Engineering Manager – Water & Wastewater Capital Delivery 

Salary: $141K – $262K + Pension (100% Employer-Funded) + 401K with Employer Match 

Location: San Jose, CA (On-Site, 1 Day Remote/Week) 

Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time, Permanent 

THE ROLE 

This is an engineering management role at its core, plus project and program management. California’s largest water utility is looking for a licensed civil engineer who has grown into leading teams and programs, and who is ready to own the northern California capital delivery function at the company’s San Jose headquarters. 

You will carry full technical authority over an approximately $80 million annual capital portfolio spanning potable water systems and, to a limited degree, wastewater — pipelines, pump stations, wells, treatment facilities, and storage infrastructure across multiple northern California operating districts. You will set and ensure alignment with design standards, review and approve all technical documents, serve as the engineering authority your team of six looks to for guidance, and represent the capital program in CPUC rate case proceedings. 

If you are a Principal or Senior Civil Engineer managing projects, mentoring engineers, and leading delivery, this role is an excellent fit for you. No billable-hour pressure. No proposal cycles. No client acquisition targets. You own the program, you lead the team, and you build lasting infrastructure for millions of Californians. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Engineering Leadership & Technical Authority 

• Serve as technical lead for the northern capital delivery team: maintain, update, and improve design standards and processes for transmission, distribution, pumping, treatment, and production facilities. 
• Review and approve all technical documents — plans, specifications, RFPs, engineering estimates, bids, and correspondence — ensuring quality and standards compliance. 
• Provide technical expertise to 6 direct reports, temporary staff, interns, consultants, and northern district operations personnel. 
• Apply working knowledge of California Waterworks Standards and CPUC regulatory requirements to design and construction decisions. 
• Oversee civil engineering design from 30% through IFC; manage construction procurement using Design-Bid-Build and alternative delivery methods. 

Capital Program Delivery 

• Manage approximately $80M in annual capital projects across northern California operating districts, and associated non-regulated systems with full accountability for engineering scope, budget, schedule, and quality from design through construction closeout and handoff to operations. 
• Lead Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, prioritization, and execution in coordination with district operations and asset management. 
• Continually assess team workload versus capacity; develop and recommend alternative approaches when needed to achieve project completion goals. 
• Assist construction management team including RFI resolution, change order evaluation, and project closeout. 

Regulatory, Financial & Strategic 

• Prepare capital budget submissions, cost estimates, and justifications for CPUC General Rate Case (GRC) filings; apply knowledge of the PUC Uniform System of Accounts. 
• Interact with public and private regulatory agencies including the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the State Division of Drinking Water (DDW); ensure compliance with CEQA and applicable codes. 
• Participate in special projects including due diligence for utility acquisitions and various corporate goals. 
• Present capital project status, budget forecasts, and risk assessments to executive leadership. 
• Support and participate in the Company’s Continuous Improvement program. 

People Leadership 

• Manage a team of 6 engineers and project managers: prioritize and assign work, conduct performance reviews, oversee training and development, and make hiring and disciplinary recommendations. 
• Oversee consulting engineering partners on design delivery. 
• Assist in the development of long-range vision and strategic planning for the Capital Delivery North team. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or closely related field. 
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering. 
• 5+ years of progressive engineering experience in water and/or wastewater utility infrastructure. 
• 3+ years supervising engineers, project managers, or engineering teams. 
• Demonstrated experience managing design consultants through the full project lifecycle. 
• Knowledge of regulated infrastructure procurement: Design-Bid-Build, contractor pre-qualification, RFP development. 
• Familiarity with CPUC-regulated or rate-regulated utility environments, including GRC capital justification processes and the PUC Uniform System of Accounts. 
• Knowledge of California Waterworks Standards. 
• Proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent scheduling/project management tools. 
• Valid California Driver License. 

Preferred 

• Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. 
• PMP or PMI certification. 
• Experience in a CPUC-regulated investor-owned utility (IOU). 
• CEQA/NEPA environmental review experience. 
• Knowledge and certifications in wastewater design. 
• Water Distribution Grade II / Water Treatment Grade II Operator Certifications. 
• Maximo EAM or similar asset management systems. 

COMPENSATION 

Base Salary: $141K – $262K DOE. 

Annual Bonus: 3% target (up to 6% for top performers). 

Pension: 100% employer-funded defined benefit plan. Guaranteed lifetime income starting at age 55+, vesting after 5 years. This is a benefit most civil engineering consultants have never been offered. 

401(k): With employer match. 

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision effective first month. Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability. 

PTO: 2 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick + 11 holidays + 4 floating holidays. 

Other: Tuition reimbursement. 

Relocation required if not within commutable distance of San Jose, CA. 

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. LGBTBE-certified (NGLCC) • SBE-certified (CA DGS). We recruit on behalf of our clients without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.