Water Pipeline Design Engineer
About The Position
Rainbow Municipal Water District is seeking a Water Pipeline Design Engineer to lead the design of its in-house Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for pipeline replacements. This role involves using AutoCAD Civil 3D, running hydraulic models, and collaborating directly with a new in-house construction crew. The position offers a full project lifecycle experience, from concept to construction, with opportunities to influence infrastructure system evolution. The role is flexibly staffed at the Assistant, Associate, or Journey level, catering to EITs seeking a P.E. pathway or licensed Civil Engineers desiring project ownership. The engineer will be the primary in-house design resource, working closely with operations, project managers, and field crews, and will also review private development plans.
Requirements
- Assistant Level: Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering. EIT certification preferred. Internships or hands-on project design experience. Ability to work independently.
- Associate Level: Engineering degree + 2–5 years of water utility/conveyance design experience. EIT required; P.E. preferred. Experience designing in a utility or consulting environment.
- Engineer Level: Engineering degree and 5+ years of experience + Active California Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required. Experience as a seasoned designer.
- Unique blend of engineering precision and entrepreneurial hustle.
- Independent, confident professional.
- Innate sense of urgency.
- Adept at keeping several balls in the air at once, shifting priorities with a calm, organized focus.
- Ability to catch critical issues during plan checks, ensuring compliance and rapid turnaround times without sacrificing quality.
- Proactive in identifying infrastructure needs and executing solutions.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Experience running hydraulic models.
- Experience with pipeline rehabilitation and replacement projects.
- Experience in the public sector.
- Experience with field construction oversight.
- Experience with developer plan checks.
- Experience with California environmental/water quality regulations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct utility research, evaluate pipeline strength networks, and establish a backlog of "shovel-ready" capital improvement projects.
- Design detailed plans, specifications, and pipeline alignments for potable water pipeline rehabilitation and replacement projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Serve as the primary engineering liaison for the new in-house CIP construction crew, providing real-time construction oversight and troubleshooting field adjustments.
- Verify design compliance during construction.
- Manage smaller capital improvement projects.
- Coordinate with external consultants on outsourced work.
- Track budgets and timelines.
- Review and validate private development plans to ensure conformity with District specifications and regulatory standards.
- Update District utility maps and maintain engineering records.
- Ensure adherence to California environmental/water quality regulations.
- Provide technical support to field crews.
Benefits
- Five-time San Diego Union-Tribune Top Workplace recognition.
- 9/80 alternative work schedule (alternating Fridays off).
- Hybrid remote work eligibility after initial onboarding/orientation period.
- Opportunities for accelerated professional development and career advancement.
- Direct influence on infrastructure system evolution.
- Exposure to the full lifecycle of projects.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
