Water Systems Engineer

California Water Service

. Assess district water systems to identify current and future infrastructure needs related to supply, storage, demand, pressure, fire flow, growth, water quality, reliability, asset condition, and operations .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $112,582 - $160,353 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in water utility engineering, including hydraulic modeling, system planning, and infrastructure improvement. Proficient in developing project scopes, justifications, and capital planning solutions while effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Water Utility EngineeringHydraulic ModelingCapital PlanningProject DevelopmentRegulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Hydraulic AnalysisInfrastructure PlanningEngineering DesignData AnalysisProject Scoping

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaborationTime ManagementPublic Speaking

Tools & Technologies

InfoWaterMicrosoft OfficeGISCapital Planning SystemsProject Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

California Engineer in TrainingCalifornia Professional Engineer Registration

Industry Keywords

Water System PlanningUtility Regulatory RequirementsPublic Utilities CommissionCapital Project ManagementAsset Management Principles

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assess district water systems to identify current and future infrastructure needs related to supply, storage, demand, pressure, fire flow, growth, water quality, reliability, asset condition, and operations
Collect and analyze system data and demand scenarios to identify operational, regulatory, and reliability deficiencies and determine necessary infrastructure improvements
Work directly with water system operators and engineering disciplines to understand water system operations, issues, and short- and long-term needs
Lead cross-functional planning meetings to evaluate and prioritize capital projects for rate case filings
Develop and evaluate project alternatives and recommend planning-level solutions
Develop conceptual engineering solutions, preliminary facility requirements, supporting calculations, layouts, scopes, and planning-level cost estimates
Coordinate field investigations, technical studies, permitting requirements, and specialized engineering support
Review capital project scopes, analyses, conceptual designs, and cost estimates
Gather and evaluate cost information for preliminary budgeting and alternative comparisons
Develop project justifications documenting needs, data, alternatives, scope, regulatory or operational basis, risks, and consequences of inaction
Document data sources, calculations, assumptions, stakeholder input, prioritization, and QA/QC reviews for planning decisions and GRC filings
Create and maintain capital projects, scopes, schedules, costs, and supporting information in PowerPlan and other planning systems
Coordinate with Rates and other departments to evaluate budget and rate impacts
Prepare materials for annual capital budgets, GRC applications, and CPUC review
Support CPUC rate-case proceedings through data requests, testimony support, district tours, settlement responses, negotiations, and capital-related information requests
Present projects, system assessments, recommendations, and analyses to leadership, district stakeholders, consultants, and regulatory participants
Conduct site visits to validate field conditions and support conceptual scope development
Track capital project cost, schedule, and completion trends and recommend improvements
Develop guidance and train staff on capital planning methods, system assessments, project scopes, justifications, documentation, and planning tools
Participate in and support the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level
Perform work on site in the assigned office location

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and/or equivalent relevant experience
Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible engineering experience in water utility engineering, hydraulic modeling, system planning, operations engineering, infrastructure planning, engineering design, or related fields
California Engineer in Training certification preferred
California Professional Engineer registration preferred
Demonstrated ability to independently assess complex water systems and translate identified needs into actionable capital improvements
Knowledge of water system planning, design, operations, and infrastructure improvement programs
Experience performing hydraulic analyses or developing, reviewing, or interpreting hydraulic models for water systems
Experience with hydraulic modeling software such as InfoWater, or similar platforms preferred
Knowledge of capital planning, project development, prioritization, budgeting, and asset management principles
Knowledge of utility regulatory requirements, including drinking water regulations and Public Utilities Commission rate case processes preferred
Ability to assess infrastructure needs, develop planning-level solutions, and prepare project scopes and justifications
Ability to analyze technical, operational, regulatory, and financial information to support capital investment decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare reports, project justifications, presentations, procedures, and technical documentation
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines in a collaborative environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Experience with GIS, asset management systems, capital planning systems, project management software, or related engineering applications preferred
Public speaking and presentation skills
Valid California Driver License

Benefits

Comp & perks

Meaningful career with a purpose-driven organization
Top Workplace® recognition
Great Place to Work® recognition
Work supporting customers, communities, and employees
On-site work in the assigned office location