Principal Engineer - Aurora Water

Salary to be commensurate with experience

The hiring range for this position is: $116,892.00 - $146,115.00/annually

The full salary range for this position is: $116,892.00 - $182,644.00/annually

The deadline to submit applications is April 23, 2026. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

OVERVIEW OF JOB 

The Principal Engineer is the most advanced professional/technical level in the engineering class providing high level subject matter expertise in support of the operational areas of Aurora Water. The Principal Engineer is responsible for developing, managing and monitoring the Capital Improvement Program budget and spending plan in their responsible area. This position also plans, organizes, and directs complex engineering analyses and manages complex projects for the Water Department. 

The Principal Engineer may also supervise other engineers in Planning and Engineering and also serve as a primary engineer to the Operations Department of the Utility. This position is anticipated to work with operations area including pump stations, lift stations, tanks, facilities including houses, wells, and/or surface storage. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Be the main customer service representative for the O&M staff within responsible area.  

• Assist operations staff with problems that arise, find solutions, determine roles and responsibilities, and actively manage the solution process as required.  

• Perform engineering calculations and evaluations required to support operations staff. 

• Develop, manage and monitor the capital improvement program budget and spending plan for responsible area. 

• Ensure projects are identified, properly budgeted and tracked via an updated cash flow and project management model monthly.  

• Review and approve all project scope, schedules and fees within responsible area 

• Manage the fund CIP 

• Manage the fund change orders (excluding phase funded ones). 

• Provide monthly updates to operations on the status of all projects in the fund 

• Provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance to direct report engineers (as applicable) as well as the PMs managing projects in responsible area. 

• Assure that projects meet established quality standards. 

• Initiate and manage the most complex engineering projects in RAs.  

• Oversee the development of revisions to existing City codes, ordinances and design standards related to RAs. 

• Serve as a spokesperson for special projects within responsible area and represent the Department or City. 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures. 

• Coordinate with the Planning Team to develop Master Plan Updates 

• Coordinate with the Asset Management team (AM) to execute and plan AM projects 

• Coordinate with the Water Supply and Demand Teams to incorporate other SOS projects into the CIP 

• Coordinate resources to implement the CIP in accordance with the Master and Asset Management Plans 

• Other duties as assigned 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.  

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical or chemical engineering; or related field. 

Experience:  

• Seven (7) years of professional engineering experience (equivalent to at least 11 years of engineering experience).  

Licenses and Certifications:    

• PE (or equivalent) registration in the State of Colorado, or ability to obtain Colorado licensure within six months.  

• Driver's license with a good driving history 

Knowledge:   

• Knowledge of Engineering principles, practices, theories, and techniques related to infrastructure planning and project management. 

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, financial management and operating requirements of a water utility.  

Abilities:   

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens 

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy 

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing 

Skills:   

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Strong analytical skills 

• Strong project management skills 

• Strong leadership skills 

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Essential Personnel:   

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. 

Physical Demands:   

• Sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift at least 10 pounds with or without assistance. 

• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing 

• Vision sufficient to read computer screens, printouts, and related documents. 

• Dexterity to operate a computer system and other related equipment 

• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens 

• Endurance sufficient to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. 

  
Work Environment:   

• Works in a clean, comfortable environment 

• The work environment will occasionally include field visits to Aurora Water facilities (treatment facilities, pump stations, tanks, reservoirs, etc.) 

• This is a hybrid role.

Equipment Used:   

• Operates a motor vehicle; survey equipment; measuring equipment such as tapes, levels and micrometers, camera, and personal computer.   

• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.