Water Treatment Design Engineer (Water Resources)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Water Treatment Design Engineer (Water Resources) / Wastewater Plant Design Project Manager

Job Description

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Project Manager and subject matter expert in wastewater plant design to lead complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will provide technical, design, and project management services for water distribution, wastewater collection and pumping, and water and wastewater treatment projects, primarily for municipal and local government clients. The position combines hands-on engineering, client relationship management, business development, and team leadership within a highly respected, innovation-focused water business unit dedicated to sustainability and resource efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and serve as a key point of contact for major municipal and local government clients.
• Lead and support business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing strategies to secure new work, and expanding business with both current and new clients.
• Prepare detailed proposals, including scope of work, time, and manpower estimates, and serve as the lead presenter during client presentations to win new projects.
• Individually contribute to and guide solutions for highly complex and critical engineering problems, acting as a recognized expert in wastewater plant design and water resources engineering.
• Provide technical leadership, design oversight, and project management services for water infrastructure projects, including water distribution systems, wastewater collection and pumping, and water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Conduct critical negotiations with clients and stakeholders, manage controversial issues, and apply sound judgment in resolving complex technical and people-related challenges.
• Apply extensive knowledge of civil and environmental engineering design and construction practices to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
• Develop and implement new or improved engineering techniques, procedures, and methodologies to address unique or complex project requirements.
• Lead and supervise multidisciplinary project teams on projects of varying size and complexity, ensuring effective coordination and communication among all team members.
• Oversee all aspects of project execution from initiation through completion, including client meetings, technical design reviews, schedule management, budget monitoring, and progress tracking.
• Monitor and manage project financials, including budget performance, profitability, and accounts receivable collections, to ensure projects meet financial and operational targets.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development support to junior and mid-level staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Remain actively involved in professional organizations and industry activities, maintaining a strong network of professional relationships and representing the profession in matters of public or professional importance.
• Prepare and deliver clear, persuasive technical presentations and reports for clients, public meetings, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal finance, IT, and human resources teams to ensure projects align with organizational policies, systems, and strategic goals.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle and record to support travel to client sites, project locations, and professional events as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in North Carolina or the ability to quickly obtain PE registration in North Carolina through reciprocity.
• 7 to 15 years of experience in wastewater plant design and municipal utility infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience in civil engineering design related to water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution, and wastewater collection and pumping systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing and delivering complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects for municipal or local government clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge and practical experience with standard engineering design programs and tools used in civil and environmental engineering.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D or similar civil design software.
• Proven project management skills, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise project teams on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Extensive knowledge of standard design and construction practices in civil and environmental engineering.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to handle critical negotiations and controversial issues.
• Excellent presentation, technical writing, and public speaking skills.
• Outstanding experience in major business development efforts, including proposal development and client presentations.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and communication abilities.
• Deep understanding of the water and wastewater sector, including current practices, challenges, and trends.
• Solid understanding of consulting business operations, particularly finance, IT, and human resources functions as they relate to project delivery.
• Active involvement or strong interest in professional organizations and high-profile professional activities.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle and record.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience serving as a subject matter expert (SME) in wastewater plant design within a consulting or engineering environment.
• Experience working as a Civil Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Civil Designer, Civil Project Engineer, or Civil Project Manager on water and wastewater projects.
• Experience supporting or leading business development initiatives, including client relationship building and strategic account management.
• Active participation in professional organizations related to civil, environmental, or water resources engineering.
• Experience representing the engineering profession in public forums or on matters of public or professional importance.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and grow a professional network within the water and wastewater industry.
• Interest in innovation, sustainability, and resource efficiency in water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Experience working with energy users or providers on projects involving cleaner, more efficient energy sources, renewables, or infrastructure optimization is beneficial.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern office environment, with the primary office located in the Raleigh area in a brand-new, state-of-the-art building near Crabtree Mall. The organization also supports work from other locations within North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, providing regional flexibility. You will work within a highly respected team of engineers, planners, and project managers who are committed to innovation, sustainability, and resource efficiency, particularly in the areas of water, wastewater, and energy-related infrastructure. Daily work involves the use of standard office technology, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and standard engineering design programs such as AutoCAD Civil 3D. The culture emphasizes collaboration, professional development, active participation in professional organizations, and mentoring of staff. Travel to client sites, project locations, and professional events may be required, supported by a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. The environment supports a professional dress code appropriate for client meetings, presentations, and office-based engineering work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Raleigh, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, McKim & Creed is an employee-owned engineering and geomatics firm. They offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a standout Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), robust healthcare and dental plans, 401(k) matching, and extensive professional development opportunities.A breakdown of the core benefits and perks available at the firm:Financial & Ownership: Employees benefit heavily from the McKim & Creed Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which builds long-term wealth, alongside a 401(k) plan with company match.Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Staff frequently cite the health benefits on Glassdoor Employee Benefits as highly competitive.Time Off & Flexibility: Flexible paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, with structures in place to help field crews, engineers, and corporate staff balance their workloads.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.