Senior Project Engineer

Senior Project Engineer based in Charlotte, NC, responsible for planning, design, and construction oversight of water and wastewater capital and in-house projects, providing engineering expertise and operational support across water treatment, distribution, and wastewater systems.

Responsibilities

• Assess project scope and alternative approaches to identify the optimal solution and support the business case.
• Create engineering standards, designs, and plans for water production, distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment systems.
• Review project proposals and utility designs, providing professional approval, stamping, or sealing when required.
• Apply independent professional judgment to establish design criteria and select appropriate processes, materials, and execution methods.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, utility operators, technical personnel, and internal stakeholders to support ongoing operations and capital project delivery.
• Build business cases for engineering initiatives, detailing scope, cost, schedule, and alternative analyses.
• Prepare plans, specifications, reports, cost estimates, and related project documentation.
• Oversee multiple mid-size or larger utility projects concurrently.
• Choose materials and equipment for assigned projects and specify appropriate components.
• Determine when external engineering consultants or contractors are needed and supervise their work.
• Inspect construction activities to ensure alignment with design documents and project requirements.
• Coordinate with Field Operations on construction schedules, tasks, and project execution.
• Serve as the project manager for designated capital and utility projects.
• Act as construction superintendent when required to ensure controls, procedures, and safety requirements are followed.
• Review and approve change orders and cost proposals for capital projects.
• Support updates to engineering and construction standards.
• Perform hydraulic analysis and maintain water distribution models.
• Conduct field inspections and troubleshoot project-related issues on site.
• Respond to technical service requests from operations and other business units.
• Serve as a technical resource and engineering subject matter expert for Business Development, Project Management, Operations, and other internal teams.
• Assist with master planning and system improvement or replacement programs.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of project management experience.
• At least five years of experience as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Experience applying standard engineering design and project delivery procedures.
• Knowledge of construction techniques, equipment, and field execution practices.
• Experience administering consultant engineering contracts and construction contracts.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong safety commitment and working knowledge of safety best practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of municipal water and sewer utility operations, engineering, and construction.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage scope, budget, and schedule.
• Results-focused, detail-oriented, customer-centric, and self-motivated.
• Ability to exercise independent professional judgment.
• Strong written communication skills for proposals, reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with the public, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Business acumen and ability to develop balanced engineering solutions.
• Skilled in preparing engineering plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and contracts.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and best practices across all phases of project development and execution.
• Ability to use engineering survey tools, drafting equipment, electronic engineering calculators, and computer-based engineering systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD.
• Ability to learn internal software programs.
• Ability to perform occasional physical duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, walking, sitting for extended periods, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stooping, reaching, bending, and driving for extended periods.

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• Microsoft Office Suite
• SCADA
• GIS
• Engineering survey tools
• Computer-based engineering systems
• Water distribution computer models

Benefits

• Paid time off and company holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental, prescription, and vision benefits
• Company-provided life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• 401(k) matching
• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and education support
• Employee Resource Groups and other engagement programs
• Retirement plan

Work Environment

• Role includes work in both office and field environments
• May require sustained mental focus when solving non-routine technical problems
• Field work may involve exposure to water and wastewater plant environments
• Possible exposure to loud noise, wastewater, chemicals, high voltage, extreme temperatures, and other utility-related hazards
• Must wear required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, chemical suits, and other PPE as needed
• Must comply with OSHA and client safety requirements