Engineering Project Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

American Water seeks an Engineering Project Manager to oversee capital water and wastewater projects from planning through construction. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, coordinate with engineers, vendors and inspectors, and ensure projects align with company objectives and regulatory requirements.

The role emphasizes delivery excellence, budget and schedule control, and collaboration with Operations to minimize operational impacts while driving safety and reliability for customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; relevant work experience considered in lieu of degree
• Strong knowledge of engineering design theory and practice in water/wastewater
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams with cost and schedule discipline
• Experience with regulatory requirements and industry standards in water utility

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of technical, bidding and contractual documents for capital projects.
• Develop planning reports and data management projects for water/wastewater systems.
• Coordinate with engineering firms, vendors and contractors to ensure on-time delivery within budget.
• Ensure design concepts meet capacity, performance, safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage budgets, schedules and delivery metrics to improve project efficiency.

Skills

Engineering design

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Project Management

Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

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

• Ba chelor’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.

Valid Driver’s License

Travel Requirements

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

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.