City Engineer

Salary : $105,654.27 - $169,046.84 Annually

Location : Princeton, TX

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 202400052

Department : Public Works

Opening Date : 10 / 28 / 2025

Description

Newly added position

Under general direction from the Public Works Director, the City Engineer oversees and coordinates all municipal engineering services for the City of Princeton. This position provides professional engineering leadership in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the City's public infrastructure - including streets, bridges, water and wastewater systems, storm drainage, and related facilities - to ensure safe, high-quality services for the community. The City Engineer is responsible for administering capital improvement projects, reviewing and approving development plans for compliance with City codes and standards, and ensuring that all engineering activities meet applicable laws and regulations. The incumbent serves as a technical advisor to City management, the City Council, and various boards on infrastructure and development matters, and represents the City in coordination with external agencies and consultants as needed. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to effectively deliver the City's engineering programs and to foster productive working relationships with staff, officials, developers, outside agencies, and the general public.

Essential Functions

• Capital Project Management : Plans, directs, and manages the design and construction of public works projects (such as roadway improvements, water and sewer lines, and drainage facilities), ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations. . Develops and oversees the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including identifying infrastructure needs, preparing project scopes / cost estimates, and administering projects from inception through completion.
• Infrastructure Design and Review : Reviews and approves engineering plans, plats, specifications, and drainage studies for residential and commercial developments to ensure compliance with City ordinances, design criteria, and subdivision regulations. Coordinates the technical review process for development proposals (plats, site plans, permits, etc.), working closely with the Planning Department and other staff to facilitate sustainable, code-compliant development within the City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)
• Engineering Standards and Policies : Develops and maintains the City's engineering design standards, standard construction details, and specifications for public infrastructure. Continuously evaluates and updates City engineering ordinances, manuals, and policies to reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements. Ensures technical competence and regulatory compliance in all engineering work, and enforces adherence to federal, state, and local laws, codes, and safety standards in project execution.
• Contract and Consultant Management : Manages engineering contracts and consulting engineers for outsourced designs or studies, including procurement, contract negotiation, and oversight of consultant work. Provides or coordinates engineering support through all project phases - from feasibility and design through bidding, construction, and final inspection - to ensure quality control and that contract specifications are met. Reviews contractor bids and proposals, recommends contract awards, and oversees contractors and construction inspectors during infrastructure construction to verify compliance with plans and standards.
• Interdepartmental and Agency Coordination : Collaborates with multiple City departments (e.g. Public Works, Development Services, Utilities, Economic Development, etc.) to integrate engineering considerations into city projects and operations. Coordinates with external agencies and stakeholders such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), utility companies, and neighboring jurisdictions on regional infrastructure projects and regulatory compliance. Represents the City's engineering interests in meetings with developers, regional planning organizations, and intergovernmental committees, ensuring Princeton's needs and standards are communicated and upheld.
• Technical Advisory and Reporting : Serves as the City's technical expert on engineering and public works issues. Provides professional guidance and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and other officials or boards regarding infrastructure plans, capital projects, development proposals, and engineering policies. Prepares and presents reports, agenda items, and presentations on engineering projects and issues, translating complex technical information into clear recommendations for decision-makers and the public.
• Development of Long-Range Plans : Participates in long-range infrastructure planning and growth management efforts. Assists in updating or developing master plans, transportation plans, utility capacity plans, and stormwater management plans to accommodate future growth. Contributes to strategic planning of City capital improvements and ensures that engineering considerations are integrated into the City's comprehensive planning efforts.
• Floodplain and Stormwater Management : Oversees the City's stormwater management program and floodplain administration activities. Ensures that drainage and flood control projects are properly designed and implemented in accordance with State / Federal requirements and local floodplain ordinances. May serve as or assist the City's Floodplain Administrator, including reviewing development in flood-prone areas, maintaining compliance with FEMA regulations, and implementing the City's Storm Water Management Plan.
• Customer Service and Public Interaction : Responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, developers, and businesses regarding engineering and infrastructure issues (e.g. drainage problems, traffic concerns, utility service issues). Investigates issues, develops solutions or mitigation strategies, and communicates outcomes to stakeholders in a professional and timely manner. Engages with community groups and the general public as needed to explain City infrastructure projects and address engineering-related questions.
• Staff Leadership and Supervision : Supervises and leads the Engineering division staff (such as engineers, engineering technicians, inspectors, or administrative personnel) if assigned. Provides direction, sets performance expectations, and mentors staff to ensure efficient, high-quality work output. Carries out personnel management duties including hiring recommendations, staff training and development, performance evaluations, and fostering a safe, productive team environment in accordance with City policies.
• Budgeting and Funding : Assists in preparation and administration of the engineering division's budget and the capital improvements budget. Estimates project costs and ensures effective cost control for engineering projects. Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities (such as grants or interagency funding) for infrastructure projects when available.
• Additional Duties : Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Stays abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in civil engineering and municipal infrastructure to continually improve City engineering services. Attends professional meetings, training, and conferences to maintain knowledge and any required certifications. May be required to act as the Public Works Director or in other leadership capacities on an interim basis if assigned. Ensures that all engineering records, reports, and documentation are properly prepared and maintained.

(Note : The above duties are representative and not intended to be an exhaustive list. The City Engineer may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as necessitated by the operational needs of the City.)

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in civil engineering, particularly in the design, construction, and / or review of municipal public works projects. Previous experience in a city or county government setting, including project management and supervisory experience, is highly preferred. Possession of a current Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Texas, or the ability to obtain Texas P.E. licensure within six (6) months of hire is required . Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is highly desirable (or must be obtained within a timeframe specified by the City upon hire). Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and provide proof of insurance. Ability to pass a background check, and pre-employment drug screening.

Supplemental Information

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability : Task involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and / or pulling of objects and materials of medium weight (20-25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Ability to drive to and from meetings and events.

Sensory Requirements : some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate odors. Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors : Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents. Occasional outdoor work required in various weather conditions

Insurance

Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool (TML IEBP)

Retirement

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)

Time Off

The City of Princeton provides :

Longevity Pay

$5 per month for each entire month employed after 1-year service

To learn more details, visit our