Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager

Arcadis; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Arcadis in Southern California is seeking a Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager to lead municipal water and wastewater projects from planning through construction. This hands‑on role combines project leadership with client management and business development.

You will mentor staff, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure designs meet Arcadis standards, and deliver projects on time and within budget while building strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• 12 years of relevant experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in California.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead municipal water and wastewater projects from planning through construction.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams and staff development.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and pursue business development opportunities.
• Ensure delivery on time and within budget.

Skills

Staff development

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Business development

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description

Arcadis is currently searching for a Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager to join our Resilience Water Business in Southern California. The Design Manager will utilize their expertise and technical knowledge of water and wastewater evaluations, design and construction to serve as a Project Manager and Client Manager on local projects. This is a hands‑on role with an expectation of leading projects, managing staff, and participating in business development activities.

Role accountabilities

As a Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to successfully deliver municipal water and wastewater projects while supporting client growth and team development. This role is responsible for managing projects from planning through construction, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and fostering strong client relationships across the region.

Qualifications & Experience

• Lead the planning, design, and construction of municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, stormwater systems, and water distribution and collection systems.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, cost estimates, and overall project delivery to ensure successful execution on time and within budget.
• Support business development efforts, cultivate client relationships, and represent Arcadis through participation in industry associations, conferences, presentations, and leadership activities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, supervise technical staff, mentor junior engineers and designers, and contribute to the growth of team capabilities.
• Prepare and oversee complete engineering and construction deliverables, perform complex engineering analyses, and maintain Arcadis standards and specifications for municipal water and wastewater projects.

Required minimum qualifications

• 12 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or a related field of study.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in California.

Skills and abilities

The ideal candidate will have strong staff development and supervision skills, including the ability to mentor and support junior‑level engineers and technical staff. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have proven client relationship and business development experience, including preparing proposals, managing client engagements, and delivering engineering projects that consistently meet or exceed client expectations.

Preferred qualifications

• 15 or more years of progressively responsible experience in the water and wastewater industry.
• Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or an MBA.
• Experience with the design and construction administration of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Proven ability to prepare, review, and approve engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.
• Professional Engineer licensure (PE) preferred, along with additional certifications such as a Water/Wastewater Operator License, Project Management Professional (PMP), or LEED/ENV SP credential.
• Active involvement in local, state, or national professional organizations and industry associations.

Benefits

Arcadis offers benefits for full‑time and part‑time positions, including medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, 401(k), short‑term and long‑term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, life insurance, paid parental leave, rewards and recognition program, and optional wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. Salary range for this position is $170,000–$220,000 per year.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Arcadis is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.