Design Lead - Water/Wastewater
Design Manager - Water/Wastewater
Location: Costa Mesa, CA | Hybrid
A highly respected, water-focused engineering consulting firm is seeking a Design Manager to lead the technical delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Southern California. This is an opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a specialized organization known for delivering complex, high-quality solutions in the water sector.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys leading the technical direction and design execution of projects while working closely with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.
You will play a central role in ensuring design quality, guiding project teams, and contributing to the delivery of complex, high-impact infrastructure programs, supported by a strong and collaborative technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the design and technical delivery of water and wastewater projects, including:
- Treatment facilities
- Pump stations and conveyance systems
- System upgrades and rehabilitation projects
- Provide technical leadership across project teams, ensuring quality and consistency of deliverables
- Review engineering designs, reports, specifications, and construction documents
- Collaborate closely with project managers to align technical execution with project objectives
- Support coordination across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
- Mentor and guide engineers, supporting technical development across the team
- Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards and delivery practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering field
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- Typically 10-18 years of experience in water/wastewater engineering
- Strong background in design of treatment and/or conveyance systems
- Experience leading technical teams and managing design delivery
- Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
What Sets This Role Apart
- Opportunity to take a focused technical leadership role within a specialized water practice
- Work on complex, high-impact projects that extend beyond routine design work
- Access to a strong technical team and deep subject matter expertise
- A collaborative environment that values design quality, innovation, and technical excellence
- Clear pathway to senior technical leadership or broader management roles
- Involvement in challenging projects that require thoughtful, high-level engineering solutions
Compensation
$160,000 - $200,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits.
This role is ideal for a design-focused leader who is passionate about delivering high-quality engineering solutions and is looking to grow within a technically strong, well-established organization in the water sector.
FAQs
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