Design Manager - Water / Wastewater Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water / Wastewater Design

Company: Brown and Caldwell

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (with 2-3 years in Design Management)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery for complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction.

• Provide strong technical leadership and mentorship to design teams, fostering professional growth and high-quality project outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to meticulously plan and execute design scope, schedules, and budgets, driving efficiency and on-time delivery.

• Oversee design resource allocation, quality assurance (QA), and quality control (QC) processes to maintain project integrity and meet stringent industry standards.

• Actively manage client relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery and identifying opportunities for future business within the water and wastewater sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities strongly indicate a focus on the operational aspects of design delivery within the water and wastewater engineering sector. This includes project planning, resource management, quality control, and client engagement, aligning it with a specialized engineering operations function rather than pure people management. The hybrid nature and Philadelphia office requirement are critical for candidates to note.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide paramount technical leadership for water and wastewater design projects, guiding teams to achieve project objectives and deliver exceptional engineering solutions.

• Lead the comprehensive design process from inception through to final submission, ensuring all outputs meet Brown and Caldwell's high standards for quality, accuracy, and compliance.

• Coordinate effectively with project managers (PMs) to develop robust design scopes, realistic project timelines, and accurate budget estimations, ensuring alignment with client expectations and company financial goals.

• Manage design resources efficiently, optimizing utilization to meet project demands while controlling costs and maintaining team productivity.

• Oversee the creation, submission, and revision of all design deliverables, ensuring they align with project requirements, client specifications, and regulatory standards.

• Help to establish and maintain rigorous design quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) management processes, mitigating risks and ensuring the integrity of all project designs.

• Manage design deliverables in strict accordance with project requirements, client contracts, and Brown and Caldwell's internal quality management systems.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by executing various additional assignments as needed, responding proactively to evolving project needs and company priorities.

• Provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to less experienced team members, fostering their professional development and contributing to the overall growth of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight and operational project management. The emphasis on "design delivery leadership," "managing design resources," and "QA/QC management" points to a role focused on the execution and operational efficiency of the design phase, rather than solely conceptual design or people management. The mentorship aspect is also a key component for developing future talent within the engineering operations framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical) or Architecture is required.

• A Master's degree in a related engineering field (Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering) is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional engineering experience is required.

• A minimum of 2 to 3 years of dedicated experience in design management is mandatory.

• 8+ years of progressively increasing responsibility in related design and project management experience is preferred. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strong ability in design process leadership to effectively achieve project goals and client objectives within the water and wastewater sectors.

• High proficiency with the technologies, processes, and disciplines inherent in water and wastewater design projects, including relevant engineering software and methodologies.

• Exceptional technical leadership ability and a proven capability to provide clear guidance and direction to design teams.

• Possess strong design resource management skills, ensuring optimal utilization of personnel and tools to meet project timelines and budgets.

• Skilled in the implementation and oversight of design Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) management protocols.

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated strong project management skills, with a focus on managing complex engineering projects from initiation to completion.

• Ability to effectively balance client needs with multiple priorities, including project management, design, bidding, and construction management services.

• Strong technical writing skills, essential for creating clear, concise, and accurate project documentation and reports.

• Proven success in marketing, proposal writing, proposal management, and delivering impactful public presentations.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to conduct effective presentations and prepare comprehensive written reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license and the specific years of experience in design management are critical qualifications. The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights areas where candidates can differentiate themselves. The emphasis on technical writing, proposal management, and client-facing presentations suggests a role that bridges technical expertise with business development and client relations within the operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership of complex water and wastewater design projects, highlighting scope, budget, and schedule management.

• Include case studies that illustrate your ability to implement and manage robust QA/QC processes, detailing improvements and outcomes.

• Provide examples of how you have managed and optimized design resources, showcasing efficiency gains and effective team coordination.

• Present evidence of successful client relationship management and technical problem-solving within past projects, demonstrating client satisfaction and operational effectiveness. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your experience in designing and documenting detailed engineering workflows for water and wastewater treatment or distribution systems, emphasizing optimization phases.

• Include examples of process implementation and automation strategies used to enhance design efficiency and reduce errors.

• Present documentation on how you have measured and analyzed the performance of design processes, identifying key metrics and driving continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in an operations-focused capacity, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, resources, and quality. The focus on QA/QC, resource optimization, and process documentation is paramount for demonstrating operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position in Philadelphia, PA is $142,000 - $194,000 annually. This range may vary based on employee skills, experience, education, and specific location within the specified region. Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Life insurance policies.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and parental leave policies.

• Paid holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with an employer match.

• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee referral bonuses.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Pet insurance.

