Water Utilities Design Lead | Water Supply & Wastewater

AECOM; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Professional development opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

AECOM Madrid is seeking a Water Utilities Design Lead to advance water supply and wastewater projects, coordinating essential design work and technical reviews. You will serve as the discipline focal point, interacting with clients and internal teams to ensure high-quality deliverables.

The role requires extensive experience leading technical disciplines, strong communication in English and Spanish, and familiarity with BIM; a hybrid working model is offered with regional and international

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Water Utilities projects.
• Experience leading technical disciplines and client coordination.
• International project experience across UK, Europe and/or the Middle East.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, written and spoken.
• Strong design, hydraulics and water distribution/wastewater knowledge.
• Familiarity with BIM environments and multidisciplinary model coordination.

Responsibilities

• Act as the discipline's technical authority and primary client interface, building trusted relationships and defending design criteria throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead the technical coordination of the discipline across multiple projects, ensuring consistency of approaches and deliverables.
• Apply QA/QC processes by reviewing calculations, hydraulic models, drawings and specifications for accuracy and excellence.
• Manage discipline scope, schedules, risks and resources, planning and allocating engineering teams effectively.
• Contribute to development and continuous improvement of discipline standards, guidelines and best practices.
• Participate in flood risk and flood modelling studies for urban developments, highways and rail projects when required.

Skills

Fluent English

Fluent Spanish

Technical leadership

Project coordination

Communication skills

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Professional registration advantageous

Tools

BIM

Job description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 52,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Would you like to contribute to water engineering projects that improve quality of life and strengthen infrastructure resilience?

At AECOM, we partner with public and private sector clients to deliver high-impact technical solutions across water supply, wastewater and associated infrastructure assets, combining technical excellence, rigor and consistency in every deliverable.

We are seeking a Water Utilities Design Lead with a strong background in Water Utilities (water supply and wastewater systems), bringing extensive experience in design and engineering calculations, together with a proven progression into technical coordination, QA/QC, review and project delivery responsibilities.

In this role, you will serve as the technical focal point for the discipline, interacting frequently with clients and internal and external stakeholders while ensuring the highest standards of quality and technical performance. You will report directly to the Water Discipline Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the discipline's technical authority and primary client interface, building trusted relationships, aligning expectations, anticipating project needs, and defending design criteria and engineering decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead the technical coordination of the discipline across multiple projects, ensuring consistency of approaches, priorities and deliverables.
• Apply QA/QC processes by reviewing and validating calculations, hydraulic models, drawings and technical specifications to ensure accuracy, consistency and technical excellence.
• Manage discipline scope, schedules, risks and resources, planning and allocating engineering teams effectively to meet project commitments.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of discipline standards, guidelines and best practices.
• Participate in flood risk and flood modelling studies for urban developments, highway and railway infrastructure projects when required by project scope.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on impactful, internationally significant water infrastructure projects.
• A collaborative, high-performing environment focused on technical excellence.
• Hybrid working model and flexibility in line with local practices.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Civil Engineering degree (ICCP or equivalent); professional registration is advantageous.
• Proven experience managing client relationships within engineering consultancy environments, including expectation management, technical follow-up and coordination with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluent English and Spanish, both written and spoken.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Water Utilities projects, including several years leading technical disciplines.
• Strong background in designing water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• International project experience, particularly across the UK, Europe and/or the Middle East.
• Familiarity with BIM environments and multidisciplinary model coordination.
• Strong communication skills, technical leadership capabilities and critical review skills.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What Makes AECOM a Great Place To Work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.