Job Description

Job Title: Director, Water Process Engineering

Posting Start Date: 10/24/25

Job Description:

Primary Role

This position directs the process design for complex drinking water treatment projects across the enterprise and manages a staff of process engineering professionals that are responsible for three primary functions:

- Provide consultancy and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) during engineering design and provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and operation of capital investment projects addressing both complex and routine drinking water supply, treatment, storage, pumping, and buried infrastructure conveyance facilities across the American Water System. Assume lead technical responsibilities for key projects. Manage team of internal technical resources and external consulting firms on assigned projects.

- Identify the need for and lead development of technical standards related to drinking water supply and treatment to maximize the performance, reliability, efficiency, and value of engineered water supply assets across the enterprise. Develop tools and methods to integrate risk assessment and mitigation techniques into engineering evaluations that are the basis for capital investment and operational best practices related to drinking water treatment, including driving alignment with the asset reliability strategy.

- Engage with engineering and operations stakeholders across the business to identify and share performance data to aid in selection of best available treatment technologies for both common and emerging drinking water treatment challenges.

Key Accountabilities

- Serve as a primary technical advisor for Company engineering and operational issues related to drinking water process engineering, design, and safety.

- Support engineering planning efforts as they relate to drinking water treatment and supply assets to help assess risk and determine appropriate capital investment strategies to optimize performance of these assets. Work closely with the Engineering Planning, Operations, and Asset Reliability teams to develop and help implement a strategy focused on assessment and monitoring, renewal, and appropriate maintenance of these assets.

- Manage and develop process engineering team. Recognize the abilities of staff and coach and counsel individuals through an effective Performance Appraisal and Development Program to ensure continued professional development.

- Lead and oversee development of Engineering Standards, specifications, and equipment manufacturer recommendations to support initiatives established in conjunction with the Engineering Leads.

- Develop and maintain strategic and strong working relationships with engineering firms, materials and equipment vendors, and contractors.

Knowledge/Skills

- Strong process, project, and program management skills

- Strong quantitative skills (e.g. analytical, technical, problem solving).

- Effective people management (e.g. planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling and leading individual staff and teams).

- Written and verbal communications (e.g. fluency in report writing and presentations). Interpersonal (e.g. persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).

- Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).

- Leadership presence (e.g. ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders).

- Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, construction and contract management, water resources, drinking water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.

- Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the regulated and non-regulated water industry.

- Understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation and trends impacting the water industry.

- Sound business acumen and judgment.

- Understanding of Company policies and management theories, practices, and trends.

Experience/Education

- 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment process design and project management. - 5+ years direct supervision of engineering staff and/or direct management responsibility for teams delivering project results and/or technical services.

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; advanced degree preferred.

Certifications/Licenses

- Professional Engineer (PE) required

- Valid Driver’s License required

Work Environment

- Primarily office with occasional local / overnight work in the field

Travel Requirements

- Periodic travel with overnight stays required; generally, up to 20% of total time is anticipated away from office.

Competencies

Prioritizes & Role Models Safety

Self-Awareness

Develops Talent

Plans, Aligns, & Directs

Drives Engagement

Decision Quality