Client Service Leader - Water

Jacobs; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 145,500 - 254,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Stock purchase program

PPTO and holidays

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Technical Leader/Sr. PM to join the New England Water team, driving complex water and wastewater projects from concept through commissioning. You will guide multi‑discipline design teams, manage schedules, and support client engagements to deliver high‑value solutions.

The role requires a PE license, 15+ years in water/wastewater, and a proven ability to cultivate client relationships. Hybrid work in the Boston area is offered with a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Must have PE license and 15+ years in the water/wastewater field.
• Strong client relationships and track record with municipal projects.
• Experience leading multi‑discipline design teams and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from concept through commissioning for water/wastewater systems.
• Direct and mentor multi‑disciplinary design teams to meet schedules and budgets.
• Support business development and client engagement across New England.

Skills

Client relationships

Project management

Technical leadership

Business development

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

MS in Engineering (preferred)

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your Impact

Jacobs has been ENR ranked #1 globally in water/wastewater treatment and conveyance engineering design for decades. #1 out of the Top 500 Design Firms for the sixth consecutive year, and #1 in program management for a third consecutive year. We have led the digital water transformation sector for over 10 years and pioneered the first digital twin of an entire wastewater treatment plant. We are strong in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data and have a strategic partnership with Palantir to reduce O&M costs at treatment plants. We have the best infrastructure for design and the deepest technical resources in the industry to support you and the success of your projects. We have an inclusive, family‑oriented, small‑company culture, but with the resources and financial strength of a large global company.

Responsibilities

• As a Technical Leader/Sr. PM, you’ll be a key member of our New England Water team and have the chance to work on challenging water/wastewater treatment and conveyance projects - planning, directing, and monitoring all aspects of projects with increasing degrees of technical complexity from the concept stage through detailed design, construction services, and commissioning.
• You will be leading multi‑discipline design teams to complete tasks within established schedules and budgets and help advance our business development strategies.
• We’d look to you to support clients through the life of a project from studies, planning, design, compliance and permitting, construction as well as start‑up.
• Utilizing your technical expertise; lead design efforts on projects as well as mentor our early‑career professionals.

Primary Focus

• Develop and execute high‑impact client engagement strategies and comprehensive pursuit plans focused on securing new water and wastewater business throughout the New England region.
• Align and integrate local business development activities with Jacobs’ overarching global strategies and technology initiatives, ensuring a consistent, high‑value proposition.
• Manage regional business development budgets and investment costs to maximize ROI and strategic market penetration.
• Serve as a highly visible executive advocate for Jacobs by actively participating in professional industry organizations (e.g., NEWEA, AWWA) and influential community forums.
• Lead and mentor multi‑disciplinary project teams—from technical staff to subconsultants—to deliver superior technical solutions and meet client and contractual requirements.
• Drive and manage all phases of complex proposal efforts, including developing winning technical approaches and leading high‑stakes client presentations.
• Be accountable for the overall financial performance and profitability of projects within your assigned client portfolio.
• Proactively use Jacobs’ enterprise‑wide sales and delivery tools to ensure repeatable, best‑in‑class project execution and client experience.
• Negotiate and resolve critical commercial and technical issues with clients, teaming partners, and external stakeholders to de‑risk projects and secure successful outcomes.
• Contribute technical expertise and strategic insight to individual projects, meeting agreed‑upon billable utilization targets to maintain technical currency.
• Foster routine coordination and knowledge sharing with other regional Client Relationship Leaders and internal business units to facilitate resource sharing and meet broader business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License (ME, NH, CT, RI, MA preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive, related experience within the water/wastewater sector.
• Extensive experience developing strong client relationships to market and deliver engineering design solutions that meet New England municipal water/wastewater client needs.
• Senior‑level project management expertise on the design of complex water / wastewater treatment and/or conveyance projects for municipalities in New England.
• Strong technical background, including extensive knowledge of all project phases (including conceptual design, pre‑design, detailed design, and construction administration).
• Strong understanding of current federal, state, and local water and wastewater regulations, design guidelines, and permit requirements to support project success.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing successful project teams and complex client relationships.
• Flexibility and willingness for domestic travel, the frequency of which will align with client needs and business development requirements.

Ideal Qualifications

• Client‑facing working relationship with MWRA and BWSC
• 15+ years of experience winning and managing municipal water/wastewater projects in the New England market
• Advanced degree (M.S.) in Engineering
• Exceptional interpersonal and business acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic listening abilities necessary to build trust and solve complex client issues.

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $145,500.00 to $254,700.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on November 03, 2025. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Work Environment

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Application Experience

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.