Director, Engineering Design

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Engineering Design

Posting Start Date: 1/8/26

Job Description:

Compensation Data

The Pay RanThge for this position is $128,540 - $204,860 per year.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Director, Engineering Design is responsible for directing the multi-discipline design of complex drinking water and wastewater treatment and conveyance projects across the enterprise and directly supervises a staff of engineering design professionals that are responsible for the following primary functions:

• Preparing engineering calculations, contract drawings, and technical specifications suitable for contractor bidding and construction of renovations, upgrades, replacement, or addition of drinking water production/treatment or wastewater treatment and/or conveyance facilities owned by American Water subsidiaries.
• Identifying all local, state, and federal permits required for construction, and completing or overseeing subcontracted third-party execution of all reports, studies, public meetings, applications, and other activities required to obtain all necessary permit approvals for in-house design projects.
• Providing engineering services during construction, including review of submittals, responding to contractor RFIs, and support during commissioning of production, treatment, or conveyance facility assets.
  
  

Key Acountabilites

• Provide direct supervision of engineering team staff from multiple engineering disciplines, including, but not necessarily limited to, civil/site design, hydrogeology, structural design, mechanical engineering, and computer-aided drafting technicians.
• Provide consultancy and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) during engineering design performed by third-party engineering consultants, and provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and operation of capital investment projects addressing both complex and routine drinking water supply, treatment, storage, pumping, and buried infrastructure conveyance facilities across the American Water System.
• Identify the need for and lead development of technical standards, including standard specifications and details, related to design of drinking water supply and/or wastewater treatment and conveyance systems, to maximize the performance, reliability, efficiency, and value of engineered water resource assets across the enterprise.
• Support the development of expanded in-house engineering capacity and capabilities focused on routine design (e.g. pipeline design) and construction-phase service activities. Works with the state operating companies to integrate resources into their design and project delivery teams to improve capital efficiency
• Direct internal engineering design activities in conformance with sound technical and engineering management principles.
• Develop and participate in projects which reduce costs and improve the level of service provided, and proactively explores, evaluates and implements the integration of new technology and/or methods in order to enhance utility operations.
• Serve as a primary technical subject matter expert for Company engineering staff on internal and external execution of engineering design services.
• Manage an in-house design engineering team. Recognize the abilities of staff and coach and counsel individuals through an effective Performance Appraisal and Development Program to ensure continued professional development.
• Lead and oversee development of Engineering Standards, specifications, and equipment manufacturer recommendations to support initiatives established in conjunction with the Engineering Leads.
• Develop and maintain strategic and strong working relationships with engineering firms, materials and equipment vendors, and contractors.
• Participate in special assignments including professional conferences, regulatory workshops, business development, rate case testimony, technology research and other matters of strategic interest to the Company.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, construction and contract management, water resources, drinking water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the regulated and non-regulated water industry.
• Understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Understanding of Company policies and management theories, practices, and trends.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g. analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Effective people management (e.g. planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling and leading individual staff and teams).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence (e.g. ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders).
  
  

Experience/Education

• 15 years of experience in drinking water treatment process design and project management.
• 5 years direct supervision of engineering staff and/or direct management responsibility for teams delivering project results and/or technical services.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
  
  

Certifications & Licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE) required
• Valid Driver’s License
  
  

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel with overnight stays required; generally, up to 10% of total time is anticipated away from office

Work Environment

Primarily office with occasional local / overnight work in the field.

Competencies

Plans, Aligns, & Directs

Prioritizes & Role Models Safety

Self-Awareness

Decision Quality

Develops Talent

Drives Engagement