Engineering & Design Manager- Wastewater

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering & Design Manager- Wastewater Company: AUC Group LLC Location: Houston, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering Management (Water & Wastewater) Date Posted: 2026-02-07 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day activities of the engineering department, with a specific focus on water and wastewater treatment plant design and delivery.
• Lead and mentor engineering and design teams to produce high-quality project drawings and documentation, ensuring alignment with company goals and priorities.
• Act as a key technical resource for business development, supporting customer consultations, preliminary cost estimates, and design proposals across various regions.
• Drive continuous improvement within the department by assessing and implementing effective engineering and design tools, and standardizing designs for streamlined construction.
• Foster a positive and productive work culture characterized by performance, transparency, respect, and trust, utilizing servant leadership principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AUC Group LLC, a portfolio company of Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG), which specializes in decentralized water and wastewater treatment solutions. The "Engineering & Design Manager- Wastewater" title, combined with the company's focus, strongly indicates a role deeply embedded in the operational and project delivery aspects of water infrastructure. The emphasis on "working manager" and "servant leadership" suggests a hands-on leadership approach requiring both technical expertise and strong people management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and guide engineering and design teams in the creation of project drawings, documentation, and specifications for water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Prioritize and assign workloads, collaborating closely with Project Managers and other stakeholders to ensure timely project execution and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide technical expertise and support to business development, including customer engagement, technical advisory, and the preparation of preliminary designs and cost estimates.
• Ensure the highest quality of all engineering work products through robust QA/QC processes, minimizing rework and enhancing project efficiency.
• Collaborate with Project Management and Construction Management teams to refine and standardize designs, facilitating more effective and streamlined plant construction processes.
• Uphold Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards and objectives throughout all engineering and design activities.
• Act as a technical lead, providing cross-organizational support to marketing, business development, and finance departments as needed.
• Facilitate effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution within the engineering department and with other teams.
• Assess and recommend engineering and design tools to ensure the utilization of the most effective technologies for project delivery.
• Maintain and promote a healthy work culture of performance, transparency, respect, and trust, leading by example.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project execution oversight, and team management. The emphasis on "supporting business development activities" and acting as a "technical resource" suggests a client-facing component and a need to translate technical capabilities into business opportunities. The requirement to "improve and standardize designs" points towards a strategic focus on process optimization and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in an engineering firm or a company specifically focused on wastewater projects.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing engineers, either within a project-specific context or a departmental structure.

Required Skills:

• Management Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and lead engineering teams effectively, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of municipal water and wastewater engineering processes, including deep understanding of mechanical, process, electrical, and I&C requirements.
• Design Documentation Mastery: Proficiency in typical engineering document sets for integration, including Mass Balance, PFDs, P&IDs, Facility Arrangements, Equipment Arrangements, Network Architecture Diagrams, Valve Lists, and Instrument Lists, understanding sequencing and prerequisites.
• Quality Assurance & Control: Strong understanding of QA/QC principles and their application to engineering design to minimize rework and ensure project integrity.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to facilitate discussions, resolve conflicts, and explore alternative approaches to technical challenges.
• Planning & Organization: Strong aptitude for planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning, and evaluating the work of a team.
• Servant Leadership: Ability to lead by example, provide support to the team, and foster a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Assertiveness & Decision Making: Capacity to ensure strict adherence to company norms and documentation requirements, make tough calls, and act as a voice of reason and authority.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive approach to identifying and implementing opportunities for departmental product and process improvement, staying current with new tools and techniques.
• Computer Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in computer programs commonly used in engineering offices.
• Drawing/Document Control: Thorough understanding of drawing and document control importance, including revision management and using document lists as performance metrics.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License in the state of Texas (or ability to acquire within 6 months).
• Experience or Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Scrum Master.
• International project experience, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section emphasizes a "Working Manager" profile, indicating that candidates are expected to be technically capable of contributing directly to design work while also leading the team. The inclusion of specific documentation types (PFDs, P&IDs, etc.) and control processes (drawing/document control) signifies a need for deep operational engineering knowledge. The PE license requirement, with a grace period, underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and technical authority.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Deliverables: Showcase examples of completed water and wastewater treatment plant designs, including key drawings (PFDs, P&IDs, facility layouts) and technical specifications.
• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present documented instances where your engineering or management approach led to significant improvements in design efficiency, construction timelines, or operational performance.
• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Demonstrate your understanding and implementation of QA/QC processes within engineering design, highlighting how you ensure accuracy and minimize errors.
• System Integration Examples: Include projects that involved the integration of various engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, I&C) and complex system components.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have designed, documented, and optimized engineering workflows to enhance team productivity and project predictability.
• Standardization Initiatives: Detail any efforts to standardize design elements, documentation templates, or engineering processes to facilitate streamlined construction and reduce project risk.
• Performance Measurement: Illustrate how you track and report on engineering department performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, document control adherence, and rework reduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end design and delivery process for water and wastewater infrastructure. Emphasis should be placed on how the candidate has managed teams to produce compliant, efficient, and high-quality engineering documentation, and how they've implemented processes to improve efficiency and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Engineering & Design Management roles with 5-10 years of experience in Houston, Texas, and considering the specialized nature of wastewater engineering, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the final determination of the PE license requirement.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and potential support for PE license acquisition and maintenance.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Company-provided life and disability coverage.
• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses may be available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours, particularly when managing critical project phases or deadlines, subject to management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on average compensation data for Engineering Managers in Houston, TX, with relevant experience, factoring in the specialized wastewater sector. Benefits are typical for a full-time engineering management position within a company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions, Environmental Services, Infrastructure Development. Company Size: AUC Group LLC, as part of Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG), operates over 200 water and wastewater treatment plants. While the specific size of AUC Group LLC isn't detailed, SSWG itself has over 200 employees, and EQT, its parent investment organization, has over 1,900 employees globally. This indicates a significant operational footprint and resources. Founded: Seven Seas Water Group was founded in 1994, and EQT was founded in 1994, suggesting a well-established presence and history in their respective fields.

Team Structure:

• The Engineering department is likely structured with specialized teams or individuals focusing on different engineering disciplines (e.g., process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, instrumentation & control).
• The Engineering & Design Manager will report to a higher-level director or vice president within the AUC Group or SSWG engineering/operations hierarchy.
• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with Project Management, Construction Management, Business Development, and potentially Finance and EHS departments.

Methodology:

• Water-as-a-Service®: A core business model focused on delivering water treatment and desalination as a service, optimizing risk transfer and providing decentralized solutions.
• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using engineering data, process simulations, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and optimize plant operations.
• Process Standardization: A focus on developing and implementing standardized designs and workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and scalability across multiple projects.
• Servant Leadership: A management philosophy promoting team empowerment, support, and collaborative problem-solving.

Company Website: www.aucgroup.net, www.sevenseaswater.com, www.eqtgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates within the critical infrastructure sector, focusing on essential services. The "Water-as-a-Service®" model implies a long-term, operational perspective on design, not just project completion. The EQT ownership suggests a focus on strategic growth, efficiency, and potentially leveraging technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the engineering function, requiring a blend of technical depth and leadership experience. It sits above individual contributor engineers and project engineers, focusing on departmental oversight, strategic planning, and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering & Design Manager will report to a senior executive, likely a VP of Engineering, Operations, or a Business Unit Head. They will lead a team of engineers and designers, who may include project leads or specialists.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's ability to deliver complex water and wastewater treatment projects efficiently and cost-effectively. High-quality designs and optimized processes are crucial for successful project execution, client satisfaction, and the company's profitability and reputation in the market. The manager's influence extends to driving innovation in design and construction methodologies, contributing to the company's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a senior role within project delivery or business development.
• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater treatment technology or advanced engineering methodologies.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic direction of the engineering department and the company's technical capabilities, potentially influencing R&D or technology adoption.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into senior roles in project management, operations management, or even business unit leadership, leveraging their deep understanding of the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing infrastructure services company. The combination of technical and management skills developed here is highly transferable within the environmental engineering and infrastructure sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely within AUC Group's Houston, TX headquarters. This environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting focused work and team interactions. Office Location(s): 11451 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. This location provides access to a major metropolitan area with a strong industrial and engineering presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely includes meeting rooms and common areas designed to facilitate discussions between engineering teams, project managers, and other departments.
• Technical Resources: Access to necessary engineering software, hardware, and documentation systems will be provided to support design and management activities.
• Team Interaction: The role necessitates regular interaction with the engineering team, project management, and potentially client representatives, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. As an on-site role, consistent presence is expected. However, the demanding nature of engineering projects may require occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines, especially during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct team oversight and in-person collaboration, which is critical for managing complex engineering projects and fostering a cohesive team culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership style, technical expertise, project management approach, and specific experience with wastewater engineering.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio case study or complete a technical challenge related to wastewater design, process optimization, or team management. This assesses problem-solving abilities and technical depth.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key team members or cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural alignment.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) to discuss strategic vision and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Management Impact: Showcase projects where you successfully led a team to deliver complex designs, focusing on your role in team motivation, process implementation, and quality assurance.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in design cycle time, cost savings achieved through design optimization, improvement in QA/QC scores).
• Showcase Technical Breadth: Include examples that demonstrate your mastery of essential documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, etc.) and your understanding of mechanical, process, electrical, and I&C aspects of wastewater systems.
• Document Control Emphasis: Explain your approach to document control and revision management, providing examples of how you've ensured accuracy and traceability.
• Problem-Solving Narratives: Present challenges encountered in past projects and how you, as a leader, facilitated solutions, fostered collaboration, and achieved successful outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Wastewater Design Fundamentals: Refresh knowledge on typical wastewater treatment processes, unit operations, and relevant engineering principles.
• Project Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would prioritize tasks, manage resources, and resolve conflicts within a project team.
• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your approach to team management, servant leadership, and fostering a positive work culture.
• Technical Documentation: Understand the purpose and content of key engineering documents and their interdependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical engineering acumen and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience managing engineering teams, their technical understanding of wastewater systems, and their approach to process improvement and quality control. A strong portfolio demonstrating these aspects will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms for engineering design (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) is essential.
