Water National Technical Director

About Lochner

Founded in 1944, Lochner is a trusted infrastructure services provider for aviation, surface transportation and water clients who need high-quality, forward-looking solutions to complex challenges. Our vision is to become a Top 100 leader in the A/E industry, centered on an agile, engaged, and empowered workforce coming together to embrace the art of the possible and make a lasting difference in our world.

Are you ready to join us on this journey?

As a people-centric company, Lochner’s purpose is to empower our team to put their knowledge to work, enhancing communities across the US. To achieve this, we hire candidates of all experiences and skillsets because amazing things happen when people with diverse backgrounds come together to solve problems. We believe collaboration is more than a buzz word — it is a guiding principle in which every point of view is valued and heard and is the driving force in delivering our best work. At all levels of the organization, we foster an entrepreneurial spirit and culture of autonomy to advance our strategic vision and continually seek our next success story.  Lochner – learn more about us

Position Summary

The Water Group Technical Director provides technical leadership and oversight for the firm’s Water practice across the United States. Reporting to the National Water and Environment Practice Director, this role is responsible for ensuring technical excellence, advancing engineering capabilities, and supporting the successful delivery of complex programs nationally.  This role is also responsible for maintaining standards and overseeing staffing and quality control within the entire practice.

The Technical Director works closely with project managers and regional leadership to maintain high standards of quality, innovation, and technical performance across the practice. This individual will help develop and implement technical strategies, mentor staff, and strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver complex, multi-disciplined water programs and projects for public agencies and private clients.

Working in coordination with technical leaders globally, the Technical Director will also support the integration of international best practices, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise into the U.S. water delivery platform.  The technical director will also work with the National Practice Director on key initiatives including digital transformation, oversight of technical paper presentations, mentoring and developing staff and integration of firms through mergers and acquisitions. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and guidance across the firm’s water projects, ensuring high standards of engineering quality and innovation.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor on complex water programs.
• Support the development and implementation of technical standards, best practices, and quality management processes.

Project Delivery and Technical Oversight

• Provide technical oversight on major pursuits and projects, including design reviews and technical risk assessments.
• Support project teams in resolving complex technical challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.
• Establish uniform delivery standards and work-sharing protocols and procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers and practice leaders to ensure projects meet client expectations, schedule, and quality objectives.

Practice Development

• Help expand the firm’s technical capabilities in water, wastewater, reuse, water quality, stormwater and other related disciplines.
• Identify emerging technologies, design approaches, and delivery methods that enhance the firm’s competitive position.
• Work with practice leadership to identify areas for technical investment and capability growth.

Collaboration with Lochner / Egis Group

• Coordinate with Lochner / Egis water technical leaders to leverage global expertise and specialized capabilities.
• Support collaboration on complex projects that require international technical expertise.
• Facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, best practices, and innovation across the global organization.
• Work directly with the National Practice leader on identification and evaluation of potential M&A targets that align with technical skills needed.
• Lead technical integration of new companies and teams within the broader group.  

Mentorship and Talent Development

• Mentor and develop technical staff within the water practice.
• Support recruitment and development of multidisciplinary technical professionals.
• Contribute to training programs, technical forums, and professional development initiatives.

Business Development Support

• Provide technical leadership in major pursuits and proposals.
• Support client engagement by demonstrating the firm’s technical capabilities and innovation.
• Participate in industry events and technical organizations to enhance the firm’s visibility in the water market.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline (master’s degree preferred).
• Relevant technical licenses and certifications (PE license is required). 
• 15 years of experience in water and infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in the planning, design, and delivery of water systems.
• Experience supporting major pursuits and complex water programs.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to guide multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to clients, leadership, and project teams.
• Experience collaborating across large, multi-office or international organizations is desirable.

Joining Lochner means gaining access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health and financial well-being throughout your career.

Lochner provides an extensive total rewards package that includes:

• Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program

• Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care

• Paid Family Leave

• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match 

• Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible)

• Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health

• Lochner Cares Non-Profit 501c3

• Education and Training Assistance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Discounts

• Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service

What we offer – Learn more

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stoop, crawl, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 20 pounds. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights. 

Equal Employer

Lochner is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.  Lochner provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All positions at Lochner require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo pre-employment screening. Background checks include SSN/SIN validation, motor vehicle verification, education verification, employment verification, a criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, and drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of the pre-employment screening.

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