Senior Project Engineer

Direct Hire | Charlotte, NC

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Senior Project Engineer for a direct-hire opportunity based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This role is responsible for planning, design, and construction oversight of capital and in-house projects for water and wastewater utility systems. The Senior Project Engineer will provide engineering expertise and operational support related to water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, and discharge systems.

This position requires strong technical engineering knowledge, project management capabilities, and the ability to work closely with operations, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Annual salary range of $115,000 – $125,000
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental, prescription, and vision benefits
• Company-provided life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and education support
• Employee Resource Groups and other employee engagement programs

Work Location and Schedule

The Senior Project Engineer will be primarily based at the client’s office in Charlotte, NC.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform project scope and alternatives analysis to determine the best solution and support business case development.
• Develop engineering standards, designs, and plans for water production, water distribution, wastewater collection, and water/wastewater treatment systems.
• Evaluate project proposals and utility work designs, including providing professional engineering approval, stamp, or seal when required.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in developing design criteria and selecting appropriate processes, materials, and project execution methods.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, utility operators, technical personnel, and internal stakeholders to support ongoing operations and capital project execution.
• Develop business cases for engineering projects, including scope, cost, schedule, and alternative analyses.
• Prepare engineering plans, specifications, reports, cost estimates, and related project documentation.
• Manage multiple mid-sized or larger utility projects simultaneously.
• Select and specify materials and equipment for assigned projects.
• Determine when outside engineering consultants or contractors are required, and oversee their work as needed.
• Perform inspections to confirm construction activities align with design documents and project requirements.
• Coordinate with Field Operations regarding construction schedules, tasks, and project execution.
• Serve as project manager for assigned capital and utility projects.
• Act as construction superintendent when needed to ensure controls, procedures, and safety requirements are properly followed.
• Review and approve change orders and cost proposals related to capital projects.
• Support updates to engineering and construction standards.
• Perform hydraulic system analysis, including use and updates of water distribution computer models.
• Conduct field inspections and troubleshoot project-related issues on site.
• Respond to technical service requests from operations and other business units.
• Serve as a technical resource and engineering subject matter expert for Business Development, Project Management, Operations, and other internal teams.
• Assist with master planning and system improvement or replacement programs.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience
• At least 5 years of experience as a Professional Engineer
• Experience in water and wastewater utilities or engineering services preferred
• Experience using standard engineering design and project completion procedures
• Knowledge of construction techniques, equipment, and field execution practices
• Experience administering consultant engineering contracts and construction contracts

Education, Licenses, and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering preferred
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required
• Valid driver’s license required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to safety and working knowledge of safety best practices
• Comprehensive understanding of municipal water and sewer utility operations, engineering, and construction
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage scope, budget, and schedule
• Results-focused, detail-oriented, customer-centric, and self-motivated
• Ability to exercise independent professional judgment
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear proposals, reports, specifications, and project documentation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact professionally with the public, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Business acumen and ability to develop balanced engineering solutions
• Skilled in preparing engineering plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and contracts
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and best practices across all phases of project development and execution
• Ability to use engineering survey tools, drafting equipment, electronic engineering calculators, and computer-based engineering systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD
• Ability to learn internal software programs
• Experience with SCADA, GIS, and asset management programs preferred
• Ability to perform occasional physical duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, walking, sitting for extended periods, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stooping, reaching, bending, and driving for extended periods

Work Environment

• Role includes work in both office and field environments
• May require sustained mental focus when solving non-routine technical problems
• Field work may include exposure to water and wastewater plant environments
• May be exposed to loud noise, wastewater, chemicals, high voltage, extreme temperatures, and other utility-related hazards
• Must wear required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, chemical suits, and other PPE as needed
• Must comply with OSHA and client safety requirements