VP Engineer Water/Wastewater
VP- Water Infrastructure
Location: Orange County, CA
Schedule: Full-Time, Primarily In-Office
Compensation: $200,000+ DOE
Lead Complex Water Infrastructure Projects and Help Shape a Growing Team
A growing engineering consulting firm is seeking a senior engineering leader to oversee the delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects while helping mentor and develop the next generation of engineering talent.
This opportunity is ideal for a technically strong project manager who enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, developing client relationships, driving business growth, and delivering impactful projects across the water sector. Candidates may enter at a senior leadership level, with a clear pathway to expanded responsibility based on performance, client engagement, and organizational impact.
The Opportunity
You'll serve as a technical and project leader responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of projects involving water treatment, wastewater treatment, utility infrastructure, conveyance systems, pump stations, storage facilities, and related civil infrastructure.
In addition to project delivery, you'll help build client relationships, mentor staff, contribute to strategic growth initiatives, and play a key role in expanding the firm's presence throughout Southern California.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership
- Lead the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects from planning through construction.
- Manage project schedules, budgets, profitability, quality control, and client satisfaction.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Participate in client meetings, regulatory coordination, and project reviews.
- Support proposal development and pursuit of new project opportunities.
Technical Oversight
- Direct the design and implementation of water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects.
- Oversee preparation and review of engineering reports, calculations, plans, specifications, and construction documents.
- Provide technical guidance related to treatment systems, conveyance infrastructure, storage facilities, and utility improvements.
- Support feasibility studies, due diligence investigations, permitting efforts, and infrastructure evaluations.
- Assist with troubleshooting, optimization, and field-based technical support when required.
Team Development
- Mentor engineers, scientists, and technical staff.
- Support recruiting and team growth initiatives.
- Foster collaboration, professional development, and technical excellence.
- Assist in developing future project managers and technical leaders.
Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, utilities, industrial clients, and other stakeholders.
- Identify new opportunities and support strategic growth efforts.
- Participate in industry organizations, professional associations, and networking activities.
- Help strengthen the firm's visibility and reputation within the water infrastructure market.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- 10+ years of consulting engineering experience.
- Experience delivering projects for municipal, utility, or industrial clients.
- Proven project management experience including budget, schedule, and team oversight.
- Strong technical writing, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Preferred Experience
- Water treatment, wastewater treatment, reuse, or utility infrastructure projects.
- Pump stations, collection systems, conveyance systems, or storage facilities.
- Planning, permitting, design, and design-build project delivery.
- Management of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Familiarity with engineering design software and drafting platforms.
- Knowledge of California regulatory requirements and permitting processes.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.
