Project Manager - Drinking Water

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Michigan is looking for a Project Manager to lead various multi-disciplinary projects within their Water Business Group. This role involves managing project delivery, building strong client relationships, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and at least 7 years of relevant experience, including direct project management responsibilities. The company promotes a culture of inclusivity and values employees' contributions.

Qualifications

• 7 years related experience including minimum 2 years in project management.
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to company culture.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage single-discipline and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Coordinate work across teams for seamless project execution.
• Build and maintain client relationships through various meetings.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Leadership

Technical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: 'https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

HDR’s Michigan Water Business Group is growing, and we are looking for experienced Project Managers to help lead our program forward. This is an exciting opportunity to join our industry leading 100% employee-owned firm in an influential leadership role. We have opportunities for talented people like yourself to join HDR and become our next employee-owner!

Are you looking for an opportunity with an industry-leading company? Do you thrive in a work environment with collaborative colleagues who do amazing work for clients who trust them to push open the doors to what’s possible? That’s what you’ll find at HDR!

In 2024 Engineering News Record ranked HDR sixth in size of business in the important Water category. We have more than 2000 professionals in our Water Business Group that offer a uniquely comprehensive breadth of traditional and cross sector services enabling holistic approaches to our countries’ water challenges. Our services span utility master planning, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, flood protection, water resource management, reuse, applied research, transmission and distribution, water supply, asset management, operations assistance, program management, construction management and inspection, funding and financing, strategic communications, advisory services, and more.

What You’ll Do

As a Project Manager in our Michigan Water Business Group, you’ll be the cornerstone of our project delivery. You’ll oversee both small-scale single-discipline planning efforts and large, multi-disciplinary design projects. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on managing details, building strong client relationships, and leading talented technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage small to medium-sized single-discipline projects and large-scale, complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Coordinate and balance work across planning and design teams to ensure seamless project execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain lasting client relationships, taking part in marketing, contract negotiations, and design and production meetings.
• Lead internal and external meetings, workshops, and technical discussions to align stakeholders and drive progress.
• Interface with governing agencies during project reviews and permitting processes.
• Conduct and facilitate work sessions focused on design development and contract documentation.
• Track project budgets, monitor financial performance, and align resources to keep deliverables on time and within scope.
• Partner with project controllers, business group leaders, and accounting teams to provide regular project status updates and financial reviews.
• Perform technical analyses and prepare clear, concise engineering reports.
• Mentor and provide leadership to junior engineers, with a focus on developing strong technical skills in water/wastewater engineering.
• Support firm-wide initiatives and perform additional responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 7 years related experience inclusive of a minimum 2 years experience in project management
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• MS Office and MS Project experience is required
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Industry

Water

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Mar 3, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We're always looking for great talent to join our global teams.