Engineering Project Manager

American Water; Pacific Grove (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead planning, design, bidding and construction management for water and wastewater capital projects. The role drives delivery from inception to completion via an extended team and coordinates with consulting engineers, technicians and inspectors.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, schedules and ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and reliability, while partnering with operations to align project delivery with needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or 10+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Water/wastewater experience is a plus.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills; attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical, bidding and contractual documents for capital projects.
• Prepare planning reports and data management projects.
• Foster relationships with engineering firms, vendors and contractors.
• Coordinate with field and contract personnel to meet deadlines within budget.
• Ensure scope, quality, safety and regulatory compliance for design concepts.
• Set budgets and schedules; monitor delivery metrics and procurement approaches.
• Manage multiple projects and varied assignments related to planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical concepts into feasible project approaches.
• Handle special projects as assigned by team leads or managers.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management/Construction Management or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Engineering Project Manager

Posting Start Date: 9/15/26

Job Description:

Position Information

Posted Range: $85,000 -$102,000 annually

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Engineering Project Manager 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.This position is responsible for managing through an extended team the delivery of medium to small capital investment projects from inception to completion, the size and importance of which have a significant impact to company objectives related to production, Networks, and/or other water resource or operations systems.Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and coordination with consulting engineers, technicians, analysts, and/or construction inspectors.The Engineering Project Manager 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.

This position is responsible for managing through an extended team the delivery of medium to small capital investment projects from inception to completion, the size and importance of which have a significant impact to company objectives related to production, Networks, and/or other water resource or operations systems.

Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and coordination with consulting engineers, technicians, analysts, and/or construction inspectors.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the preparation of technical, bidding and contractual documents associated with the delivery of capital investment projects. Develops technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Prepares 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. Asset Owner satisfaction in accordance with the scope of work agreed upon for each project. Interacts with Operations personnel to ensure project delivery program meets operations needs and is coordinated with operations personnel on operational impacts related to project delivery program.
• Establish project budgets / schedules and manage projects accordingly. Driving efficiency into project delivery through the monitoring of delivery metrics (unit costs, target costs vs. actual, etc.) and pursuit of more effective delivery and procurement approaches.
• 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.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills. Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication 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 degree will be considered.
• Without a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 10+ years’ experience in project management focused on Engineering projects, planning, construction, project delivery
• Water and/or wastewater experience is a plus.
• 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.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills. Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication 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.

Certifications & Licenses

Engineer-in-training (EIT) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications strongly preferred.

Travel Requirements

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

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented