Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager

AECOM; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager for our Chicago office. This senior role leads projects in municipal water and wastewater, while expanding client relationships and pursuing new opportunities across the Midwest.

You will serve as a seller-doer, managing technical delivery, mentoring engineers, and guiding proposals and fee estimates to support growth and ensure high-quality, on-time results for our clients.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required.
• Strong leadership, client management and proposal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical oversight for municipal water, wastewater treatment, and conveyance infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Project Manager for complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure programs.
• Provide specialized technical input to planning studies, design development, and construction-phase services.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews of design calculations, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Develop construction cost estimates and engineering budgets; manage scope, schedule, and financial performance.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery.
• Mentor and develop entry and mid-level engineers.
• Lead and support business development efforts within the municipal water/wastewater market in Chicago and the broader Midwest region.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients, utility districts, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities aligned with regional growth strategy.
• Support and lead proposal efforts, including technical approach development, scope definition, and fee estimates.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and industry events to strengthen AECOM’s market presence.
• Drive repeat business by ensuring high client satisfaction and proactive communication throughout project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client development

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in Engineering

PE license

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager for our Chicago office. This senior-level leadership role requires extensive experience in municipal water and/or wastewater treatment and conveyance infrastructure, combined with a strong track record in client development and business growth.

The ideal candidate will serve in a seller-doer capacity, leading technical delivery while actively expanding client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and supporting strategic growth initiatives across the Chicago metro and regional Midwest markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide technical oversight for municipal water, wastewater treatment, and conveyance infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Project Manager for complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure programs.
• Provide specialized technical input to planning studies, design development, and construction-phase services.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews of design calculations, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Develop construction cost estimates and engineering budgets; manage scope, schedule, and financial performance.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery.
• Mentor and develop entry and mid-level engineers.
• Lead and support business development efforts within the municipal water/wastewater market in Chicago and the broader Midwest region.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients, utility districts, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities aligned with regional growth strategy.
• Support and lead proposal efforts, including technical approach development, scope definition, and fee estimates.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and industry events to strengthen AECOM’s market presence.
• Drive repeat business by ensuring high client satisfaction and proactive communication throughout project delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering + 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency or experience and / or education.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in municipal water and/or wastewater treatment and conveyance infrastructure.
• Experience managing large-scale capital improvement projects and multi-project portfolios.
• Proven experience managing project financial performance (revenue, profitability, forecasting).
• Demonstrated success in business development, client management, and proposal leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience leading client interviews and developing technical proposals.
• Strong commitment to mentorship, team leadership, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this role
• Sponsorship is not offered now or in the future for this role

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $175000 to $235000.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Work Location Model

Hybrid

Compensation

USD 175000 - USD 235000 - yearly