Director of Engineering and Construction Services

Inkinen Executive Search; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP retirement program

Bonus potential

Job summary

Aqua Engineers, a Hawaii-based engineering, construction, and utility services company, seeks a senior Director of Engineering & Construction Services to lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Hawaii.

Reporting to the CEO, this executive will shape strategic direction, drive operational excellence, and mentor future leaders while partnering with business development to position

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related field.
• Hawaii PE license required.
• Significant experience in engineering, utility, infrastructure, water, wastewater, or related industries.
• Progressive leadership experience managing engineering teams, projects, budgets, and operations.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment systems and utility infrastructure.
• Experience overseeing complex capital projects from planning through construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering and construction services divisions, including managers, engineers, project managers, and staff.
• Provide strategic direction for engineering, construction management, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Oversee project delivery, QA, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
• Support business development activities, client relationships, proposals, and contract pursuits.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, operating plans, and performance objectives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, safety, and engineering standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategy, planning, and growth initiatives.
• Mentor and develop technical and leadership talent within the organization.
• Serve as a technical resource on water, wastewater, utility, and infrastructure matters.

Skills

Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

Utility Operations

Strategic Planning

Capital Improvement Programs

Business Development

Financial & Budget Management

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline

Job description

The Director of Engineering & Construction Services is an accomplished engineering leader, with experience overseeing complex infrastructure projects, a strong background in water and wastewater services, and the strategic, operational, and people leadership skills needed to guide a growing organization.

Position Overview

Aqua Engineers, a Hawaii-based employee-owned engineering, construction, and utility services company, is seeking a senior engineering leader to oversee its engineering and construction operations. This executive-level position is responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams that support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical water and wastewater infrastructure throughout Hawaii.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the Director will provide strategic leadership for engineering and construction functions, drive operational excellence, support business development efforts, and help position the organization for long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering and construction services divisions, including managers, engineers, project managers, and technical staff.
• Provide strategic direction for engineering, construction management, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Oversee project delivery, quality assurance, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
• Support business development activities, client relationships, proposals, and contract pursuits.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, operating plans, and performance objectives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, safety, and engineering standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on company strategy, organizational planning, and growth initiatives.
• Mentor and develop technical and leadership talent within the organization.
• Serve as a technical resource on water, wastewater, utility, and infrastructure-related matters.

Skills

• Water & Wastewater Infrastructure
• Utility Operations
• Strategic Planning
• Capital Improvement Programs (CIP)
• Business Development
• Financial & Budget Management
• Regulatory Compliance

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Hawaii Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Significant experience in engineering, utility, infrastructure, water, wastewater, or related industries.
• Progressive leadership experience managing engineering teams, projects, budgets, and organizational operations.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment systems, utility infrastructure, collection systems, and distribution systems.
• Experience overseeing complex capital projects from planning through construction.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and developing future leaders.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and business development skills.
• Ability to balance technical, operational, financial, and strategic priorities in a leadership role.

Compensation

The position offers a salary range of $180,000 to $200,000, depending on skills and experience. In addition to the base salary, there is participation in the company's ESOP retirement program and potential for bonus earnings.