Deputy Director, Design and Construction (Tunnel)

MWRA; Chelsea (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

MWRA is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the Tunnel Program's engineering, design, and construction efforts. The role manages professional staff, contractors, and schedules for critical water infrastructure projects in the Chelsea area.

The position emphasizes leadership, risk management, and strict adherence to budgets and regulatory requirements. A strong background in civil or environmental engineering and a MA PE license is preferred; telework up to 50% is possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or geotechnical engineering is required; advanced degree preferred.
• 11+ years in environmental or engineering design, project management, and/or construction in large water systems.
• 5+ years in a managerial capacity or equivalent.
• Massachusetts Class D Driver's license or equivalent.
• Registered Massachusetts Professional Engineer license preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design manager for tunnel systems design within the Tunnel Program, overseeing schedules and budgets.
• Oversee consultant selection, scope of services, cost estimates, and contract awards.
• Supervise multi-disciplinary design work on large, complex projects.
• Review consultant work for quality, budget, schedule, and MWRA compliance.
• Ensure compliance with permits and MWRA environmental standards.
• Prepare project reports and engineering analyses; manage risk and costs.
• Maintain stakeholder requirements and ensure incorporation into designs and contracts.
• Monitor KPIs and develop corrective actions to meet budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate with MWRA divisions, external agencies, and communities.

Skills

Project management

Risk management

Contract administration

Public sector experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Negotiations

Megaprojects

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/geotechnical engineering

Professional Engineer license (preferred)

PMP certification (preferred)

Massachusetts driver license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Oversees the management of engineering, design, and construction projects related to the Tunnel Program and rehabilitation and capital improvement of other water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure. Applies professional engineering principles and exercises independent engineering judgment. Manages professional staff in the Tunnel Program.

Posting Period: 8/31/2026 to 9/14/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $180,000.00 - $187,000.00 Annually

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the lead design manager during the design of the tunnel systems related to the Tunnel Program, including developing detail designs and/or reviewing designs received from consultant engineering firms which involves the oversight and management of schedules and budgets.
• Participates in consultant selection procedures and contract negotiations for projects. Additionally, oversees applicable phases of consultant selection for assigned projects including development of scope of services, specifications, cost estimates, work schedules, negotiations, and preparations of contract award recommendations.
• Supervises professional multi-disciplinary design work of large and complex projects applying professional engineering principles and exercising independent judgment.
• Oversees the work of professional engineering consultants for large complex projects, including all work products for quality of work, budget, schedule, and compliance with contractual terms and MWRA objectives and policies.
• Reviews work of professional engineering consultants related to all aspects of final design of the tunnel system, connections to existing MWRA systems, long term operations, permits, design reports, and contract documents (plans and specifications).
• Performs engineering analysis, prepares engineering documents, and writes project reports.
• Identifies, schedules, tracts, and monitors all permit needs for the Tunnel Program. Ensures compliance with permit requirements.
• Identifies stakeholder requirements associated with the Tunnel Program. Ensures stakeholder requirements are appropriately incorporated into the final designs and contract documents, and implemented during construction.
• Oversees and monitors key performance indicators to ensure budgets and schedules are met and develops corrective actions.
• Oversees the preparation, update, and maintenance of integrated project/program schedules for engineering/design, procurement, construction, and commissioning/closeout.
• Determines cost and schedule impacts associated with risks that have been identified for the Program.
• Directs preparation of Program cost estimates. Prepares and updates construction budget and schedule projections.
• Oversees and monitors quality management during design and construction phases. Ensures that Quality Assurance/Quality Control practices and procedures are followed by the project team through project audits and surveillance.
• Oversees constructability and value engineering reviews of design submittals.
• Manages professional staff including assigning projects, evaluating performance and planning staff development.
• Addresses community and professional organizations and maintains liaison with other agencies.
• Assists with compliance with MWRA procedures and policies, local, state, and federal environmental regulatory requirements and applicable engineering standards.
• In coordination with MWRA senior staff, supports all project activities and coordinates with MWRA divisions and departments, outside regulatory and permitting agencies and communities, as appropriate.
• Works collegially with and coordinates with staff in other MWRA divisions and departments and advances the goals, objectives and strategies of the MWRA business plan.
• Assists in implementing the goals and commitments of MWRA in the areas of customer services, economy and efficiency, health and safety, emergency response and security, integrity, and public trust.
• Manages the department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Oversees the recruiting, professional development, training, and performance evaluation of staff for assigned department.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or geotechnical engineering, or associated engineering field is required; advanced degree or other significant post-graduate educational experience in an engineering discipline preferred; and
• At least eleven (11) years demonstrated success in progressively responsible positions in environmental or engineering design, project management, and/or construction functions relating to large water distribution systems, large wastewater collections systems and/or other large civil works systems including at least five (5) years in a managerial capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or driver's license from another state.
• A Registered Massachusetts Professional Engineer license is preferred.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute is preferred.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% telework.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Experience in project management, project controls, risk management, contract administration and/or claims management in a public sector environment is preferred. Experience using alternative delivery methods on large complex projects is preferred. Design or construction experience on megaprojects (i.e., projects over $1B) is preferred.
• Knowledge of principles of and practices of civil, environmental, geotechnical or tunneling engineering.
• Advanced understanding of issues related to design, construction and operation of large and complex facilities and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a senior leadership position of a collaborative project team and to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated understanding of Massachusetts bidding laws, including MGL Chapter 30 and Chapter 149 construction bidding regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral and communication skills.