Principal Engineer

City of Watsonville, California

Watsonville, CA

Annual Salary: $134,065.88 – $179,661.04 DOE/DOQ*

*COLA increase anticipated in July 2026

Competitive Sign-On Bonus of Up to $20,000!

The City of Watsonville is seeking a seasoned, solutions-driven Principal Engineer to lead development review and land use engineering. You will guide private applications, from commercial and industrial to mixed-use and residential, through entitlement, planning permits, tentative/final maps and subdivision improvements in close partnership with Community Development. The Principal Engineer is embedded in development services; you will ensure projects meet City standards, stormwater/NPDES-LID requirements, and applicable California laws (Subdivision Map Act, CEQA interfaces), while overseeing city staff and on-call plan-check consultants. The role sets and applies infrastructure standards; negotiates conditions of approval, improvement agreements, easements and right-of-way dedications; and coordinates with Caltrans, PG&E, Santa Cruz County, and regional partners. The position supervises staff and consultants and collaborates with the City's CIP (approximately $65 million) where private improvements interface with public facilities. Lead development, elevate standards, and serve a city that values your expertise, apply today!

**This recruitment may be used to fill other positions within the Public Works Department. Qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for consideration even if their experience aligns with multiple focus areas.**

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