Principal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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!

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