 2023, the Water Utility produced and distributed approximately six billion gallons of water to approximately 26,000 service connections, delivered through approximately 335 miles of water main. Of the total potable water supply, 62% is obtained from City wells, 18% and 20% treated surface water is provided by wholesalers Valley Water and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission respective. Recycled water delivered through the South Bay Water Recycling system makes up 20% of the total water supply in the City.

The Sewer Utility operates and maintains 270 miles of a sanitary sewage collection system that collects and conveys wastewater to the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) for treatment and disposal. Santa Clara is a 20% owner in the RWF with the City of San Jose owning 80% of the facility. The Sewer Utility maintains 7 sewer pump stations, assists the Department of Public Works in the operation and maintenance of 22 storm pump stations, and performs other critical services. For more information about the Water and Sewer Utilities Department, please visit the department website .

The Principal Engineer will be responsible for staff supervision, budget preparation and monitoring, project oversight, consultant and contractor management and administration, project database oversight, community outreach, project programming and reporting, presentations at the City committees, commissions, and Council, staff mentoring and training and assuring all projects are being implemented and constructed in accordance with plans, specifications, and standards. The qualified candidate will have experience both supervising and working in a team environment on major construction projects, including working collaboratively with contractors, technicians, utility operations staff, outside agency staff, and the public.
De p artment of Public Works
The City of Santa Clara's Department of Public Works seeks a result-oriented and innovative principal engineer to serve out the Department's mission to provide the highest quality public works services to the residents of Santa Clara, the development community, and our customers in a responsible and efficient manner. The ideal candidate will have extensive engineering experience, excellent project management and organizational skills, and a strong oral and written communication background. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience working in a team environment on significant Capital delivery projects, including working collaboratively with clients, contractors, technicians, field staff, outside agency staff, and the general public. The Department has focus areas that include Engineering Services and Operation sand Maintenance. Engineering Services is comprised of five divisions: Administration, Traffic, Design, Land and Property Development and Field Services. For more information about the Department of Public Works please visit the department website .

In November 2024, voters approved Measure I, a $400M general obligation bond dedicated to addressing the City’s most critical infrastructure needs. The funds will help revitalize aging streets, fire stations, storm drain systems, and recreation facilities - investing in the very foundations of Santa Clara’s growth and resilience. With this major boost, the successful candidate will help deliver a comprehensive Expenditure Plan that includes notable projects in areas such as:

• Fire Stations and Emergency Response ($142.2M)
• Parks, Libraries, Senior Centers, and Aquatics Facilities ($115.3M)
• Stormdrain System Improvements ($46M)
• Police Facilities ($43.9M)
• Streets and Transportation ($41.2M)
• Historic Buildings and Beautification ($9.2M)

This position is responsible for managing and leading the Department’s role to deliver the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects listed within Measure I. The Principal Engineer will lead the Public Works Measure I Bond Project Delivery Team (consisting of small team of engineers and inspection staff within Public Works), and work collaboratively other City Departments, outside agencies, and consultants and contractors to design, bid/award, and construct vital public infrastructure improvements.

The Principal Engineer will report to the Assistant Director/City Engineer and will be responsible for all aspects of CIP delivery including staff supervision, budget preparation and monitoring, project oversight, consultant and contractor management and administration, project database oversight, community outreach, project programming and reporting, presentations at the City committees, commissions, and Council, staff mentoring and training and assuring all projects are being implemented and constructed in accordance with plans, specifications and standards.
Additional Information:

As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at-will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Friday, July 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $201,680.16 - $260,999.52. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

If applying for the position in the Water and Sewer Utilities Department

Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or closely related field, and Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in engineering office and field work, two years of which shall have included supervision of professional and paraprofessional staff.

License/Certifications:

• Registration as a Civil Engineer by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is required.
• A Water Distribution Operator's Certification (Grade D-3) must be obtained within two years of appointment.
• Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) certification must be obtained from National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASCO) within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A Water Distribution Operator's Certification of Grade D-4 or higher is highly desirable.
• A Collection System Operations and Maintenance Certification (Grade 2 or higher) is highly desirable.

If applying for the position in the Department of Public Works

Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology; and

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in civil engineering office and field work, three years of which were obtained after registration and two of which have been as an engineer in a supervisory capacity. Or Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience as a Senior Engineer with the City of Santa Clara.

License/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is required.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California driver's license is required at time of application and for the duration of employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Possession of a license as a Professional Land Surveyor in California is desirable.

• Other certifications such as Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP)/Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) are desirable.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification for Principal Engineer / Principal Engineer (Water & Sewer) , which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #9
Miscellaneous Unclassified Management

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #9 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager’s Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.

Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula -employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay
• Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
  • Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
• To be eligible for the City’s contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2023 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee’s VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
• 7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:

• Benefit is 60% of basic wage up to $13,333; max $8,000/month
• City paid benefit. City pays $.207/$100 of insured earnings
• 60 calendar day waiting period
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
• Additionally, the City contributes $300 a month toward employee’s 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
  • For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
• Maximum accrual is 480 hours
• Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 80 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out in up to two cash-outs the following calendar year

Sick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
• Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)
• Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service

Management Leave:

• 120 hours of management leave credited to employees each January 1st
  • New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 120 hours of management leave their first year
  • New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 60 hours of management leave their first year
• Unused management leave may be carried over from one calendar year to the next; however, an employee may never have more than 180 hours of “banked” management leave

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)

Mobile Communication Device Allowance:

• $80/month in lieu of carrying a City-issued cell phone

Auto Allowance (an alternative to mileage reimbursement or use of a City vehicle):

• Department Heads receive $320/month (up to $520, with City Manager approval). Assistant Department Heads and Division Managers can receive $200/month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval)

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to$425/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)

Alternate Work Schedule:

• An employee shall be eligible to work a 9/80 alternate work schedule according to the conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in City Manager's Directive 71. Requests to work a 9/80 schedule shall be made through or by the Department Head to the City Manager. The City Manager must approve the schedule and the City Manager or Department Head (for employees other than Department Heads) may terminate the schedule at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 7/18/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Santa Clara

• 408-615-2080

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