• Long-term care insurance. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with a requirement to be in the Philadelphia office approximately 2 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Philadelphia, PA, as indicated by "Location B." It's important for candidates to note that this is a starting range and actual compensation can vary. The extensive benefits package offered by Brown and Caldwell is a significant aspect of the total compensation. The working hours are standard full-time, with a clear hybrid expectation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental Engineering and Construction Services. Brown and Caldwell operates within a critical sector focused on developing sustainable solutions for water and wastewater management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. This industry demands rigorous technical expertise, a commitment to public health and safety, and a forward-thinking approach to environmental challenges.

Company Size: Over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific, with 50 offices. This signifies a large, well-established organization with a significant market presence, offering stability and broad opportunities for career development and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Over 75 years ago. This long history indicates deep industry experience, a strong reputation, and a stable foundation, suggesting a culture that values expertise, long-term client relationships, and continuous adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of a larger engineering and design department, likely comprising various specialized disciplines within water and wastewater engineering. The team structure is expected to be project-centric, with Design Managers working closely with Project Managers and reporting up through senior engineering leadership.

• The reporting structure will likely involve direct oversight of design teams on specific projects, with the Design Manager reporting to a Senior Project Manager, Principal Engineer, or a Director of Operations within the Philadelphia office or regional division.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with Project Managers, discipline engineers (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical, process), construction managers, environmental scientists, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Brown and Caldwell emphasizes data analysis and scientific principles to drive their environmental solutions. Expect a data-driven approach to project planning, design validation, and performance monitoring.

• The company likely employs structured workflow planning and optimization strategies, particularly for design processes, to ensure efficiency, quality, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

• Automation and efficiency practices are crucial in modern engineering firms. This role will likely involve leveraging technology and optimizing workflows to enhance design delivery speed and accuracy.

Company Website: www.brownandcaldwell.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Brown and Caldwell's long history and focus on environmental solutions suggest a culture that values technical excellence, client service, and innovation. The company's size indicates opportunities for diverse project experiences and career growth. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making is critical for operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the engineering operations and design management spectrum. It requires significant technical expertise and proven experience in managing the execution of complex design projects, not just individual tasks. It bridges the gap between technical design specialists and overall project leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Project Manager or a Director of Engineering/Operations. They will, in turn, lead and guide teams of engineers and designers assigned to specific projects, requiring strong coordination and communication skills across different levels and functions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful execution of Brown and Caldwell's core service offerings. By ensuring high-quality, on-time, and on-budget design delivery for critical water and wastewater infrastructure, they directly contribute to client satisfaction, project profitability, the company's reputation, and ultimately, the successful delivery of essential public and private services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water or wastewater design, becoming a subject matter expert (SME) and potentially leading advanced technical initiatives or R&D.

• Project Management Leadership: Transition into a full Project Manager role, taking on broader responsibility for project financials, client acquisition, and overall project success, including construction phases.

• Operational Leadership: Advance into senior operational roles, such as Director of Design, Regional Operations Manager, or Practice Lead, overseeing multiple projects, teams, and strategic operational initiatives.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership capabilities by formally mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the development of internal training programs for design best practices and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for experienced engineers looking to move into leadership positions that combine technical acumen with operational management. The growth paths are clearly defined towards broader project responsibility, specialized technical leadership, or strategic operational oversight within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," requiring the candidate to work from the Philadelphia office a couple of days per week. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, complemented by remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location offers access to a major metropolitan area with significant infrastructure projects and a strong talent pool. Specific office amenities and accessibility details would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• The Philadelphia office is likely equipped to support collaborative work, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and potentially dedicated project team areas. This environment is conducive to the cross-functional interaction required for design management.

• Operations professionals in this role can expect access to standard engineering software and hardware, potentially including advanced CAD, BIM, and project management tools necessary for water and wastewater design.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior leadership, and potentially clients will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with the hybrid model offering some flexibility in terms of location on designated workdays. Project demands may occasionally require extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work, with a clear expectation of physical presence in the Philadelphia office. The focus on collaboration and access to technology is standard for such roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and interest in Brown and Caldwell.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A technical interview with the hiring manager (likely a senior engineering leader) focusing on your design management experience, technical expertise in water/wastewater, and leadership style. Prepare specific examples of projects you've managed.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other project managers, senior engineers, or potential team members. These interviews often assess collaboration skills, problem-solving approaches, and how you would integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes related to design delivery, QA/QC, and resource management.

• Final Interview: A potential interview with a senior executive or department head to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career goals, and final cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 impactful projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, particularly those involving complex water/wastewater challenges and demonstrating leadership in QA/QC and resource optimization.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the key challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, the processes you managed (QA/QC, resource allocation), and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics).

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize your role in the delivery of the design – how you managed processes, mitigated risks, ensured quality, and optimized resources. Use operations-centric language.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design revisions by 15% through enhanced QA/QC protocols" or "Achieved on-time delivery for a $50M project by optimizing resource allocation."

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides with diagrams, flowcharts, and concise text. Avoid overwhelming slides with too much information.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult project stakeholders, resolving design conflicts, responding to unexpected project delays, or implementing new quality standards.

