Senior Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Water Design Manager

Company: Arcadis

Location: Boca Raton, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Water Infrastructure Design & Management (Civil/Environmental Engineering)

Date Posted: 2026-06-02T02:04:05

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead technical execution and design management for complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on pump stations and treatment plants.

• Drive client relationship management and business development efforts, including proposal preparation and securing new project opportunities within the Florida market.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineering staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning within the Resilience Water Team.

• Ensure the successful delivery of projects through rigorous quality assurance and control reviews, adhering to Arcadis's high standards for sustainable design and engineering.

• Collaborate effectively with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams across the full project lifecycle, from initial design concepts through to construction and project closeout.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Senior Water Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience point towards a highly specialized technical leadership role within the water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure sector, with a significant focus on pump station design and management. The "Manager" aspect leans more towards technical project leadership and team mentorship rather than direct people management, although client relationship management and business development are key components. This role is crucial for Arcadis's Growth and Resilience Water initiatives in Florida.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead designer and/or design manager for critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, encompassing treatment plants, pump stations, and hydraulic structures (e.g., intakes, gates).

• Develop comprehensive project deliverables, including detailed layout plans, intricate hydraulic calculations, precise equipment sizing, and robust contract drawings and specifications.

• Apply advanced engineering judgment to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions for complex water infrastructure challenges, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

• Foster and maintain strong client relationships, actively participating in client meetings, understanding their needs, and ensuring project success aligns with client expectations.

• Engage actively in Arcadis’s national process mechanical practice, acting as a regional technical resource and providing guidance and mentorship to junior engineers to enhance the team's capabilities in South Florida.

• Uphold Arcadis’s commitment to quality by meticulously performing quality assurance and control (QA/QC) reviews on all water infrastructure designs and project deliverables.

• Contribute to business development by supporting pump station marketing initiatives, identifying new opportunities, and developing compelling proposals.

• Prepare detailed scopes of work and accurate budget estimates for water infrastructure projects, ensuring financial viability and efficient resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "lead designer and/or design manager" suggests a dual focus on both hands-on technical design work and overseeing the design process for projects. The responsibility for "establishing client relationships" and "supporting pump station marketing and pursuit efforts" indicates a strategic business development component, typical for senior roles in consultancy firms aiming to expand their market share.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in the design of pump stations.

• 15+ years of experience is preferred, particularly for candidates with advanced degrees or extensive project portfolios.

• Proven track record in managing the preparation, review, and approval of project drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.

Required Skills:

• Deep technical expertise in the design of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, with a specific focus on treatment plants and pump stations.

• Strong proficiency in performing hydraulic calculations and equipment sizing for water systems.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability in technical writing for contract documents and specifications.

• Solid understanding of project management principles, including scoping, budgeting, and scheduling.

• Client management skills, including proposal preparation and client interaction.

• Functional proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large and complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with complex pumping systems, including diesel-driven pumps.

• In-depth knowledge of pump station design standards, such as Hydraulic Institute Standards and USACE Engineering Manuals.

• Experience collaborating with key clients specifically within the South Florida region.

• Experience with process mechanical practices and providing technical leadership in this domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Florida PE License or ability to obtain within 6 months" is a critical requirement for this role, underscoring the need for local professional licensure and regulatory understanding. The preference for a Master's degree or MBA, alongside 15+ years of experience, signals a pathway for candidates seeking more strategic or advanced technical leadership roles within Arcadis.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of successfully managed water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on pump station and treatment plant designs.

• Case studies showcasing complex hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, and detailed design development for water systems.

• Documentation of experience in developing and reviewing contract drawings and specifications for municipal infrastructure projects.

• Examples of client relationship management, proposal development, and successful project delivery within budget and schedule constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for infrastructure projects, highlighting efficiency improvements.

• Documentation of implementation methods for new design processes or system upgrades within a project context.

• Evidence of performance analysis and measurement for design processes, including QA/QC review outcomes.

• Samples of project scoping and budgeting processes, demonstrating accuracy and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their experience in leading design processes, managing technical aspects of projects, and demonstrating client engagement. The portfolio should highlight not just the technical outputs (drawings, specs) but also the strategic and managerial aspects of design leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $180,000 per year.

• Note on Salary: This range is provided by Arcadis and represents the anticipated compensation for the Senior Water Design Manager position in Boca Raton, Florida. Actual salaries will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's specific experience, educational background, the internal budget allocated for the role, internal equity considerations, the project demands, and the specific location within Florida.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• 401K retirement savings plan.

• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Life Insurance.

• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Reward & Recognition Program to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

• Optional benefits including wellbeing programs, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

• Nine paid holidays annually.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week.

• The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a balance between remote work and on-site presence at the Boca Raton office or project sites as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior engineering role in the Florida market, reflecting the required expertise in water infrastructure design and management. The benefits package is robust, covering health, financial security, work-life balance, and professional development, aligning with Arcadis's commitment to employee well-being and career growth. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining necessary on-site collaboration and client engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, Design, Sustainability, and Construction Services for Natural and Built Assets.

Company Size: Over 34,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in over 30 countries.

Founded: Information not directly provided in the job description, but Arcadis has a long-standing history in the engineering and consultancy sector.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Resilience Water Team," a specialized unit focused on water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

• This team likely operates within a matrix structure, reporting to regional leadership while collaborating closely with project managers and other discipline leads across Florida and potentially nationally.

Methodology:

• Focus on delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions.

• Emphasis on "improving quality of life" through solving complex infrastructure challenges.

• A skills-based approach to career development, encouraging employees to harness unique expertise.

• Commitment to quality culture, encompassing rigorous QA/QC reviews.

• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving are implicit in engineering design and project management.

Company Website: https://www.arcadis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis positions itself as a global leader in sustainable solutions, emphasizing the positive impact of its work on society and the environment. The company culture appears to foster innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, particularly through its skills-based career development model. The "Resilience Water Team" suggests a focus on addressing modern infrastructure challenges related to climate change and population growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Technical Contributor & Project Leader. This role represents a significant step in a Civil/Environmental/Mechanical Engineering career focused on water infrastructure. It requires advanced technical expertise, project leadership capabilities, client-facing skills, and the ability to mentor junior staff.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Water Design Manager will likely report to a regional Water Practice Lead or Director within Arcadis's Florida operations.

Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the successful delivery of critical water infrastructure projects, contributing to public health, environmental protection, and community resilience.

• By securing new projects and managing technical delivery effectively, the role contributes significantly to Arcadis's revenue growth and market position in Florida's water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Practice Lead or Director roles within the Water sector, with broader responsibilities for business development, strategic planning, and team management.

• Specialization in niche areas of water/wastewater/stormwater engineering or project management.

• Transition into more senior client management or business development roles.

• Opportunity to contribute to Arcadis's national process mechanical practice, gaining exposure to larger, more complex projects and a wider network of experts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for an experienced engineer looking to deepen their technical specialization while also developing leadership and business acumen. The growth paths are clearly defined, offering opportunities for both technical mastery and broader management responsibilities within a global consultancy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, balancing remote flexibility with on-site collaboration. The primary office location is Boca Raton, Florida.

Office Location(s): 7000 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Arcadis likely has other offices in Florida to support its regional operations and client base.

Workspace Context:

• The Boca Raton office serves as a hub for the Resilience Water Team, fostering collaboration among engineers, project managers, and support staff.

• Access to state-of-the-art design software, engineering tools, and potentially advanced modeling and simulation platforms will be available.

Work Schedule:

• Expected to work a standard 40-hour week, with the flexibility afforded by a hybrid arrangement.

• Occasional travel may be required for project site visits, client meetings, team gatherings, or industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern workplace that values work-life balance while ensuring team cohesion and effective project execution. The physical office space in Boca Raton is likely equipped to facilitate both individual focused work and collaborative team sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications to ensure basic qualifications are met.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in the Water practice) to assess technical expertise, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with other senior engineers or project managers within the Water team to delve deeper into technical skills, project experience, problem-solving approaches, and teamwork capabilities. This may involve a technical challenge.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview (Potentially): For senior roles with significant client interaction, a brief meeting with a key client or senior stakeholder might be included.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Pump Station Expertise: Showcase specific pump station design projects, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Include schematics, P&IDs, and equipment selection rationale.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Provide examples of complex hydraulic calculations, system modeling, and equipment sizing methodologies used.

• Showcase Project Management: Include examples of project scopes, budgets, schedules, and how you managed design teams to meet client expectations.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and project management efforts (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, capacity increases).

• Client Engagement: Prepare to discuss your approach to building and maintaining client relationships, and present examples of successful proposal development and client presentations.

• Mentorship Examples: Be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring junior engineers and fostering team development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate technical questions related to pump station design, hydraulics, water/wastewater treatment processes, and stormwater management.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to solving complex engineering problems, drawing upon specific examples from your experience.

