Process Mechanical Discipline Lead - Design Build (Water/Wastewater)

Jacobs; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited paid time off

Discounted company stock purchase

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Process Mechanical Discipline Lead in Columbus, Ohio to support their expanding Water Infrastructure portfolio. The role involves technical and project leadership, managing complex municipal and industrial projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. The salary range is $135,000 to $195,000, with benefits including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and unlimited paid time off. The position offers a hybrid work model, empowering employees to maximize their potential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive process/mechanical engineering experience focusing on water infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading process/mechanical scope on large, complex projects.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality designs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Process Mechanical Discipline Lead for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Lead and review process plans, equipment selection, layouts, and design criteria.
• Support construction activities including technical RFIs and field support.

Skills

Process and mechanical engineering

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Overview

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. We’re redefining how water infrastructure is planned, designed, and delivered to create healthier, more resilient communities. We’re seeking a Process Mechanical Discipline Lead to support our expanding Water Infrastructure portfolio, delivering complex municipal and industrial projects using design‑build and other alternative delivery models. This role blends deep process and mechanical engineering expertise with team leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and direct client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Technical & Project Leadership
  • Serve as the Process Mechanical Discipline Lead for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, reuse facilities, and conveyance systems.
  • Lead the development and review of process plans, equipment selection, layouts, piping systems, hydraulic profiles, and design criteria.
  • Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for calculations, reports, drawings, and specifications.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, construction partners, electrical, instrumentation & controls (I&C), structural, and civil disciplines to ensure fully integrated system designs.
  • Support construction activities including constructability reviews, submittal reviews, technical RFIs, and field support.
• Design‑Build & Delivery Excellence
  • Play a critical role on design‑build projects, supporting collaborative and accelerated delivery schedules.
  • Participate in pursuit and proposal efforts, including technical approaches, scope development, cost input, and client interviews.
  • Partner with construction teams, partners, and equipment vendors to develop practical, maintainable, and cost‑effective solutions.
  • Identify and manage technical, operational, and construction‑related risks throughout project delivery.
• People & Discipline Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop our teams of supporting process and mechanical engineers and designers across multiple projects.
  • Support workforce planning, coaching, performance feedback, and technical development within the process mechanical discipline.
  • Champion Jacobs’ standards for safety, quality, innovation, and inclusion.
  • Contribute to the advancement of discipline best practices, standards, and technical excellence.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Interface directly with internal and external clients, serving as a trusted process/mechanical engineering advisor.
  • Participate in client meetings, technical workshops, coordination sessions, and project reviews.
  • Travel approximately 10% of the time to client and project sites in the Midwest and Northeast regions.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, contractors, equipment suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Support business development by strengthening client confidence and identifying future project opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of progressive process/mechanical engineering experience, with a strong focus on water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading process/mechanical scope on large, complex water or wastewater infrastructure projects (design‑build or alternative delivery projects preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver high‑quality, reliable designs.
• Strong communication skills and experience working directly with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with common water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and client interviews.
• Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Interest in innovation, optimization, and sustainable treatment solutions.

Benefits and compensation

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. You’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. Some roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

Salary: The base salary range for this position is $135,000.00 to $195,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

EEO statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on April 27, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact Careers Support.