Remote Water Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Water is essential to public health. For over 70 years, Rainbow Municipal Water District has provided safe drinking water and wastewater services to the residents and workers within our 82-square-mile service area in northern San Diego County. We value innovation, teamwork, responsibility, integrity, and professionalism.

We are proud to be a five-time San Diego Union-Tribune Top Workplace, reflecting a culture where employees feel trusted, supported, and motivated to do their best work. The Role Build the Blueprint from Day One. Rainbow Municipal Water District is pivoting to an aggressive, modern approach to infrastructure management.

With 344 miles of pipelines to maintain, we are moving away from 100% outsourced designs and standing up a brand-new, dedicated in-house CIP construction crew to tackle ongoing, scheduled pipeline replacements. We are hiring the program's core Design Engineer first. In this role, your mission is to jump straight into AutoCAD Civil 3D, map alignments, run hydraulic models, and fill a robust pipeline of "shovel-ready" projects.

Once the CIP crew is active, you will be their direct engineering partner-watching your designs being built in real time. In our agency, engineering work isn't siloed. You won't be slotted into one narrow function; instead, you'll experience the full lifecycle of projects and directly influence how our infrastructure systems evolve.

We are flexibly staffing this position at the Assistant, Associate, or Journey level (DOQ). Whether you are a motivated EIT looking for an accelerated pathway to your P.E., or a licensed Civil Engineer seeking autonomous ownership of capital design projects, this role scales to your expertise. As our primary in-house engineer, you will not get lost in the shuffle; you will directly design pipelines, collaborate with our field construction crews, and see your concepts built in real-time

How You'll Contribute You'll get to shape projects from concept to construction, working closely with operations, project managers, and our future in-house CIP crew. In addition to the District's CIP work, you will also review and validate private development plans to ensure they fully conform to all standards. You'll solve real-world challenges and help build a design program grounded in speed, quality, and impact-all within an agency that values initiative over bureaucracy.

PHASE 1: Years 1-2 Program Inception: Conduct utility research, evaluate pipeline strength networks, and establish a robust backlog of "shovel-ready" capital improvement projects. Design & Engineering: Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D to design detailed plans, specifications, and pipeline alignments for potable water pipeline rehabilitation and replacement projects. PHASE 2: Years 2-3+ Field Integration: Serve as the primary engineering liaison as the new in-house CIP construction crew is phased in.

Provide real-time construction oversight, troubleshoot field adjustments, and verify design compliance. Project Management: Manage smaller capital improvement projects, coordinate with external consultants on remaining outsourced work, and track budgets/timelines alongside the Department Manager and Project Manager. ONGOING Developer Plan Checks: Coordinate or perform the review and validation of private development plans to ensure they fully conform to all District specifications and regulatory standards.

Data & Compliance: Update District utility maps, maintain engineering records, ensure adherence to California environmental/water quality regulations, and provide technical support to field crews. The Ideal Candidate This position requires a unique blend of engineering precision and entrepreneurial hustle. We don't micromanage.

We need an independent, confident professional who can take a goal and run with it. You will love it here if.. You love the actual craft of utility and conveyance design, but you're equally excited to throw on your boots and troubleshoot in the field with our construction crews

The idea of being the only in-house design engineer on staff doesn't scare you; it excites you. You possess an innate sense of urgency that is rare in the public sector. You cannot stand the thought of projects stalling.

You are adept at keeping several balls in the air at once, shifting priorities with a calm, organized focus. Nothing gets by you during plan checks-you catch every critical issue, ensuring compliance and maintaining rapid turnaround times without sacrificing quality. You don't wait to be told what to do next.

You see an infrastructure need, you design the solution, and execute. This job isn't for you if... You prefer a moderately-paced, typical "bureaucratic" public agency environment where decisions take months

You need step-by-step instructions or constant supervision to prioritize tasks and complete a project on time. You struggle to juggle multiple balls in the air at once or get stressed when priorities shift rapidly. You prefer a 100% desk job and dislike getting your boots dirty in the field with construction crews.

Designed for Growth We have intentionally designed this position to meet you where you are - whether at the Assistant, Associate, or Journey-Level Engineer stage - and to provide an accelerated, hands-on path to the next level. In our agency, engineering work isn't siloed. You won't be slotted into one narrow function; instead, you'll experience the full lifecycle of projects and directly influence how our infrastructure systems evolve.

That exposure and autonomy naturally accelerate professional development, especially compared to larger utilities where processes are rigid and career progression can stall. Final offers will fall within the posted range for each level and will reflect the selected candidate's overall qualifications. Assistant Level: Bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.

EIT certification preferred. Perfect for someone who learns by doing. You've had internships or hands-on project design experience, and you're eager to jump into real utility work.

You don't need step-by-step instructions - give you a goal, and you'll run with it. This level is ideal if you want lots of hands-on design exposure and the chance to build skills faster than a large agency allows. ($115,289 - $161,405) Associate Level: Engineering degree + 2-5 years of water utility/conveyance design experience.

EIT required; P.E. preferred. A great fit for an engineer ready for more responsibility and broader experience

You've spent a few years designing in a utility or consulting environment, but you want out of the silo. Here, you'll work across the full CIP lifecycle - planning, design, construction support, and close-out - with more autonomy and more opportunities to diversify your skillset. ($126,818 - $177,545) Engineer Level: Engineering degree and 5+ years of experience + Active California Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required

Ideal for a seasoned designer who wants to own meaningful work. You're excited by the pace and visibility of a small team and want to play a central role in building our in-house CIP program. This level is for someone who's ready to lead, raise standards, and see their designs turn into real projects with real community impact.

This level also includes a clear future advancement pathway to Senior Engineer for those ready to take on greater technical leadership and responsibility. ($139,500 - $195,300) What to Expect Location: Fallbrook, CA (Beautiful North San Diego County). Work Schedule: Highly desirable 9/80 alternative work schedule (alternating Fridays off).

Flexibility: Hybrid remote work eligibility after initial onboarding/orientation period. The Environment: A dynamic mix of comfortable office/remote design time and active field deployment. Fieldwork includes exposure to outdoor elements, active construction noise, variable terrain, and direct collaboration with operations crews.

Demands: Requires high mental agility to pivot between technical design, project management, and rapid field troubleshooting. Apply Today Positions may close earlier than the posted closing date if a sufficient number of applications is received. To be considered, select the Apply button at the top of this page and submit a complete online application.

Resumes may be attached but are not accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and any required supplemental materials. Selection Process Applications will be reviewed, and candidates whose qualifications most closely match the position requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process. The process may include job-related assessments, interviews, or review of work samples, depending on the position.

Applicants will be notified by email as decisions are made. Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Rainbow Municipal Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection process should contact Human Resources to request assistance.