Associate Engineer (Substructures Team)

At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver reliable water to a region with 19 million people—and to accomplish this, we rely on a team of talented employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible. There are currently two (2) openings for this role located at Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

About the role

Help protect and shape Southern California's critical water infrastructure! If you're an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex infrastructure challenges, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and seeing projects through from planning to construction, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As an Associate Engineer on our Substructures Team, you'll review proposed developments and capital improvement projects—including residential and commercial developments, transportation corridors, utility installations, street improvements, and freeway widening projects—to ensure they are compatible with Metropolitan's vital water facilities and rights-of-way.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate engineering plans for projects impacting Metropolitan's facilities and rights-of-way.
• Conduct field inspections to verify construction activities and ensure quality assurance and quality control.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop technical recommendations containing Metropolitan’s comments, concerns, and requirements in response to the proposed project in order to protect critical water infrastructure.
• Utilize project management skills on more complex projects to mitigate the relocation and/or protection of Metropolitan’s facilities.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify and resolve engineering challenges.
• Lead meetings and technical discussions with cities, public agencies, developers, utilities, and contractors.
• Negotiate solutions and resolve complex technical issues while balancing operational and project needs.
• Support the successful delivery of infrastructure projects through effective planning, communication, and collaboration.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and four years of relevant experience, of which two years must have been at the Assistant Engineer II level; OR
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and two years of relevant experience which must have been at the Assistant Engineer II level.

Relevant Experience is defined as: engineering experience reviewing improvement plans; project management; and inspections.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration Requirements:

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License or equivalent that allows you to drive during your employment is required at time of application.

Schedule

44/36 schedule: Monday through Friday/Every other Friday off. Monday through Thursday 9 hours per day, 8 hours per day every other Friday. Start times are no earlier than 6 am and end times are no later than 6 pm.

Hybrid: Metropolitan’s current practice in this position is a hybrid work schedule, typically including two days a week in person and the other days remote. This is subject to change dependent on organizational needs.

Travel: This position will require travel to various District facilities throughout the service area, sometimes requiring overnight stay in the project area.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent medical, dental, life, and vision plans
• Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan
• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Public transportation reimbursements
• On-site fitness center

Hub of public transportation: rail, subway, buses, and taxis.