• Process Improvement Thinking: Practice articulating how you would approach improving an existing design process or implementing a new one to enhance efficiency or quality.

• Technical Acumen: Refresh your knowledge on current trends and best practices in water and wastewater engineering design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills through portfolio presentation and scenario-based questions. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just technical knowledge but also their ability to manage projects operationally and lead teams effectively. The portfolio should be a central piece of the application strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley MicroStation is essential for reviewing and understanding design deliverables.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for project scheduling, resource tracking, and progress monitoring.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or SharePoint for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems, financial reports, and quality control logs. Experience with Excel for data analysis and reporting is fundamental.

• Reporting Software: Familiarity with generating reports on project status, budget adherence, QA/QC compliance, and resource utilization.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Client Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed and tracked within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) can be beneficial for client relationship management aspects.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes or project management workflows to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies proficiency in standard engineering design software (CAD/BIM), project management platforms, and general productivity/collaboration tools. The ability to analyze project data and generate reports is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Service: A strong commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through reliable, high-quality design delivery and responsive communication.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding the highest standards of engineering practice, scientific integrity, and innovation in all design work.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged across disciplines and project teams.

• Integrity & Ethics: Conducting all business with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical practices, particularly in public infrastructure projects.

• Sustainability: A dedication to developing environmentally responsible and sustainable solutions for water and wastewater challenges.

• Employee Growth: Investing in employee development through training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Brown and Caldwell likely fosters a collaborative culture where cross-functional teams work synergistically. This involves proactive communication, constructive feedback, and a shared sense of responsibility for project success.

• The company encourages a process review culture, where teams regularly assess and refine their workflows to enhance efficiency and quality. Feedback mechanisms are likely in place to support continuous improvement.

• Knowledge sharing is vital, especially in a technical field. Expect opportunities to participate in internal technical forums, share best practices, and learn from colleagues across various disciplines and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize client focus, technical rigor, and teamwork. Candidates should align their approach with these values, demonstrating how they contribute to a collaborative and high-performance design operations environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Successfully navigating the inherent complexities of large-scale water and wastewater design projects, including technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and stakeholder management.

• Balancing Priorities: Effectively juggling multiple project demands, client expectations, internal resource constraints, and quality control requirements simultaneously.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing innovative design solutions and process improvements within a traditional engineering framework, while ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying current with rapidly changing environmental regulations, design technologies, and sustainable engineering practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs and workshops in cutting-edge water and wastewater treatment technologies, digital design tools, and sustainable engineering practices.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining and maintaining professional certifications, such as advanced project management (PMP) or specialized engineering credentials.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to participate in leadership training, mentorship programs, and take on increasing levels of responsibility to develop management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in national and international conferences (e.g., WEFTEC) to network, learn about industry trends, and present project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to project complexity and stakeholder management, but these are balanced by robust opportunities for professional growth in technical, managerial, and leadership capacities within the environmental engineering sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water or wastewater design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you lead the design team, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on process, leadership, and results.)

• "How do you ensure quality assurance and quality control throughout the design process, especially when managing distributed teams or multiple subcontractors?" (Highlight your QA/QC methodologies.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing design resources and budgets on a large-scale project. How do you identify potential risks and mitigate them proactively?" (Demonstrate operational planning and risk management.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse engineering disciplines and ensure effective communication with project managers and clients?" (Showcase your communication and team-building skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Brown and Caldwell's work in the water/wastewater sector, and why are you drawn to our company culture?" (Research recent projects and company values.)

• "How do you align your design management approach with a company that emphasizes client service, technical excellence, and sustainability?" (Connect your experience to their stated values.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had differing opinions on a design approach. How did you achieve consensus?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating negotiation and influence.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your career and the types of projects you excel at managing.

• Case Study Structure: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar clear narrative. Emphasize your actions in managing the design process, QA/QC, and resources, and the results achieved.

• Visual Clarity: Use clean slides with professional graphics. Focus on key metrics and achievements, not dense text.

• Operations Focus: Highlight how you optimized processes, improved efficiency, managed risks, and ensured quality. Use terms like "workflow optimization," "resource allocation," "risk mitigation," and "QA/QC implementation."

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your project examples, your decision-making process, and your leadership style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience in design operations, leadership, and client management within the water/wastewater context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a structured and results-oriented approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position at Brown and Caldwell:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Brown and Caldwell careers portal (ultipro.com).

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key water/wastewater design projects where you demonstrated strong design leadership, resource management, and QA/QC oversight. Focus on quantifiable achievements and operational efficiencies.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in design management, technical leadership, project coordination, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description such as "design delivery," "QA/QC," "resource management," and "technical leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to leadership, problem-solving, and project execution. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Brown and Caldwell's recent projects, company values, and their approach to sustainability and client service. Understand their position in the environmental engineering market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.