Senior Planning Engineer

Senior Planning Engineer

A leading utility organization is seeking a Senior Planning Engineer to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and long-range infrastructure initiatives. This role serves as a critical bridge between system planning and capital project execution, ensuring alignment across engineering priorities, regulatory requirements, financial constraints, and organizational goals.

This position partners closely with engineering, operations, finance, and regulatory stakeholders to drive data-driven decision-making, improve capital planning processes, and ensure efficient program delivery. The role also contributes to fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering environment focused on innovation, resiliency, and continuous improvement.

• Lead the planning, prioritization, execution, and performance tracking of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), ensuring alignment with budgets, forecasts, and asset lifecycle strategies
• Drive best practices in capital and O&M project management, including portfolio governance, planning standards, and cross-functional coordination
• Oversee system planning activities (e.g., hydraulic modeling, GIS analysis, asset management) and ensure quality, compliance, and consistency in early-stage project development
• Partner with project teams to transition initiatives from planning through design and construction while maintaining scope, schedule, and budget alignment
• Support integrated planning across water quality, supply, treatment, and distribution systems
• Develop and implement engineering policies, procedures, and standards supporting regulatory compliance, long-range planning, and public health objectives
• Manage consultants and contractors supporting planning, design, and construction efforts
• Lead initiatives focused on system efficiency, including non-revenue water reduction and data-driven performance improvements
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and adoption of modern planning and portfolio management practices
• Represent the organization in cross-functional initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and external forums as needed

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering discipline required
• Master's degree (Engineering, Water Resources, or MBA) preferred
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; candidates pursuing licensure will be considered

Experience

• 10–20+ years of experience in water/wastewater, utilities, or infrastructure engineering
• Strong background in capital program management, asset management, and system planning
• Experience with GIS-based planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting
• Knowledge of engineering design standards, regulatory compliance, permitting, and construction processes

Skills

• Proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration experience
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present to both technical and executive audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs, solve problems, and drive decision-making

This is a highly collaborative, senior-level position offering the opportunity to influence long-term infrastructure strategy, support sustainable system performance, and drive innovation within a regulated utility environment.

In accordance with New York salary transparency requirements, the anticipated annual base salary range for positions is: $130k-$140k annually. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated project leadership background.