Wastewater Treatment Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Wastewater Treatment Design Manager

Company: RK&K

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Category: Environmental Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: May 24, 2026

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and strategic direction for wastewater treatment design projects, ensuring adherence to engineering best practices and client objectives.

• Drive business development initiatives by cultivating and expanding relationships with municipal clients across Mid and South Atlantic regions, identifying new project opportunities.

• Manage the full lifecycle of complex wastewater infrastructure projects, from feasibility studies and conceptual design through to detailed engineering, construction document preparation, and construction phase services.

• Oversee project execution by negotiating scopes of work, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality engineering deliverables within a collaborative team environment.

• Mentor and develop junior engineering professionals, fostering a culture of technical excellence, professional growth, and robust project delivery teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within RK&K's environmental engineering practice, focusing on municipal wastewater treatment. The core function blends deep technical expertise in wastewater design with strong project management and business development acumen, targeting experienced professionals capable of both technical leadership and client-facing growth. The emphasis on Mid and South Atlantic regions suggests a need for established regional connections and market understanding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all aspects of wastewater treatment design, providing technical guidance and innovative solutions.

• Develop comprehensive project deliverables, coordinating effectively with various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) in a highly collaborative setting.

• Conduct thorough technical and economic feasibility evaluations, analyzing alternative solutions, and assessing the benefits and disadvantages for municipal wastewater clients.

• Proactively manage a diverse portfolio of existing and potential wastewater facility projects, ensuring alignment with client needs and RK&K’s strategic goals.

• Deliver exceptional client service through a steadfast focus on quality, timeliness, and responsiveness to client inquiries and project requirements.

• Mentor and develop less experienced engineering professionals, fostering their technical skills, project management capabilities, and career progression.

• Negotiate and meticulously manage project scopes of work, detailed schedules, and financial budgets to ensure project profitability and client satisfaction.

• Routinely utilize internal project management, quality control (QC), and quality assurance (QA) systems to maintain project integrity and compliance.

• Interface effectively with clients, state and federal regulatory agencies, and sub-consultants to successfully pursue, win, and execute wastewater projects.

• Identify and cultivate new project opportunities by actively networking with potential municipal and private utility clients and related agencies.

• Support office and firm leadership in marketing efforts and the pursuit of new work, with a primary focus on municipal wastewater clients.

• Demonstrate a proactive and motivated approach to finding creative and practical solutions to complex wastewater treatment engineering challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership and client-facing business development. The role is expected to not only manage and deliver projects but also to actively contribute to expanding RK&K's market share in the municipal wastewater sector. The emphasis on mentoring and internal systems underscores the importance of team development and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive, relevant experience in consulting engineering, specifically within the municipal wastewater treatment industry.

Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) registration and licensure in good standing.

• Established and existing municipal/private engineering client relationships within the Mid and South Atlantic regions, or a demonstrated ability to develop and nurture such relationships.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for client interaction, team leadership, and technical documentation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for data analysis, reporting, and document creation.

• Strong technical acumen in wastewater treatment processes, design principles, and regulatory requirements.

• Proven project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget control.

• Ability to lead and mentor engineering teams effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with alternative delivery methods for infrastructure projects (e.g., Design-Build, CM@R).

• Familiarity with advanced wastewater treatment technologies and emerging contaminants.

• Experience in public stakeholder engagement and public outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The P.E. license is a non-negotiable requirement, reflecting the critical need for licensed professional oversight. The emphasis on existing client relationships and business development capabilities is paramount, indicating that this role is as much about revenue generation and client expansion as it is about technical project delivery. The "15+ years" experience level signifies a senior-level position requiring seasoned expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented experience leading complex wastewater treatment design projects, showcasing a range of project types and scales.

• Case studies demonstrating successful project delivery, including challenges overcome, technical solutions implemented, and client satisfaction outcomes.

• Evidence of managing project budgets and schedules, with examples of how cost-effectiveness and timely completion were achieved.

• Examples of client engagement and business development success, illustrating how new relationships were forged and projects secured.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams and process maps illustrating the typical stages of wastewater treatment design projects managed by the candidate.

• Documentation of quality control and quality assurance procedures implemented on past projects to ensure deliverable accuracy and compliance.

• Examples of project management methodologies and tools utilized for tracking progress, managing risks, and ensuring efficient resource allocation.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and external stakeholders, detailing communication protocols and conflict resolution strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" submission may not be explicitly requested in the initial application, candidates are expected to be able to articulate and present evidence of their capabilities through their resume, interview discussions, and potentially a more formal presentation. The emphasis should be on tangible results, process improvements, and successful client management within the wastewater engineering domain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,000 - $190,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Paid parental leave.

• Matching 401(k) plan for retirement savings.

• Opportunities for career development and professional growth.

