Lead Engineer, Water Resources

Ulteig•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Ulteig is seeking a motivated Lead Water Resources Engineer to join our Water & Environment team with a focus on stormwater planning, management, and regulatory consulting. This role supports municipal and watershed-scale stormwater programs through planning, feasibility evaluation, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and regulatory strategy development. The Lead Water Resources Engineer will work closely with clients and lead multidisciplinary teams to evaluate existing and future stormwater conditions, assess alternatives, and develop practical, implementable management strategies. This position emphasizes planning and feasibility-level modeling, data analysis, regulatory compliance support for stormwater, and watershed initiatives across urban and natural systems. The role is consultative in nature and supports clients throughout the planning and decision-making phases of projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (graduate preferred) in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related discipline.
Currently hold a California PE license or are eligible and able to pursue one within six months.
4-6+ years of relevant experience in civil engineering, water resources engineering, or related disciplines.
Solid understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater management principles
Experience with stormwater system design, drainage analysis, and feasibility-level evaluations
Demonstrated understanding of stormwater BMP/GSI/NBS concepts, including typical project typologies (green streets, regional facilities, etc.) and treatment mechanisms
Experience supporting or managing engineering projects, including coordination with clients and leading project teams
Working knowledge of common engineering software and tools used for drainage and stormwater analysis, such as GIS or CAD software. (Hydrology or hydraulic modeling experience is beneficial but not the primary focus of the role.)
Experience with data analysis, technical writing, and preparation of engineering deliverables
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ability to prioritize and multitask under strict deadlines
Must be comfortable working in a highly collaborative team environment
Demonstrated initiative and drive to succeed with new and challenging tasks
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, public and external agencies
Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
Must have authorization to work permanently in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with modeling tools such as EPA SWMM, InfoWorks ICM, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, or PCSWMM, SUSTAIN, LSPC, or comparable platforms.
Experience supporting or leading MS4 program elements (e.g., SWMP development, TMDL implementation planning, pollutant load reduction planning).
Interest or experience in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the continuous improvement of team tools and processes.

Responsibilities

Lead and support stormwater and water resources planning efforts, including watershed, basin, and municipal-scale stormwater studies and program development
Lead and perform planning- and feasibility-level analyses for stormwater and drainage projects, including alternatives evaluations, risk assessments, and conceptual solution development
Conduct and oversee hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling to evaluate existing and future stormwater conditions using appropriate planning-level tools and methodologies
Provide regulatory and permitting support related to stormwater programs and projects, including MS4, NPDES, and local and state stormwater requirements
Support clients with stormwater management strategy development, compliance planning, and implementation guidance
Coordinate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies to support planning studies, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder engagement
Assist with project management activities such as scope development, schedules, budgets, and internal coordination for planning and consulting assignments
Collaborate with engineers, planners, and scientists to integrate stormwater and water resources considerations into broader infrastructure and urban planning efforts
Prepare technical memoranda, planning reports, exhibits, and regulatory documentation that clearly communicate analyses, findings, and recommendations to clients and agencies
Contribute to quality management by applying consistent checking practices, documenting assumptions, and ensuring deliverables meet client and regulatory expectations.