Senior Water Main Design Manager

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AECOM is seeking a Senior Water Main Design Manager to support the Chicago Department of Water’s multi-billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This is a key position within the Water Main Design task of the program to support the Task Leader in developing and maintaining a prioritized water main replacement candidates and associated lead service line replacement (LSLR) list and deliver the required quantity of water main designs to meet annual CIP mileage goals. Also responsible for managing the planning, design and coordination with DWM’s Construction Management team on construction of water mains, lead services line replacements. This position assists the Task Leader with oversight to various subfunctions including planning, design, CAD and records management; Water Quality management and staff mentoring.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee preparation of water main and lead service line replacement designs and signing design drawings.
• Manage special projects (e.g., LSLR designs/implementation) and preparation of contract and bidding documents for various types of projects.
• Lead cost estimating and preparation of the Term Agreement Contracts for water main and LSLR construction.
• Coordinate with construction teams and address issues or conflicts
• Support DWM with project prioritization and provide subsequent project execution oversight.
• Perform quality control of design documents - reviewing plans, signing drawings, reviewing cost estimates.
• Provide water main technical assistance and expertise to the other tasks within the program (e.g., Force Accounts) and DWM and their stakeholders (e.g., Construction Management, Operations, etc.).
• Support Force Accounts by reviewing work order drawings and identifying conflicts between proposed utility improvements and future water main projects.
• Attend coordination meetings with the DWM and their Construction Management group.
• Coordinate design approval workflow through DWM OUC, IDOT and other relevant step actors.
• Support Task Leader with support services to maintain water quality in the DWM system which including these key activities: lead testing program; meter save studies; service line inventory; LSLR implementation support; water filters support for residences.
• Manage project teams with more than twenty people and monitor compliance with contractual commitments.
• Monitors/manages project production for compliance with schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Supervises technical professionals and other project managers including workload and staffing management.
• Performs such other duties as the supervisor may from time to time deem necessary.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental/water resources engineering or a related discipline and 6 + years of water main design experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Professional Engineering license in Illinois or the ability to obtain one within first 6 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of progressive design experience in Water/Wastewater as project engineer and project manager, with 5+ year in leading project teams.
• Experience in working on municipal water utility projects.
• Experience in water quality and LSLR regulations and implementation programs.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Proven interpersonal skills, including client interaction, public speaking, and persuasive ability; strong project financial management along with ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplined teams.

Additional Information

• Relocation will be offered based on experience and capabilities presented within the continental U.S.
• Sponsorship is not offered for this role 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.