• Access to wellness programs and employee resource groups.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available based on project demands and client needs. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior-level engineering management role with significant client-facing responsibilities in the Baltimore, Maryland area, reflecting the 15+ years of experience and P.E. licensure requirement. The benefits package is robust and typical for a well-established engineering firm, offering comprehensive support for employees and their families.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting, Infrastructure, Environmental Services. RK&K operates as a full-service engineering and construction management firm, with a strong presence in municipal infrastructure development.

Company Size: RK&K is a substantial firm with a significant employee base, suggesting a structured organization with established processes and resources. This size allows for both specialized expertise and broad service offerings.

Founded: RK&K has a rich history spanning over 100 years, indicating a stable, experienced, and enduring company culture deeply rooted in client trust and community stewardship.

Team Structure:

• The Wastewater Treatment Design Manager will likely lead a team of environmental and civil engineers specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure. This team may include project engineers, design engineers, and CADD technicians.

• The reporting structure will involve reporting to a senior leader within the firm's environmental or water resources practice, such as a Vice President or Practice Lead.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods are critical for feasibility studies, treatment process selection, and performance optimization of wastewater systems.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are employed to manage project lifecycles efficiently, from initial concept to final design and construction support.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through the use of advanced design software, project management tools, and potentially digital delivery platforms.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and "award-winning culture" suggest a professional environment that values collaboration, trust, and employee development. The "full-service" nature means operations professionals will engage with a wide array of company services and client needs. The specific focus on municipal clients in the Mid and South Atlantic regions indicates a strategic market focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, often termed a Principal Engineer, Senior Project Manager, or Practice Lead, within the environmental engineering sector. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, proven project leadership, and a track record of business development and client relationship management. The scope includes managing significant projects, mentoring staff, and contributing to the firm's strategic growth.

Reporting Structure: The Wastewater Treatment Design Manager will report to a senior executive within RK&K's environmental or water resources division. This could be a Vice President, Director, or Practice Leader responsible for the overall performance and strategic direction of the water sector. There will be direct reports, likely junior engineers and project engineers.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is substantial. Through successful design and delivery of wastewater treatment projects, the manager directly contributes to public health, environmental protection, and the sustainable growth of communities. On a business level, their success in project acquisition and management directly impacts RK&K's revenue, profitability, and market reputation in the municipal sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Opportunity to become a recognized leader in specific advanced wastewater treatment technologies or complex treatment challenges, potentially leading to national-level expertise.

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a broader leadership role, managing larger teams, multiple project portfolios, or even leading an entire regional practice area.

• Client Relationship Deepening: Opportunity to cultivate and manage key strategic client accounts, influencing long-term partnerships and securing multi-year program work.

• Mentorship and Training Development: Chance to shape RK&K's approach to training and mentoring junior engineers, developing future leaders within the firm.

• Strategic Planning Involvement: Participation in firm-level strategic planning sessions, contributing to market analysis, service expansion, and business growth initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a pivotal point for career progression, offering a defined path towards senior leadership and significant influence within both the company and the industry. The combination of technical, managerial, and business development responsibilities provides a well-rounded growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in an office environment, likely a modern engineering consulting office that fosters collaboration and professionalism. The environment is expected to be structured, professional, and equipped with the necessary resources for engineering design and project management.

Office Location(s): Baltimore, Maryland. This is a key hub for RK&K, suggesting access to a strong local client base and a well-established regional presence. The office location will offer proximity to municipal clients and project sites within the specified service regions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will support a collaborative environment, with meeting rooms, project team areas, and individual workstations designed for focused work and team interaction.

• Access to advanced engineering software, CADD stations, and IT infrastructure necessary for complex design tasks and project management will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior leadership, and other engineering disciplines will be readily available, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project management and client service in engineering, there may be requirements for extended hours, evening work, or weekend availability to meet critical project deadlines, client meetings, or respond to urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, client meetings, and team synergy, which are often crucial in complex engineering project delivery and business development. The Baltimore location places the manager within a significant market for municipal infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior engineers or practice leaders focusing on wastewater treatment design expertise, problem-solving scenarios, and technical challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific treatment processes, design considerations, and regulatory compliance.

• Project Management & Business Development Interview: Conversation with hiring managers or senior leadership to evaluate project management capabilities, client relationship experience, and business development strategies. This may involve discussing past successes in winning work and managing client portfolios.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Meetings with potential team members and colleagues to assess collaboration style, leadership approach, and overall fit within RK&K's culture.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with a senior executive (e.g., VP, Director) to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Key Projects: Select 3-5 significant wastewater treatment design projects that best showcase your technical expertise, leadership, and business development impact.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your role, key technical challenges, innovative solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, regulatory compliance achieved, project value).

• Highlight Business Development: Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities, built client relationships, and successfully secured new projects, including contract values and client types.

• Showcase Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored teams, managed project staff, and fostered a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Prepare a Presentation: Consider developing a concise presentation (e.g., 10-15 slides) that visually represents your key projects and achievements, tailored to the specific requirements of this role and RK&K.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges or problem-solving scenarios related to wastewater treatment systems (e.g., capacity expansion, odor control, energy efficiency, nutrient removal).

