Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering (Water Resources)

Requisition ID:

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Primary Role

The Director, Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall management of the engineering function within a medium sized state like WV, KY, VA/MD and IA. This role is accountable for three primary areas:

• Infrastructure Assessment & Planning : Evaluate the adequacy of water and wastewater infrastructure with respect to capacity, reliability, water quality/compliance, and operational efficiency. Direct long‑term engineering planning to identify system risks and develop strategic recommendations for mitigation.
• Capital Program Development & Execution : Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive capital investment program designed to manage system risk, enhance asset resilience, and improve overall efficiency of critical infrastructure.
• Operational Engineering Support : Provide technical expertise and engineering resources to operations and other functional teams to support system growth, operational excellence, and the organization’s core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable services to customers.

Key Accountabilities

• Direct engineering planning activities to assess system risks and opportunities. Develop recommendations for capital improvements, including scope, budget, and project prioritization, to strengthen the reliability, resiliency, and performance of water and wastewater systems.
• Develop a prudently prioritized capital improvement plan (CIP) to address key risks and optimize efficient, reliable service. Ensure effective delivery, governance, and oversight of the state operating company’s capital program.
• Direct engineering design and construction activities in alignment with the CIP, ensuring adherence to sound engineering principles, technical standards, and effective project management practices.
• Manage, coach, and develop the engineering organization. Ensure strong collaboration and technical support for operations, business development, and other functional teams.
• Prepare testimony and represent the company in rate cases, regulatory hearings and negotiations, and at community, industry, and public forums.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge of engineering planning, design and operations concepts for water and wastewater resource management facilities, engineering and utility economics, contract administration, and construction technology.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations, company operations and procedures.
• Knowledge of employee relations, safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations, and technical standards.
• Designated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, water resources, water/wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology, and current trends in water quality and water treatment.
• Understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation, and trends impacting the water industry. Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Knowledge of capital and O&M budgeting, cost estimating, cost recovery, project scoping, prioritization methodologies, and portfolio management.
• Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills.
• Detail oriented analysis and evaluation, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
• Project and program management skills; quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Effective people management: planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising and leading staff and teams.
• Strong written and verbal communications; keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Interpersonal skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence: ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders.
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Advanced management or technical degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in utility engineering and/or utility operations.
• 5+ years of experience managing professional engineering staff.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required in the applicable operating state.

Work Environment

• Standard indoor office environment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20%, as required.

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Competencies

• Prioritizes & Role Models Safety
• Self-Awareness
• Develops Talent Plans, Aligns, & Directs
• Drives Engagement
• Decision Quality

Join American Water… We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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