Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager

Company: Kiewit

Location: Lenexa, Kansas; Lone Tree, Colorado; Houston, Texas (Remote considered with travel)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering Project Management / Water Infrastructure Design

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid Level (7+ years engineering, 5+ years project leadership)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Considered (with significant travel requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams focused on the technical delivery of complex industrial and municipal water projects, from conception through construction and commissioning.

• Drive project success by ensuring designs are constructible, cost-effective, and operationally sound, directly impacting community and industrial infrastructure.

• Take ownership of engineering scope, budget, and schedule, implementing effective change management strategies to maintain project integrity.

• Develop and execute technical strategies, performance expectations, and risk mitigation plans aligned with Kiewit's construction-led delivery model.

• Foster talent development within the engineering team through mentorship and a "train your replacement" philosophy, building long-term organizational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for an experienced engineering leader within the water infrastructure sector, emphasizing a strong understanding of both design principles and construction execution. The "Water Design Manager" title, combined with the "Engineering Project Manager" title, highlights a dual focus on technical design leadership and overall project oversight for water-related capital projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire multi-disciplinary engineering teams (process, mechanical, piping, electrical, I&C, structural, civil, architectural) in the technical delivery of water treatment, reuse, and remediation solutions.

• Own the engineering scope, budget, and schedule for complex water projects, including proactive and fair change management processes.

• Collaborate closely with construction, estimating, and scheduling teams to ensure designs are safe, efficient, and optimized for field execution.

• Establish and drive project goals, technical strategies, and performance expectations, aligning them with overarching business and operational objectives.

• Develop discipline-specific strategies for talent development, technology adoption, quality assurance, and comprehensive risk management.

• Mentor and develop engineers and designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and organizational capability building.

• Partner with Engineering Department Managers to align staffing plans with evolving project demands and market opportunities.

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate technical and operational risks that could impact project outcomes, schedule, budget, or company reputation.

• Define, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability, measure progress, and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and digital tools, assessing and implementing practical applications for enhanced project delivery.

• Develop and execute clear, concise project communication plans to ensure all teams and stakeholders remain aligned, informed, and engaged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a leadership role with significant accountability for project outcomes. The mention of "constructible, cost-effective, and operationally sound solutions" indicates a need for a balance between innovative design and practical, field-ready engineering. The focus on "KPIs," "risk management," and "talent development" points to a strategic operational perspective beyond pure technical design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or a closely related technical field) from an accredited program.

• Master's degree in Engineering is preferred.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with a strong preference for experience within the water market (municipal or industrial).

• A minimum of 5+ years of experience specifically leading engineering project teams, preferably within water, wastewater, or industrial markets.

• Demonstrated experience managing engineering resources and technical scope for complex projects.

• Experience in related markets such as Industrial Power, Oil, Gas & Chemical (OGC), Chemical Processing, Bioprocessing, or Advanced Manufacturing is welcomed. Required Skills:

• Engineering Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex engineering projects from initiation to completion.

• Water Infrastructure Expertise: Strong technical background in complex water or industrial systems, including treatment, reuse, desalination, and remediation.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams, with a focus on mentoring and talent growth.

• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of project controls, budget management, cost management principles, and effective change management.

• Constructability & Field Integration: Deep understanding of how designs are built, sequenced, and executed in the field, ensuring practical and efficient field execution.

• Risk Management: Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate technical and operational risks.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with clients, construction teams, and executive leadership.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong capability to guide teams through complex design and execution challenges.

• Adaptability & Systems Thinking: Comfort operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments; demonstrating adaptability, collaboration, and a systems-oriented approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital tools and emerging technologies in engineering and construction.

• Familiarity with Kiewit's construction-led delivery model and project execution methodologies.

• Experience in client relationship management and business development support for water projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license indicates a strong emphasis on technical competency and professional accountability within the engineering discipline. The combination of required years of experience in both general engineering and specific project leadership suggests a need for a candidate who can not only manage but also deeply understand and guide the technical aspects of water projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex water or industrial projects where you led the engineering effort, detailing your role in scope definition, technical strategy, and team management.

• Constructability & Efficiency Improvements: Present instances where your engineering designs or process recommendations directly led to improved field execution, reduced costs, or enhanced operational efficiency.

