Senior Engineer

Job Description:

Senior Engineer

Description

Description

Are you a skilled engineering professional with a passion for public service?
Join the City of Palo Alto's Public Works Department as a Senior Engineer, where you'll lead transformative capital projects that directly enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for our vibrant community.

We are seeking an engaged and responsible candidate who is both qualified to address and interested in the challenging opportunities and responsibilities of this position.

The City of Palo Alto Public Works Department, Engineering division is seeking a Senior Engineer to manage the City’s Streets and Sidewalks Capital Improvement Program, transportation improvements including intersection and signal modifications, traffic calming and other capital improvement projects.

This critical position requires excellent oral and written communication skills and a high level of technical expertise. The Senior Engineer frequently addresses the City Council, Boards and Commissions and public meetings. The Streets and Sidewalk group currently has multiple street and transportation construction projects with an annual budget of $10 million including grant funded projects. Additionally, this group implements special projects including building projects that are important to the community.

This is one of five Senior Engineer positions in the division and plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing Palo Alto's dynamic and evolving public infrastructure. As a Senior Engineer, you will supervise a work group that typically includes two Project Engineers, two Engineers, one Associate Engineer, consultants, contractors and temporary staff as needed. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Public Works.

Ideal Candidate:

• Knowledge of supervisory principles;
• Strong project management skills and experience;
• Knowledge of pavement maintenance and management principles;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Collaborative working style
• Strives to achieve results using a flexible, open approach to problem solving while remaining sensitive to people issues;
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audience

Explore more about our Engineering group and current projects by clicking HERE.

Essential Duties

Some of the essential functions of this position are as follows:

• Supervise staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations;
• Manages complex engineering design and construction projects on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to surrounding uses;
• Performs project management and oversees technical design for projects, including scope of work, budget, contract and code compliance and public relations;
• Serves as a liaison with employees and external organizations; represents the City at a variety of meetings, public events, training sessions, on committees, and/or other related events;
• Ensures compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations and policies;
• Prepares, reviews, interprets and analyzes a variety of information, data and reports; and makes recommendations and representations based on findings.

To see the full job description click here: SENIOR ENGINEER.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:

• BA/BS in a related field and six years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid California Driver’s License
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.

Supplemental Information

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Compensation Plan HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 7/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$155,604.80 - $233,417.60 Annually