Project Engineer Salary Range: $ 103,372 - 136,030 88,363 - $116,279 annually
Engineer Associate Salary Range: $88,363 - $116,279 annually
Determination of job classification and placement on pay range based on relevant experience presented in application materials.
Application Deadline: 9/20/2026
About This Opportunity
The City of Hillsboro Water Department is currently seeking a Project Engineer to join their dynamic, collaborative team. The Hillsboro Water Department operates at a metropolitan scale from a suburban environment, with responsibilities for local water distribution as well as for regional water supply and treatment providing drinking water to over 400,000 people. The Water Department is working on a $520 million 10-year capital improvement program. This is an excellent opportunity to serve as a technical resource for engineering projects for the City, Joint Water Commission, and the Barney Reservoir Joint Ownership Commission.
Note: Candidates who possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license may be hired as a Project Engineer. Candidates who do not hold a PE license may be considered for an Engineering Associate (underfill) position, provided they meet the applicable qualifications and demonstrate the ability to obtain professional engineering licensure in the future.
What You Will Be Doing
The engineer will work on capital improvement projects from planning, budgeting, and design through construction and project completion. The work involves close collaboration and coordination with other divisions in the Water Department, other City departments, staff from partner agencies, and design consultants to meet project goals. This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information to project stakeholders-including the public. This position will also provide help as necessary to the division’s development services group for modeling fire-flows, analyzing development proposals, and other related departmental needs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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Reviews plans, specifications, studies, and engineering calculations to evaluate compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards. Prepares and presents technical reviews based on analyses, calculations, and research.
- Develops engineering plans and documents. Prepares engineering drawings, calculations, plans, as-builts, computer modeling, maps, specifications, or related technical documentation.
- Prepares and reviews engineering project cost estimates, specifications, and construction schedule documentation.
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Consults with staff, developers, contractors, inspectors, and the public regarding information requests, technical reviews, engineering specifications, and/or technical issues. Researches and provides responses, interpretation, analysis, and/or recommended solutions.
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Conducts or oversees engineering studies and projects requiring specialized research techniques and tools, including engineering and financial modeling, in the development of infrastructure master plans and capital improvement programs and projects.
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Maintains and updates engineering related documents, plans, models, and systems. Provides input to department planning and budgeting.
Ideal Candidate
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Working knowledge of drinking water distribution or other closely related field.
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Knowledge and experience in the layout of public infrastructure.
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Knowledge reading and using blueprints, construction drawings, and record drawings.
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Experience with design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D.
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Knowledge and experience working with ArcGIS Pro and survey data.
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Experience with construction project delivery including, but not limited to production and or review of:
- Design and construction documents
- Drawings
- Technical specifications
- Submittals
- Permitting requirements
- Invoice and budget management
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Knowledge or experience working with hydraulic modeling software and concepts.
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Ability to effectively communicate technical information in writing, over the phone, and in group meetings.
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Detail-oriented.
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Flexible and comfortable working in a team environment.
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Ability to support emergency operations outside of normal business hours.
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Ability to work in construction environments and industrial settings with appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment.
Current/Upcoming Projects
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Multiple replacement projects for transmission pipeline pressure reducing valves.
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Multiple replacement projects for distribution pipelines and large meters.
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Barney Reservoir facilities maintenance and improvements.
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Joint Water Commission hazard and mitigation studies.
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Joint Water Commission electrical improvements.
Acceptable Experience and Training
Project Engineer
Engineering Associate
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Oregon Professional Engineer License
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Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; and 4 years of civil engineering design, project management or surveying experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
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Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and 2 years of engineering experience including lead worker responsibilities; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Project Engineer- State Registration as a Professional Engineer in Oregon. If licensed in another state, the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 6 months.-
Engineering Associate- Oregon Fundamentals of Engineering Certification and ability to obtain Professional Engineer License in the future.
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Possession of a valid State Driver’s License and safe driving record.
Why Join Hillsboro?
At the City of Hillsboro, you'll play a meaningful role in shaping the community's future while working alongside dedicated professionals committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellent public service. Your expertise will directly support safe development, economic growth, and a high quality of life for our residents.
Join us and help build the future of Hillsboro—one project at a time.
When you join our team, you'll enjoy:
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Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement.
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays.
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Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings.
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City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
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Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements.
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Free TriMet annual Hop Pass and SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family.
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Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps.
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Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
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A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness.
To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.
Commitment to Equity
At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.