• Practice articulating your design rationale, decision-making process, and the trade-offs considered for various engineering solutions.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of relevant design standards (e.g., Hydraulic Institute, USACE) and their application.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to present a strong portfolio that not only details their technical design capabilities but also their project leadership, client management, and team mentorship experience. The interview process will likely focus on assessing both technical proficiency and the ability to contribute to Arcadis's business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for drafting and design.

• Hydraulic Modeling Software: Experience with industry-standard tools for hydraulic analysis, such as HEC-RAS, EPANET, InfoWater, or similar.

• Pumping System Design Software: Familiarity with software or tools for pump selection and performance analysis.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Arcadis's internal project management systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, calculations, and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate technical reports, specifications, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience interacting with or utilizing CRM data for client relationship management and business development support.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names are not listed, candidates should highlight their experience with common engineering design, modeling, and project management tools used in the water infrastructure sector. Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, is crucial for data analysis and reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core principle for Arcadis, emphasizing the delivery of environmentally responsible and long-term solutions.

• Quality: Commitment to high standards in design, engineering, and project delivery through rigorous QA/QC.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines, teams, and with clients to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

• Impact: Focusing on delivering meaningful improvements to quality of life and creating a lasting legacy.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where teamwork is essential for project success.

• Close coordination with Project Managers, other engineering disciplines, and potentially construction teams.

• Open communication and knowledge sharing are encouraged, especially within the specialized Resilience Water Team.

• A culture of mentorship and support for junior engineers is a stated priority.

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and creating a positive impact, which should resonate with candidates passionate about environmental engineering. The collaborative and skills-based approach suggests an environment where individuals can grow and contribute meaningfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Designs: Overseeing technically intricate pump station and treatment plant designs requires meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Client Demands: Meeting diverse client expectations, tight deadlines, and budget constraints while ensuring technical excellence.

• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive consulting landscape in Florida's water sector requires strong client relationship management and business development acumen.

• Mentoring and Development: Effectively guiding and developing junior engineers while managing senior-level responsibilities.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying abreast of evolving design tools, modeling techniques, and sustainable engineering practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure design, pump station technology, or hydraulic modeling.

• Leadership Skills: Develop project management, client management, and team leadership capabilities through hands-on experience and potential training programs.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events, gain professional certifications, and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship by senior leaders within Arcadis and contribute as a mentor to up-and-coming engineers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across Arcadis's service lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for professional growth, combining advanced technical challenges with leadership development opportunities within a globally recognized engineering consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex pump station design project you led. What were the key challenges, your role in overcoming them, and the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on technical problem-solving, leadership, and impact.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong client relationships in the municipal water sector?" (Highlight communication, trust-building, and understanding client needs.)

• "Walk me through your process for performing QA/QC on critical water infrastructure designs." (Demonstrate attention to detail, risk mitigation, and quality assurance protocols.)

• "How would you mentor a junior engineer tasked with hydraulic calculations for a new pump station?" (Showcase your coaching style, technical knowledge transfer, and focus on developing others.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Arcadis's mission and its focus on sustainability?" (Align your values with the company's.)

• "How do you see your skills contributing to our Resilience Water Team in Florida?" (Connect your experience to the team's goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Pump Stations, Treatment Plants, Stormwater) or by key responsibility (e.g., Lead Design, Project Management, Client

Relations).

• Case Studies: For each significant project, prepare a concise case study including:

  • Project objective and client needs.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key technical challenges and solutions implemented (supported by visuals if possible).
  • Design considerations and methodologies used (e.g., hydraulic modeling, equipment selection).
  • Project outcomes, including any quantifiable results (cost savings, performance improvements).
  • Lessons learned or insights gained.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible to illustrate the scale and success of your work.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you led design teams, mentored junior staff, or managed client interactions.

• Conciseness: Be ready to present key highlights efficiently, as interviewers may have limited time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for behavioral questions. For technical questions, be ready to draw diagrams or explain concepts visually. Tailor your portfolio to directly address the requirements of this specific role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Arcadis careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 10+ years of pump station design experience, specific project achievements in water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure, and any leadership or client management successes. Integrate keywords like "pump station design," "hydraulic calculations," "treatment plants," "design manager," "Florida PE," and "client relationship management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest projects, focusing on pump station and treatment plant designs. Prepare to discuss your technical contributions, leadership roles, and client engagement strategies. Include examples of contract drawings, specifications, and hydraulic analyses.

• Research Arcadis: Understand Arcadis's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within their Resilience Water sector and in Florida. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and how you can contribute to their goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions about pump station design, hydraulics, and project management, as well as behavioral questions about leadership, teamwork, and client relations. Practice presenting your project portfolio 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.