• Process Simulation Software: Experience with software for process modeling and simulation (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, AVEVA PRO/II, or similar for water/wastewater processes).
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing engineering documents, drawings, and revisions (e.g., SharePoint, specialized EDMS).
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools to manage project schedules, resources, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools for analyzing performance data, such as Excel for basic analysis, or potentially more advanced tools if integrated into company workflows.
• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports on project progress, team performance, and design quality.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how engineering designs interface with project management and client requirements is key. Familiarity with systems that manage project lifecycles and client interactions will be beneficial.
• Workflow Automation: An understanding of how to leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks within the engineering design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes design and documentation tools common in engineering firms. Proficiency in CAD and process simulation software is critical, alongside strong skills in document and project management systems. The company's focus on process standardization and efficiency suggests an appreciation for tools that support these objectives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering designs and project documentation on time and within budget.
• Safety First: Prioritizing Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) in all engineering activities and design considerations.
• Collaboration and Transparency: Fostering an open environment where information is shared freely, and teams work together effectively to solve problems.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and process refinement to enhance departmental performance and product quality.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions and operations.
• Client Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of internal and external clients through reliable and efficient service delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Servant Leadership: The manager is expected to support and empower their team, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with Project Management, Construction, Business Development, and other departments to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Open Communication: Encouraging proactive communication, feedback exchange, and constructive dialogue to address challenges and drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of technical rigor, operational efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving, with a distinct emphasis on servant leadership and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Engineering Disciplines: Effectively leading and integrating engineers from various disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, I&C) to achieve cohesive project designs.
• Balancing Quality and Speed: Meeting demanding project timelines while ensuring the highest standards of design quality and regulatory compliance.
• Technical Resource Constraints: Managing workload and resources effectively, especially when supporting business development or dealing with unexpected project complexities.
• Implementing New Technologies: Assessing, adopting, and integrating new engineering tools and technologies to enhance departmental efficiency and capabilities.
• Maintaining a High-Performance Culture: Continuously motivating and developing the team while upholding performance standards and addressing underperformance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engineering Certifications: Opportunities to pursue advanced training or certifications in specialized areas of water/wastewater treatment or engineering management.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices in water and wastewater engineering.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen through exposure to finance, operations, and business development functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common in managing complex engineering projects within a growing organization. These challenges are coupled with significant opportunities for professional growth, both in technical leadership and broader business management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership & Management: "Describe your experience managing engineering teams. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and servant leadership?" "How do you handle conflicts within your team or with other departments?" "Walk me through your process for ensuring the quality and timely delivery of engineering documentation."
• Technical Expertise: "Describe a complex wastewater treatment project you managed the design for. What were the key technical challenges and how did you overcome them?" "Explain your understanding of P&IDs and their role in project execution." "How do you approach standardizing designs to improve constructability?"
• Business Acumen: "How have you supported business development efforts in previous roles?" "How do you balance cost considerations with robust engineering solutions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Seven Seas Water Group's Water-as-a-Service® model?" "How do you align with a servant leadership approach?" "How do you ensure transparency within your team and with stakeholders?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented (especially design and process improvements), and the quantifiable results.
• Highlight Management & Process: Don't just show drawings; explain how you managed the process, the team, and implemented quality controls. Emphasize any standardization efforts.
• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your projects, including specific engineering principles, software used, and problem-solving strategies.
• Connect to AUC Group's Needs: Frame your experience in the context of AUC Group's focus on decentralized water and wastewater solutions and their business model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their leadership philosophy, demonstrate deep technical knowledge of wastewater systems, and provide concrete examples of how they've managed teams and processes to achieve successful project outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering & Design Manager position:

• Visit the AUC Group LLC careers portal via the provided link and submit your application.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience in wastewater engineering management, team leadership, process optimization, and your proficiency with relevant engineering software and documentation control. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best showcase your leadership in designing water and wastewater treatment plants, focusing on your management of design processes, quality assurance, and team collaboration.
• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Seven Seas Water Group's "Water-as-a-Service®" model, AUC Group's operations, and EQT's investment philosophy to understand their business context and values.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common management, technical, and behavioral interview questions, focusing on the specific requirements outlined in this job description, particularly servant leadership and continuous improvement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AUC Group LLC during the application process.