• Business Development Strategy: Anticipate questions about how you would approach marketing to new municipal clients in the Mid/South Atlantic region, identify unmet needs, and develop winning proposals.

• Project Management Case Study: Be ready to walk through a complex project you managed, detailing your approach to scope definition, risk management, stakeholder communication, and budget control from initiation to closeout.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical prowess but also their strategic thinking in business development and their ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. A well-structured narrative of past successes, backed by quantifiable results, will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Project Management Software: Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or internal RK&K systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Analysis Software: Specialized wastewater process modeling software (e.g., BioWin, GPS-X), hydraulic modeling tools (e.g., EPANET, HEC-RAS), and potentially GIS software for site analysis and mapping.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for data analysis, financial modeling), Word (for reports, proposals), and PowerPoint (for presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Internal company reporting platforms and standard office tools for generating project status reports, financial summaries, and performance metrics.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel's advanced functions, potentially SQL for database queries, and visualization tools for presenting project data and performance trends.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: While not explicitly stated, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system may be used by RK&K for tracking client interactions, business development leads, and proposal opportunities. Familiarity with CRM principles is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for internal communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard engineering design and project management software is essential. The ability to leverage data analysis tools for both technical design and business development reporting will be a significant advantage. Familiarity with CRM concepts will be helpful for business development aspects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and technically sound engineering solutions for wastewater treatment.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and relationships, ensuring responsive service, and building long-term partnerships based on trust and results.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of work.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work effectively towards common goals.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving, embracing new technologies, and continuously seeking ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

• Community Stewardship: A dedication to improving communities through sustainable infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with other engineering disciplines within RK&K to ensure holistic project solutions and leverage internal expertise.

• Stakeholder Communication: Open and transparent communication channels with clients, regulatory agencies, sub-consultants, and internal project teams, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback on designs and project execution, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: RK&K's stated values emphasize client trust, quality, and community impact. The ideal candidate will embody these values, demonstrating a leadership style that promotes collaboration, technical rigor, and a commitment to delivering successful outcomes for both clients and the firm.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of evolving environmental regulations and ensuring designs meet stringent compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

• Balancing Technical Demands with Business Development: Effectively managing time and resources to excel in both leading complex design projects and actively pursuing new business opportunities.

• Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Overseeing multiple concurrent projects with varying scopes, client expectations, and deadlines, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Cultivating a high-performing team by effectively mentoring junior engineers, fostering their growth, and ensuring knowledge transfer within the practice.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Integrating emerging wastewater treatment technologies and digital design tools to maintain a competitive edge and offer innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training, workshops, and conferences focused on cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies, process optimization, and emerging contaminants.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance project management, client relationship management, and strategic leadership skills through internal and external training.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications and professional licenses relevant to environmental engineering and project management.

• Industry Engagement: Encouragement to participate in industry associations (e.g., WEF, ASCE) and present at conferences, enhancing professional visibility and network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects involving other RK&K service areas, broadening understanding of integrated infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic engineering sector. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for continued professional and leadership development within a well-established firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a team of engineers on a complex wastewater treatment design project, ensuring both technical accuracy and timely delivery." (Focus on leadership, team management, process, and communication.)

• "How would you identify and pursue new municipal wastewater clients in the Mid and South Atlantic regions? Walk us through your business development strategy." (Highlight networking, client engagement, proposal development, and relationship building.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about RK&K's work in the wastewater sector, and why are you interested in joining our firm?" (Research RK&K's projects, values, and tailor your response.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially when working with diverse engineering disciplines?" (Provide examples of your communication and team-building approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each key project, tell a story: the client's challenge, your team's approach, the innovative solutions, the results achieved, and your specific role and impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides with diagrams, charts, and key metrics. Avoid overly text-heavy slides. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving process and technical acumen visually.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success – e.g., percentage reduction in treatment costs, capacity increase achieved, project value secured, timelines met or exceeded.

• Business Development Focus: Dedicate a portion of your presentation to showcasing your business development successes, illustrating how you secured work and managed client relationships.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase a blend of technical expertise, project management proficiency, and business development acumen. The ability to articulate past successes with quantifiable results and demonstrate a strong understanding of client needs and market dynamics will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Wastewater Treatment Design Manager position at RK&K:

• Submit your application through the RK&K careers portal at https://myjobs.adp.com/rkkcareers/cx/job-listing.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience in municipal wastewater treatment design, project management, and business development. Emphasize your P.E. license and any specific client relationships or successes in the Mid/South Atlantic regions.

• Prepare a Concise Portfolio Narrative: Be ready to discuss 3-5 key projects that showcase your technical expertise, leadership, and business development achievements. Focus on quantifiable results and your specific contributions.

• Research RK&K: Familiarize yourself with RK&K's environmental services, recent projects, company values, and culture. Understand their client base and strategic focus.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on strategy, leadership, technical problem-solving, and business development, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.

⚠️ 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.