• Risk Mitigation & Problem-Solving: Include examples of how you identified and mitigated significant technical or operational risks on past projects, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Provide evidence of your ability to mentor engineers and designers, highlighting instances where you contributed to team growth and organizational capability.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Demonstrate your proficiency in managing engineering budgets and schedules, including examples of successful change management and adherence to project financial goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your experience in designing or optimizing engineering workflows for water projects, emphasizing collaboration with construction and other disciplines.

• Technology Integration: Detail how you have integrated new technologies or digital tools into engineering processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, or constructability.

• Performance Measurement: Illustrate your approach to defining, tracking, and reporting on engineering KPIs to drive accountability and continuous improvement within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage both the technical integrity of the design and the execution of the project. Emphasizing constructability, risk mitigation, and team leadership will be critical. The portfolio should demonstrate strategic thinking alongside tactical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $179,000 - $187,000 per year.

Explanation of Range: This range is provided based on the job posting's stated compensation for the Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager role in the specified locations. It reflects a mid-level to senior position requiring specialized engineering expertise, a PE license, and significant project leadership experience in the water infrastructure sector. Compensation is subject to variation based on factors such as the candidate's specific education, years of experience, demonstrated skillset, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans that cover eligible employees and their dependents.

• Wellness & Support Programs: Voluntary wellness programs and employee assistance programs designed to support employee well-being.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Provision of life insurance and disability insurance to provide financial security.

• Retirement Savings: Robust retirement plans that include matching contributions, helping employees build long-term financial security.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample paid time off (PTO) to ensure work-life balance and provide opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While the standard is 40 hours, the role may require overtime and weekend work as needed to meet project deadlines and operational demands.

• Travel: At least 25% travel is expected for roles based in Lenexa, Lone Tree, or Houston. Remote candidates may be considered but will require up to 50% travel to an area office and project sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is on the higher end for a mid-level role, reflecting the critical nature of water infrastructure projects, the requirement for a PE license, and the significant leadership responsibilities. The extensive benefits package is typical for large, established engineering and construction firms like Kiewit, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Construction (specifically within the Water and Industrial markets).

Company Size: Kiewit is a large, privately held company with over 3,500 engineers and design professionals in its Engineering Group (KEG) alone, and a significant overall workforce. This size offers stability, resources, and opportunities for large-scale impact.

Founded: Kiewit was founded in 1884, bringing over 140 years of construction expertise to its integrated delivery model.

Team Structure:

• Kiewit Engineering Group (KEG): A full-service engineering firm supporting Kiewit's construction-led delivery model across multiple markets.

• Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering (KIWE) District: This specific district is a multi-disciplinary team focused on collaborative delivery of complex water projects throughout North America. It comprises process, mechanical, piping, electrical, I&C, structural, civil, and architectural professionals.

• Reporting Structure: Engineering Project Managers/Water Design Managers likely report to senior industrial leadership within the KIWE district, with direct oversight of multi-disciplinary engineering teams working on specific projects.

Methodology:

• Construction-Led Delivery: Kiewit's core approach emphasizes integrating engineering with construction expertise from the outset to ensure constructible, cost-effective, and operationally sound solutions.

• Collaborative Models: The KIWE district specifically partners closely with construction teams to achieve project goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role involves defining, tracking, and reporting KPIs, indicating a strong reliance on data to drive performance and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://kiewitcareers.kiewit.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kiewit's culture is deeply rooted in its construction heritage, meaning engineering roles are expected to have a strong understanding of field operations and constructability. The emphasis on "client-focused execution" and "lasting impact on communities and industries" suggests a mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Mid Level" in the requisition, but the responsibilities and experience requirements (7+ years engineering, 5+ years leadership, PE license) place it firmly in the senior engineering project management or technical leadership bracket within the water sector. It's a critical role for driving technical project success.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to senior industrial leadership within Kiewit's water engineering division. This provides visibility and direct access to decision-makers. The incumbent will lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on:

• Project Success: Ensuring the technical viability, constructability, and timely delivery of critical water infrastructure projects.

• Client Satisfaction: Meeting client needs for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water solutions.

• Community Well-being: Contributing to essential public and industrial infrastructure that supports communities and economic development.

• Kiewit's Reputation: Upholding Kiewit's legacy of delivering high-quality, complex projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific water technologies (e.g., advanced treatment, desalination) or specialized engineering disciplines.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multi-project portfolios within the water sector.

• Managerial Roles: Advance into broader management positions overseeing entire engineering departments or business units within Kiewit.

• Cross-Market Experience: Gain exposure to other industrial sectors served by Kiewit, potentially leading to diverse project opportunities.

• Leadership Development: Participate in Kiewit's leadership development programs, honing skills in strategic planning, business acumen, and organizational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While labeled "Mid Level," the PE license requirement and 5+ years of team leadership suggest this is a senior-individual contributor or early-stage management role with significant responsibility. Growth potential is strong, likely leading to roles managing larger programs or entire engineering disciplines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote work is considered, but with significant travel requirements (25-50%). This suggests that while flexibility is offered, in-person collaboration and site visits are crucial. The primary work environment for office-based tasks would be within Kiewit's established engineering offices (Lenexa, KS; Lone Tree, CO; Houston, TX).

Office Location(s):

• Lenexa, Kansas: Part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

• Lone Tree, Colorado: Part of the Denver metropolitan area.

• Houston, Texas: A major metropolitan hub.

• Remote: Candidates may be considered if located near other Kiewit offices, implying a need for potential regional presence or coordination.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with multi-disciplinary engineering teams, construction personnel, estimating, scheduling, and senior leadership. This points to an open and communicative work setting.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software, project management tools, and Kiewit's internal systems will be provided. The role encourages staying current with digital tools for project delivery.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with construction teams is a defining characteristic, ensuring designs are practical and field-ready.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Hours: 40 hours per week is the baseline.

• Flexibility: Remote work is considered for qualified candidates.

• Project Demands: The nature of large-scale engineering and construction projects means overtime and weekend work will be required periodically to meet critical deadlines and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote candidates may be considered" clause, coupled with the 25-50% travel requirement, indicates a hybrid model where significant in-person engagement is still expected. This isn't a fully remote role; it requires active participation in project sites and Kiewit offices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess basic fit, including PE license, years of experience, and relevant market knowledge.

2. Technical & Behavioral Interview: This phase will likely involve discussions about your experience leading engineering teams, managing complex water projects, technical problem-solving, and understanding of constructability. Expect questions probing your leadership style, risk management approach, and ability to collaborate with construction.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio that demonstrate your capabilities in leading design, managing scope/budget/schedule, and ensuring constructible solutions. This is a critical step to showcase your impact.

4. Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Kiewit. This may involve discussing your vision for engineering delivery in the water sector.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role and actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation, operational efficiency gains).

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you successfully led and motivated multi-disciplinary teams, resolved conflicts, and mentored junior engineers.

• Demonstrate Constructability: Provide examples where your design decisions directly benefited field execution, safety, or cost-effectiveness.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical challenges of the projects and how you guided the engineering team to overcome them.

• Alignment with Kiewit's Model: Frame your experience within Kiewit's construction-led delivery context, emphasizing collaboration between design and construction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design & Constructability Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to propose solutions to a design challenge that impacts constructability or cost.

• Team Management Dilemma: Anticipate questions about how you would handle team conflicts, performance issues, or motivate a diverse engineering group.

• KPI & Risk Discussion: Practice articulating how you would define and track KPIs for a water project and how you would proactively manage risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Kiewit's construction-centric approach, expect interview questions to heavily weigh practical application, field execution, and collaboration with construction teams. The portfolio review is essential for demonstrating tangible results and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Engineering Design Software: Familiarity with CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley suite) is expected, along with specialized water modeling and design tools.

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

• ERP/Financial Systems: Basic understanding of how engineering projects integrate with enterprise resource planning and financial management systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and KPIs. This could include advanced Excel functions, Power BI, Tableau, or specialized project analytics software.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting dashboards that visualize project status, risks, and performance for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a sales role, understanding how engineering project requirements translate into client needs managed via CRM can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with or openness to utilizing automation tools and digital solutions to streamline engineering processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of project management and engineering design software. While direct CRM experience isn't primary, understanding its role in client engagement is advantageous. The emphasis on "digital tools" and "automation" suggests an openness to modernizing engineering workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the construction industry, extending to design considerations that ensure safe field execution.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards in all dealings with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and with construction partners to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, from design decisions to budget adherence and schedule performance.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration between engineering disciplines and with construction, estimating, and scheduling departments. This involves proactive communication and problem-solving.

• Partnership with Construction: A core aspect is working hand-in-hand with field teams to ensure designs are practical, safe, and cost-effective, fostering a mutual respect between design and build.

• Client Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients through clear communication, responsiveness, and a focus on delivering value.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages experienced professionals to mentor junior staff and share best practices to build organizational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kiewit's culture is deeply pragmatic, prioritizing safety, execution, and results. The "engineering drives our projects—but construction leads them" ethos means that collaboration with construction is not just encouraged but fundamental to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Constructability: Ensuring that cutting-edge water treatment solutions are also practical, safe, and cost-effective to build in the field.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of clients, regulatory bodies, construction teams, and internal leadership.

• Leading Diverse, Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Effectively guiding and motivating engineers and designers from various technical backgrounds towards a unified project goal.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with and integrating new digital tools and advanced water treatment technologies into project delivery.

• Remote/Hybrid Team Management: Effectively leading and collaborating with teams that may be geographically dispersed or working in a hybrid model, requiring strong communication and coordination strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Water Technology Training: Access to specialized training on emerging water treatment, reuse, and desalination technologies.

• Project Management Best Practices: Opportunities to refine skills in project controls, risk management, and contract negotiation through Kiewit's established programs.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training designed to enhance strategic thinking, team motivation, and organizational management.

• Cross-Market Exposure: Potential to work on projects across different industrial sectors, broadening expertise and career options.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing advanced certifications to stay at the forefront of the water infrastructure field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be bridging the gap between sophisticated engineering design and the realities of large-scale construction execution, a hallmark of Kiewit's integrated model. Growth opportunities are tied to Kiewit's large project pipeline and commitment to developing internal talent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership & Team Management: "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary engineering team through a significant design challenge. How did you ensure collaboration and alignment towards a constructible solution?" (Focus on your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and emphasis on field integration).

• Project Controls & Risk: "Walk me through your process for managing engineering scope, budget, and schedule on a complex water project. How do you proactively identify and mitigate risks?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating your financial acumen and risk management strategies).

• Constructability & Client Focus: "How do you ensure your engineering designs are practical for construction and meet client operational needs? Provide an example of a design decision you made that significantly improved field efficiency or reduced costs." (Emphasize your understanding of Kiewit's model and client-centricity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Kiewit's Model: "What is your understanding of Kiewit's construction-led delivery model, and how does your engineering approach align with it?" (Research Kiewit's project delivery philosophy and articulate your synergy).

• Collaboration: "Describe your experience collaborating with construction teams. How do you foster effective communication and resolve disagreements between design and field personnel?" (Highlight your partnership approach and communication skills).

• Impact & Growth: "Where do you see yourself contributing to Kiewit's growth in the water sector, and what are your long-term career aspirations within an organization like ours?" (Showcase ambition, alignment with company goals, and a desire for continuous development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in water design management and project execution.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, your actions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction, efficiency gains).

• Structure Your Narrative: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and a clear problem-solution-outcome structure for project case studies.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your interactions with construction, clients, and various engineering disciplines.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use concise visuals (diagrams, charts) to illustrate complex designs or results, but keep it focused on your leadership and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect a rigorous interview process that heavily scrutinizes your ability to balance technical engineering excellence with practical construction realities and strong project management skills. Be ready to defend your design choices from a constructability and ROI perspective.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Kiewit careers portal via the provided URL and complete the online application.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your PE license, 7+ years of engineering experience, 5+ years of project leadership, and specific experience in water infrastructure (treatment, reuse, remediation) and industrial markets. Use keywords from the job description such as "multi-disciplinary team leadership," "constructability," "budget management," "schedule management," and "risk management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your leadership in water project design and management. Focus on quantifiable achievements related to technical delivery, budget/schedule control, constructability improvements, and team leadership.

• Research Kiewit: Familiarize yourself with Kiewit's history, its construction-led delivery model, its key markets (especially Industrial & Water), and its company values. Understand how engineering integrates with construction in their approach.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to articulate your experience and qualifications clearly, focusing on your ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and deliver constructible, efficient water solutions. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.