AKM Consulting Engineers

Principal Engineer

Irvine, CA

Full-time

About This Job

AKM Consulting Engineers is seeking a Principal Engineer to join our team in Irvine, California. This role will work under the direction of the President/Principal-in-Charge and provide leadership across a range of water infrastructure projects. We’re looking for an experienced engineer who is technically strong, an effective communicator, and confident in leading client engagements and mentoring staff.

General Expectations

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Demonstrate sound judgment and accountability in guiding high-level project decisions and team performance.

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Foster a positive, collaborative environment that supports AKM staff development.

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Maintain consistent, proactive communication with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.

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Uphold AKM’s reputation for quality, responsiveness, and professional integrity at all times.

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Support long-term client relationships through dependable leadership and service excellence.

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Stay engaged in industry developments to ensure AKM remains current with evolving standards, technologies, and client needs.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead and oversee large, complex water resources engineering projects for public agencies.

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Manage planning, design, and construction of projects in the areas of water resources engineering, including but not limited to pipelines (water, recycled water, wastewater), pump stations (water, recycled water, wastewater, and stormwater), reservoirs, wells, treatment, and storm drain/stormwater facilities.

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Supervise and mentor engineering staff across all project phases.

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Support construction management with submittal review, bid support, and RFIs as needed.

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Prepare engineering design drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.

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Conduct project feasibility studies and work-related technical research, reports, and correspondence.

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Assist with business development activities, including RFP responses and interviews.

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Coordinate with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and support grant-related efforts as needed.

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Lead relevant meetings with internal and external stakeholders to ensure QA/QC processes are met and projects are delivered on time and within budget.

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Provide plan/spec reviews and technical input to ensure quality project delivery.

Qualifications

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Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field is required.

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Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in California is required.

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Minimum 15 years of progressive water resources engineering experience, including 5+ years in a supervisory role and experience at the Senior Engineer level or higher.

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Extensive knowledge of engineering principles, industry codes and standards, and Federal, State, and local regulations relevant to public works.

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Strong background in planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, and stormwater engineering projects.

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Familiarity with construction methods, contract law, traffic engineering, budgeting, and personnel management.

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Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other engineering software.

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Excellent project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead projects, manage budgets, and meet deadlines.

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Skilled communicator with the ability to collaborate with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.

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Proven leadership and mentoring abilities to guide junior engineers.

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Experience with Southern California agencies and permitting processes is preferred.

Principal Engineer

About This Job

General Expectations

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications

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