Design Manager

Location: Orange County, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000+ DOE

Location: Orange County, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000+ DOE

A nationally recognized engineering consulting firm is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer who thrives in both technical leadership and client-facing roles. You'll oversee major infrastructure programs, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and help drive projects that support public health, water reliability, and long-term community resilience.

• Lead the delivery of complex water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects from planning through construction.
• Maintain overall responsibility for project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Manage multiple projects and project teams simultaneously.
• Coordinate internal resources, subconsultants, and external stakeholders.
• Make critical technical and business decisions that influence project success.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with municipal agencies, utilities, and infrastructure owners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and key decision-makers.
• Lead proposal development, interviews, project pursuits, and contract negotiations.
• Identify growth opportunities and help expand existing client relationships.

• Provide senior-level guidance on:

  • Water and wastewater treatment facilities
  • Pump stations and conveyance systems
  • Collection and transmission infrastructure
  • Hydraulic analysis and process evaluations
  • Utility master planning
  • Rehabilitation and capital improvement programs

• Review engineering reports, calculations, plans, specifications, and design packages.

• Ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements and quality standards.

• Mentor project managers, engineers, and technical staff.
• Support recruitment and team growth efforts.
• Foster collaboration and technical excellence across disciplines.
• Help establish best practices and improve project delivery processes.

• Participate in professional organizations, technical committees, and industry events.
• Represent the firm through presentations, publications, and client engagement.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, regulations, and infrastructure funding opportunities.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 12+ years of consulting engineering experience focused on water, wastewater, or utility infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing complex engineering projects from conception through delivery.
• Strong understanding of treatment processes, hydraulics, conveyance systems, and utility infrastructure.
• Experience managing project budgets, contracts, schedules, and quality programs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and client management skills.

• Advanced degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
• Extensive treatment plant design experience.
• Collection systems, pumping stations, and utility master planning.
• Multidisciplinary project leadership.
• Construction-phase engineering and design support.
• Experience mentoring project managers and technical staff.