Director of Engineering – Projects

Denver Water; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Water in Denver, CO is seeking an experienced engineering leader to direct, plan, and administer design for capital projects. You will oversee design criteria, quality control, and contract administration for all facilities related to the water system.

The role requires PMP certification, extensive leadership experience, and a record of managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, and schedules. Hybrid work in the Denver area is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of related work experience with at least 5 years in supervision.
• PMP Certification required.
• Colorado driver’s license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Direct engineering design and contract documents for facilities.
• Manage budgets, capital projects, and staffing.
• Develop Denver Water engineering standards and procedures.
• Oversee project implementation and cross-functional coordination.
• Negotiate contracts and resolve claims.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Respond to emergencies requiring engineering support.
• Represent the Chief Engineering Officer in meetings.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Decision making

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Hybrid-This position offers a hybrid schedule working a minimum of two days in the office in the Denver Metro Area

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in an Engineering discipline or a related field.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or associated field preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of related work experience including 5 years supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from PMI is required.
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Class ‘R’ Colorado driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record within 1 month of hire.
• Understanding of advanced engineering practices.
• Knowledge in development of multi-discipline engineering designs and contract documents.
• Advanced knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of engineering standards and their implementation.
• Knowledge of Facility Commissioning and Startup principles, procedures and testing requirements.
• Knowledge of industry codes and standards.
• Technical engineering analysis.
• Leadership, mentoring and management skills.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Decision-making.

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one’s own body weight from various positions. If the position isdeemedsafety-sensitive or requiresa CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water mustbe authorized towork in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Job Description

Working for Denver Water offersa rewardingand comprehensive employment experience marked by exceptional benefits and a strong organizational culture. Employees enjoy a robust 401(k) plan with employer contributions, a secure pension fund to support long-term financial well-being, and high-quality benefits that include a generous PTO package as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage.

At the heart of Denver Water’s workplace are its core values: vision, integrity, passion, excellence, and respect. These principles guide every aspect of the organization, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community and the future of water sustainability.

Position Summary

Direct, plan, and administer engineering project design, related support functions and design staff which includes engineers, scientists, and technical staff overseeing for Denver Water's capital projects. Oversee design criteria, quality control, and contract administration for assigned design work with involvement in all division activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has formal supervisory responsibilities over other employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct preparation of engineering designs, plan specifications, and other contract documents for all facilities related to the water system. Evaluate and mitigate risk in designs as well as provide quality control and value engineering on designs and contract documents.
• Direct and manage section budget, capital projects, program budgeting, and forecasting. Monitor staffing requirements and resource loading, personnel administration, and hiring.
• Responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of highly technical and multidisciplinary Denver Water Engineering Standards, Capital Projects Construction Standards, and industry standards.
• Responsible for ensuring project implementation, coordination of functions, and employee matters related to employment, training, promotion, transfer, and discipline are implemented.
• Develop and implement policies and programs that align with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Provide engineering recommendations in the form, substance, cost and administration of studies, professional service contracts, change orders, and contract awards.
• Establish quality control procedures, risk management, and mitigation for contract documents and project management. Negotiate and resolve claims and disputes with contractors.
• Evaluate and recommend design and development on short- and long-term capital and maintenance projects, providing risk assessment and budget and planning analysis.
• Oversee and approve invoices, monthly payments and other cost related functions associated with construction, property, survey and design functions with a $50k signing authority per transaction.
• Responsible for the annual delivery of capital and maintenance programs totaling $80 million to over $200 million in project value.
• Responds to emergency and unplanned events that requires engineering assistance at all times, which may require real time technical decision making on system fixes that have immediate staff and public safety ramifications.
• Maintain liaison with outside agencies relating to engineering design and construction activities.
• Represent the Chief Engineering Officer at meetings or conferences.
• Perform related work as required.

Contact Us

Denver Water is committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all Denver Water property.

Denver Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, People of Color, veterans, and people with disabilities.