Associate, Engineering Project Manager

American Water; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Belleville, IL seeks an Associate, Engineering Project Manager. This entry‑level engineering role supports planning, design, bidding, and construction management for water and wastewater capital projects.

You will coordinate with consulting engineers, technicians, and inspectors to ensure timely delivery, quality, and regulatory compliance across multiple projects. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; related field accepted.
• 0–2 years in project management with degree.
• Without a bachelor’s degree, 2+ years in project management.
• Water/wastewater experience is a plus.
• Engineer-in-training (EIT) or PMP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing technical, bidding and contractual documents for capital projects.
• Assist in preparing planning reports and data management projects for water/wastewater systems.
• Foster relationships with engineering firms, vendors and contractors.
• Coordinate with field and contract personnel to ensure timely completion within budget and standards.
• Ensure scope and quality meet design concepts and company standards.

Skills

Engineering design

Water resources

Project management

Construction management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Construction Management, or related field

Engineer-in-training (EIT) or PMP certification preferred

Job description

Job Title: Associate, Engineering Project Manager

Posting Start Date: 10/19/26

Job Description:

Primary Role

The Associate, Engineering Project Manager is an entry level position in the Engineering function and is responsible for various project management activities and tasks for water and wastewater utility projects focused on engineering planning, design, bidding, and construction management, or other projects led by the engineering function relating to various aspects of the business. Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and coordination with consulting engineers, technicians, analysts, and/or construction inspectors.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist in the preparation of technical, bidding and contractual documents associated with delivery of capital investment projects. Develops technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering-led planning reports, data management projects, and/or other special projects focused on water and wastewater system operations and infrastructure management.
• Fosters strong working relationships with engineering firms, vendors, and contractors.
• Coordinate with field and contract personnel to ensure timely completion of assignments, within budget and adherence to standards.
• Ensure that scope and quality of work achieve the intent of all design concepts and company standards for capacity, performance, reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Help establish project budgets and schedules.
• Manage multiple projects and perform varied assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective project approaches.
• Any other special projects and tasks assigned by their team leads or managers.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, water resources, project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (commercial and environmental), industry standards, and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, plan reading and creating, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, or related field; Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree may be considered.
• With a bachelor’s degree, 0-2 years’ experience in project management focused on Engineering projects, Planning, Construction, Project delivery
• Without a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2+ years’ experience in project management focused on Engineering projects, planning, construction, project delivery
• Water and/or wastewater experience is a plus.

Certifications & Licenses

• Engineer-in-training (EIT) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

Primarily office with occasional work in the field. While performing the duties of this role, may work in construction environments, near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and could include a work environment where possible exposure to noise, physical hazards, weather extremes, wet and/or humid conditions and chemicals exist. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel with overnight stays as required; generally, less than 20% of total time is anticipated away from office