Principal Design Manager (Water Infrastructure

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Arcadis is currently searching for a Principal Design Manager to join our Resilience Water Business in Southern California.

The Design Manager will utilize their expertise and technical knowledge of Water / Wastewater evaluations, design & construction to serve as a Project Manager and Client Manager on local projects. This is a ‘hands‑on’ role with an expectation of leading projects, managing staff, and participating in business development activities

As a Principal Design Manager, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to successfully deliver municipal water and wastewater projects while supporting client growth and team development. This role is responsible for managing projects from planning through construction, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and fostering strong client relationships across the region.

• Lead the design and construction of municipal water/wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, stormwater systems, and water distribution/collection systems.
• Manage project overall project delivery and ensure successful execution on time and within budget.
• Support business development efforts, cultivate client relationships, and represent Arcadis through participation in industry associations, conferences, presentations, and leadership activities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, supervise technical staff, mentor junior engineers and designers, and contribute to the growth of team capabilities.
• Prepare and oversee complete engineering and construction deliverables, perform complex engineering analyses, and maintain Arcadis standards and specifications for municipal water/wastewater projects.

• 15 or more years’ experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or a related field of study.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in California.

The ideal candidate will have strong staff development and supervision skills, including the ability to mentor and support junior-level engineers and technical staff. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have proven client relationship and business development experience, including preparing proposals, managing client engagements, and delivering engineering projects that consistently meet or exceed client expectations.

• Preferred candidates will have 20 or more years of progressively responsible experience in the water and wastewater industry, along with a Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. Candidates should have a proven ability to prepare, review, and approve engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates. Active involvement in local, state, or national professional organizations and industry associations is also preferred.

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills‑based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

We want you to be able to bring your best…