About this role
PORT PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
Oakland, CA
Salary: $18,804 - $23,297/month, 37.5-hr work week
Your Port. Your Community. Your Career.
When you join the Port of Oakland, you become part of a proud local legacy, an organization that touches virtually every resident with its services and programs. The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport (“OAK”), and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is one of the top ten busiest container ports in the U.S.; OAK is one of three major commercial airports serving the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas.
The Port is currently recruiting for the classification of Port Principal Engineer. Under general direction, the Port Principal Engineer plans, organizes, manages and directs the work of a major program, Port engineering design, engineering project management, engineering services or construction activities, engineering utilities business and operations, assuring that performance standards and objectives are being met. Incumbents train and supervise assigned staff.
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Manages the work of an engineering department, which may include related maintenance and construction activities, construction inspection, design, survey, dredging, engineering services, utilities business and engineering project or program management.
- Coordinates and reviews engineering related work submitted by consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, tenants and the public.
- Coordinates work performed by his or her department with personnel in other Port engineering departments and other Port departments.
- Directs and reviews the preparation of final plans, project manual, specifications, agreements, reports and record documents for form and accuracy.
- Manages personnel, construction equipment, tools and materials for the efficient maintenance and construction of Port facilities.
- Formulates procedures for assigned area of supervision; participates in formulation of division procedures; prepares periodic and special reports.
- Develops and implements department’s standards, goals and objectives.
- Negotiates third party agreements as well as consultant and contractor contracts, and participates in the resolution of claims.
- Ensures adherence to codes, regulations and guidelines governing engineering activities.
- Prepares, monitors and controls department budget.
- Directs the selection, supervision, work and performance evaluation of department staff; provides for staff training and development.
- Develops programs and policies to meet the business needs of Port operations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in engineering.
Experience: Five years of professional engineering management experience with at least three years of experience supervising in public service.
Additional Requirements:Must possess and provide a valid California certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) as a Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer.
Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license at the time and for the duration of appointment.
Must be available for on-call duty as required by emergency situations, or as required for uninterrupted Port operations.
Incumbents in this classification may be assigned either to the Airport or Harbor work location. In order to comply with the security requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for incumbents assigned to the airport and U.S. Customs for individuals who have unescorted access to secured areas of the harbor, each incumbent is required to successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which will include a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA), prior to being considered for this position.
The incumbent assigned to the airport may be required to complete and pass a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check (19CFR122.182). This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the Airport.
The Port’s compensation and benefit program ranks among the best in the region for public jurisdictions and is designed to reward performance and promote a balanced lifestyle, both at the workplace and away from the workplace, for our employees and their families. The Port is committed to the health and well-being of its employees and has been recognized as a FIT-Friendly Employer by the American Heart Association. We offer a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 457 plan and paid leave. The Port offers retiree medical benefits for employees and dependents after 10 years of CALPERS service (including 5 years at the Port).
To apply for this exceptional opportunity or obtain more details, please visit us at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portoakland. Application deadline is November 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
The Port of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer
