๐ Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Water Main Design Manager
Company: AECOM
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering Design - Water Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 13, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site
๐จ Role Summary
- Lead and manage the design and implementation of water main and lead service line replacement projects for the Chicago Department of Water's Capital Improvement Program, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
- Spearhead project planning, design oversight, cost estimation, and coordination with construction teams, driving successful project delivery within established timelines and budgets.
- Provide expert technical guidance on water main design, water quality management, and lead service line replacement programs, serving as a key resource for internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Manage and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while overseeing project production for quality, schedule, and budget adherence.
๐ผ๏ธ Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee and approve the preparation of detailed water main and lead service line replacement designs, ensuring compliance with all relevant engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
- Manage special projects related to water infrastructure improvements, including the development of contract and bidding documents for various project types.
- Lead and execute cost estimation processes for water main and lead service line replacement construction projects, contributing to accurate budget forecasting and control.
- Serve as the primary liaison and coordinator with construction management teams, effectively addressing and resolving technical issues or project conflicts during the construction phase.
- Support the Chicago Department of Water (DWM) in prioritizing infrastructure projects and provide subsequent oversight to ensure efficient and effective project execution.
- Conduct rigorous quality control reviews of design documents, including plans, drawings, and cost estimates, to maintain high standards of technical accuracy and completeness.
- Provide expert technical assistance and specialized knowledge on water main design and related infrastructure to internal AECOM teams (e.g., Force Accounts) and DWM stakeholders (e.g., Construction Management, Operations).
- Review work order drawings for Force Accounts, identifying and mitigating potential conflicts between proposed utility improvements and planned future water main projects.
- Attend and actively participate in coordination meetings with DWM and their Construction Management group to ensure seamless project integration and communication.
- Coordinate the design approval workflow through various regulatory bodies, including the DWM Office of Underground Coordination (OUC), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and other relevant agencies.
- Support the Task Leader in providing essential support services related to maintaining water quality within the DWM system, encompassing activities such as lead testing programs, meter save studies, service line inventory management, and support for water filter programs.
- Manage project teams, potentially exceeding twenty individuals, effectively assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with contractual commitments.
- Monitor and manage project production metrics to ensure adherence to established schedules, budgets, and quality objectives throughout the project lifecycle.
- Supervise technical professionals and other project managers within the team, overseeing workload distribution, staffing levels, and professional development.
๐ Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. A strong academic foundation in fluid mechanics, hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure design principles is highly relevant.
Experience: Minimum of 6 years of dedicated experience in water main design and related water infrastructure projects, demonstrating progressive technical responsibility and project involvement. This experience should include significant contributions to the design lifecycle, from conceptualization to detailed engineering and construction support. Candidates with a Master's degree may have a slightly reduced experience requirement depending on the program's focus.
Required Skills:
- Extensive experience in the design and engineering of water distribution systems, including water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances.
- Demonstrated proficiency in managing complex engineering design projects, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Strong technical understanding of hydraulic principles as applied to water distribution networks and the ability to perform hydraulic calculations and modeling (e.g., using WaterGEMS, EPANET, or similar software).
- Experience with regulatory requirements and design standards relevant to municipal water systems in the United States, including AWWA standards, state and local regulations (specifically Illinois and Chicago Department of Water standards are highly relevant).
- Proven ability to oversee and review detailed engineering drawings and specifications using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D) and ensure quality control.
- Experience in preparing detailed cost estimates for water infrastructure construction projects, including material, labor, and equipment costs.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with construction teams, address technical queries, and resolve design-related issues during the construction phase.
- Experience in providing technical assistance and expertise to internal teams and external stakeholders, clearly communicating complex engineering concepts.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a team of engineers and technical staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, reports, presentations, and stakeholder interactions.
- Ability to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license in the State of Illinois within the first six months of employment.
Preferred Skills:
- Extensive progressive design experience (15+ years) in the water/wastewater sector, specifically in project engineering and project management roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity overseeing project teams.
- Significant experience working directly on municipal water utility projects, particularly large-scale capital improvement programs.
- Specialized knowledge and experience related to water quality management within distribution systems, including lead and copper rule compliance and lead service line replacement programs.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Demonstrated ability in client interaction, including presenting technical information and building strong client relationships.
- Experience with public speaking and persuasive communication, particularly in a professional or public forum related to infrastructure projects.
- Strong financial management skills related to project budgets, forecasting, and cost control.
- Experience leading diverse, multi-disciplined project teams, effectively integrating contributions from various engineering and technical disciplines.
๐จ Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- As this is an engineering design management role rather than a traditional visual design position, a "portfolio" should be interpreted as a comprehensive technical project list and case study compilation.
- Include detailed descriptions of significant water main design projects managed or led, highlighting the scope, technical challenges, solutions implemented, and project outcomes.
- For each project, provide information on your specific role and responsibilities, emphasizing your contribution to the design process, team management, and coordination with stakeholders.
- Showcase examples of complex hydraulic analyses, design calculations, or innovative engineering solutions applied to water distribution systems.
Process Documentation:
- Document your approach to the engineering design process, from initial planning and data collection (e.g., condition assessments, hydraulic modeling inputs) through detailed design and construction support.
- Illustrate your methods for managing design iterations, incorporating feedback from reviews (internal and external), and ensuring design quality control.
- Describe your process for coordinating design activities with other disciplines, such as civil, structural, or environmental engineering, and with external stakeholders like clients and regulatory agencies.
๐ต Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on extensive research into Senior Civil/Environmental Engineer and Design Manager salaries in the Chicago, Illinois area, considering factors such as experience level (10+ years), industry (Infrastructure Consulting/Civil Engineering), and company size (large global firm like AECOM), the estimated annual salary range for this position is likely between $110,000 and $160,000 USD. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, years of experience, depth of technical expertise, proven project management track record, and negotiation outcomes. The higher end of the range would typically be for candidates with extensive experience (15+ years), specialized expertise (e.g., LSLR programs), and a strong history of successfully managing large, complex municipal projects.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health coverage, including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans with options to suit individual and family needs.
- Financial security benefits such as Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability Benefits to provide protection against unforeseen circumstances.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences to support work-life balance and personal needs.
- Access to Voluntary Benefits and Perks, potentially including wellness programs, employee discounts, and other lifestyle enhancements.
- Flexible Work Options, where applicable, considering the on-site nature of this role but potentially allowing for some flexibility in scheduling or work arrangements as per company policy and project needs.
- Well-Being Resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering support for mental health, stress management, and personal challenges.
- Business Travel Insurance for employees who are required to travel for business purposes.
- Service Recognition Awards acknowledging and celebrating employee loyalty and contributions over time.
- A Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match to help employees plan for their financial future.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) providing an opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted price.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Given the nature of managing large infrastructure projects and coordinating with construction teams, some flexibility may be required to attend meetings, site visits, or address urgent issues that may arise outside of standard business hours. The role is on-site in Chicago, IL.
๐ฏTeam & Company Context
๐ข Company & Design Culture
Industry: AECOM is a global leader in the infrastructure consulting industry. This role is situated within the Water sector, a critical component of their business, focusing on designing and managing essential urban water infrastructure. The industry is characterized by large-scale, long-term projects, collaboration with municipal clients, adherence to strict regulatory standards, and a strong emphasis on technical expertise and project delivery.
Company Size: AECOM is a very large global organization, with over 50,000 employees worldwide and over 10,000+ employees listed on LinkedIn. Working within such a large company means access to extensive resources, deep technical expertise across various disciplines, opportunities for collaboration on major projects, and potentially structured career progression paths. It also implies working within established processes and potentially larger, more complex organizational structures compared to smaller firms.
Founded: While the exact founding date isn't specified in the LinkedIn data, AECOM has a long history in the engineering and infrastructure consulting space, having grown significantly through mergers and acquisitions over several decades. This history contributes to a mature corporate culture with established practices and a focus on delivering large-scale, impactful projects globally.
Team Structure:
- The Senior Water Main Design Manager role is part of the Water Main Design task within the larger Chicago Department of Water's Capital Improvement Program managed by AECOM.
- The role reports to a Task Leader and involves overseeing a team of potentially over twenty technical professionals and other project managers.
- Collaboration is essential, requiring coordination with various sub-functions (planning, CAD, records management, water quality) within the design task and with external teams, particularly DWM's Construction Management team and other stakeholders.
Methodology:
- The design methodology within this role likely follows a structured engineering design process, starting with project prioritization and planning based on data (e.g., condition assessments, hydraulic modeling).
- Detailed design involves developing plans, specifications, and cost estimates in compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
- The process includes rigorous quality control checks, coordination with construction teams, and managing the design approval workflow through multiple agencies.
- Emphasis is placed on delivering designs that support efficient construction and contribute to maintaining water quality and system reliability.
Company Website: http://www.aecom.com
๐ Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior level within the engineering design and project management track. A Senior Design Manager is expected to possess deep technical expertise in their domain (water main design), coupled with significant experience in leading projects and managing teams. This level typically involves taking ownership of major project deliverables, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to strategic project planning and execution within a program context.
Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Task Leader, indicating a position of significant responsibility within a specific segment of the larger Capital Improvement Program. Managing a team of over twenty individuals suggests a key leadership position within the design task, with direct oversight of technical staff and potentially other project managers.
Design Impact: The design work managed by this role has a direct and significant impact on the reliability, safety, and quality of Chicago's water distribution system. By overseeing the design of water main and lead service line replacements, the manager contributes to improving public health, reducing water loss, and enhancing the overall resilience of critical urban infrastructure. The role's influence extends to project prioritization, cost-effectiveness of designs, and the successful execution of construction projects.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a Task Leader or Program Manager role, overseeing larger components or the entirety of major infrastructure programs.
- Opportunities to specialize further in specific areas like hydraulic modeling, asset management, or advanced water treatment technologies within AECOM's global network.
- Development of leadership skills through managing larger and more complex teams and projects.
- Potential for involvement in business development, client relationship management, and contributing to proposals for new projects.
๐ Work Environment
Studio Type: This role is on-site in Chicago, IL. Given AECOM's size and the nature of large infrastructure projects, the work environment is likely a professional office setting, potentially a large corporate office building. The on-site requirement suggests a need for close collaboration with the client (Chicago Department of Water) and other AECOM teams involved in the Capital Improvement Program.
Office Location(s): The primary location is Chicago, Illinois. While AECOM has multiple global locations, this specific role is tied to the Chicago office to support the local municipal client and project requirements. Accessibility via public transportation and parking availability would be standard considerations for a downtown Chicago office.
Design Workspace Context:
- The workspace is likely a standard office environment equipped with necessary engineering software, computing resources, and collaboration tools.
- Design teams often work in a mix of individual workstations and collaborative spaces for meetings, design reviews, and team discussions.
- Proximity to colleagues involved in planning, CAD, project management, and potentially other engineering disciplines facilitates seamless collaboration on integrated infrastructure projects.
Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically adhering to standard business hours. However, the demands of project deadlines, coordination with construction, and client meetings may occasionally require flexibility in the work schedule. As an on-site role, the primary work location will be the AECOM office in Chicago.
๐ Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- Initial screening call with an HR representative to discuss basic qualifications, experience, and salary expectations.
- Technical interview(s) with engineering managers or senior technical staff, focusing on your experience in water main design, hydraulic principles, regulatory knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges you've faced and how you addressed them.
- Interview(s) with the hiring manager (Task Leader) and potentially other senior leaders, focusing on your project management experience, team leadership abilities, communication skills, and approach to client relationships.
- Behavioral interviews to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you handle challenging situations, particularly in a project or team context.
- Potentially a presentation or case study discussion where you walk through one or two significant water main design projects from your experience, detailing your role, the design process, technical considerations, and project outcomes.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Prepare a concise project list or technical resume that clearly outlines your experience on relevant water main design and infrastructure projects.
- For key projects, develop brief case studies or project summaries that detail the project scope, your specific responsibilities, the technical challenges encountered, the engineering solutions implemented, and the successful outcomes.
- Be prepared to discuss the design standards, software, and methodologies used on your projects.
- Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with lead service line replacement programs, regulatory compliance, and coordination with construction teams.
Challenge Preparation:
- While a formal "design challenge" in the traditional visual design sense is unlikely, be prepared for technical questions or hypothetical scenarios related to water main design, hydraulics, or project management challenges.
- Review fundamental principles of water distribution system design, including pipe sizing, pressure management, and material selection.
- Brush up on relevant regulatory requirements in Illinois and Chicago for water infrastructure.
- Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex design problem, manage conflicting priorities, or resolve technical disputes within a team.
ATS Keywords: Water Main Design, Water Distribution Systems, Hydraulic Modeling, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Project Management, Design Management, Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR), Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Municipal Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance, AWWA Standards, CAD (AutoCAD Civil 3D), Cost Estimation, Quality Control, Construction Coordination, Technical Assistance, Team Leadership, Staff Management, Client Interaction, Stakeholder Management, Water Quality, Force Accounts, OUC, IDOT, PMP, Engineering Design, Infrastructure Consulting.
๐ Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D): Essential for creating and reviewing detailed engineering drawings, plans, and profiles for water mains and related infrastructure. Proficiency in using Civil 3D for utility layout, surface modeling, and corridor design is highly valuable.
- Hydraulic Modeling Software (e.g., WaterGEMS, EPANET, InfoWater): Used for analyzing the hydraulic performance of water distribution networks, evaluating system capacity, pressure zones, and the impact of new infrastructure. Experience in building and calibrating hydraulic models is a significant asset.
- GIS Software (e.g., ArcGIS): Often used for mapping existing infrastructure, analyzing spatial data, managing asset information, and integrating design data with broader utility systems.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal AECOM systems): Used for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
- Document Management Systems (e.g., SharePoint, ProjectWise, or internal AECOM systems): For storing, organizing, and sharing project documents, drawings, and specifications among the team and with clients.
- Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom): For virtual meetings, communication, and team collaboration, especially in a large organization.
Research & Testing:
- Internal AECOM databases and knowledge-sharing platforms: Access to company-wide technical resources, best practices, and project archives.
- Industry standards and technical publications (e.g., AWWA Manuals, ASCE Standards): Essential for research and ensuring design compliance with established engineering principles.
- Client-specific data systems (e.g., Chicago Department of Water asset management systems): Access to existing infrastructure data, historical records, and performance information.
๐ฅ Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, accurate, and technically sound engineering designs that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Client Focus: Commitment to understanding and meeting the specific needs of the client (Chicago Department of Water) and contributing to the success of their Capital Improvement Program.
- Collaboration: A culture of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, working effectively with engineers from various disciplines, project managers, and technical staff within AECOM and the client organization.
- Safety and Quality: Prioritizing safety in design considerations and maintaining rigorous quality control processes throughout the project lifecycle.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring effective communication and coordination with construction management teams, regulatory agencies, and internal support functions.
- Regular team meetings and design reviews are likely integral to the workflow, providing opportunities for feedback, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing.
- A collaborative approach to managing a large team, fostering open communication, providing mentorship, and empowering team members.
โก Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Managing the design of a high volume of water main and lead service line replacement projects concurrently to meet aggressive annual CIP mileage goals. This requires strong organizational skills, efficient workflow management, and effective resource allocation.
- Addressing complex technical challenges inherent in urban infrastructure projects, such as navigating congested underground utilities, designing around existing structures, and dealing with varying soil conditions.
- Ensuring designs comply with evolving regulatory requirements, particularly concerning lead service line replacement and water quality standards. Staying updated on the latest regulations and best practices is crucial.
- Coordinating design activities with ongoing construction work and addressing field issues promptly to minimize delays and cost overruns.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of water infrastructure, such as advanced hydraulic modeling, asset management strategies, or trenchless technologies for pipe replacement.
- Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional development courses to stay current with the latest engineering practices, technologies, and regulations in the water sector.
- Mentorship opportunities, both as a mentor to junior staff and potentially seeking mentorship from senior leaders within AECOM.
- Growth into higher-level project or program management roles, taking on greater responsibility for project execution and client relationships.
๐ก Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- "Describe your typical process for managing a complex water main design project from initiation through construction support. Walk me through the key stages and your role in each." - Prepare to discuss your project management methodology and how you ensure quality control and technical accuracy throughout the design lifecycle.
- "How do you approach hydraulic analysis and modeling for a large urban water distribution network? What software are you proficient in, and what are the key considerations?" - Be ready to discuss your technical skills in hydraulic modeling and your understanding of its importance in water main design.
- "Explain your experience with lead service line replacement (LSLR) programs. What are the key design considerations and challenges associated with LSLR projects?" - Demonstrate your knowledge of this specific program component and the technical and logistical aspects involved.
Company Culture Questions:
- "How do you approach collaborating with construction teams during the design phase and resolving design issues that arise during construction?" - Showcase your ability to work effectively across disciplines and manage potential conflicts.
- "Describe your experience managing and mentoring a team of engineers and technical staff. How do you foster a collaborative and productive team environment?" - Highlight your leadership style and your approach to developing your team members.
- "How do you ensure your design work aligns with client objectives and regulatory requirements? Describe a time you had to navigate complex stakeholder expectations." - Demonstrate your client-focus and your ability to manage relationships and compliance.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Select 2-3 significant water main design projects that best showcase your technical expertise, project management skills, and experience with relevant program components (e.g., LSLR).
- For each project, structure your presentation as a concise case study: start with the project background and objectives, describe your specific role and responsibilities, explain the technical challenges you addressed and the design solutions implemented, and conclude with the project outcomes and lessons learned.
- Be prepared to discuss the design process followed, the tools and software used, and how you collaborated with other team members and stakeholders.
- Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, technical rigor, and ability to manage complex engineering projects.
๐ Application Steps
To apply for this design position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Customize your resume to highlight your specific experience in water main design, project management, team leadership, and relevant technical skills, using keywords found in the job description.
- Prepare a project list or technical resume that comprehensively outlines your involvement in significant water infrastructure design projects, detailing your role and contributions.
- Develop concise case studies for key projects to be ready to discuss your technical approach, challenges overcome, and project management experience during interviews.
- Research AECOM's Water business line and recent projects, particularly in the Chicago area, to demonstrate your understanding of the company's work and how your skills align with their needs.