Engineering Project Manager/Water Design Manager

Position Overview

Kiewit is seeking a proven Water Design Manager, to lead the technical delivery of complex Industrial and Municipal Water projects across North America. This role is ideal for an engineering leader who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, constructability, and client-focused execution—and who wants to play a visible role in shaping the future of critical water infrastructure.

In this position, you will lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams delivering water treatment, reuse, and remediation solutions that have a direct, lasting impact on communities and industries. You’ll oversee projects from early engineering through construction and commissioning, ensuring design solutions transition seamlessly into field execution. Our Engineering Project Managers report directly to senior industrial leadership and are trusted partners in delivering projects that define Kiewit’s legacy of excellence.

At Kiewit, engineering drives our projects—but construction leads them. Your understanding of how designs are built, sequenced, and executed in the field will be critical to your success. If you’re motivated by ownership, accountability, and the opportunity to lead high‑profile water programs with scale and complexity, we want to talk with you.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. (KEG) is a full‑service engineering firm supporting Kiewit’s construction‑led delivery model across the Water, Infrastructure, Industrial, Power, Nuclear, and Oil, Gas & Chemical markets. With more than 3,500 engineers and design professionals, KEG delivers integrated engineering solutions backed by 140+ years of construction expertise.

The Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering (KIWE) district is a multi‑disciplinary team of process, mechanical, piping, electrical, I&C, structural, civil, and architectural professionals focused on collaborative delivery models for complex water projects. KIWE delivers water projects throughout North America, including:

• Municipal & Industrial Water Treatment
• Water Reuse & Advanced Treatment
• Desalination
• Groundwater Remediation
• Stormwater Recycling
• Wastewater & Biosolids Treatment

Our teams partner closely with construction to deliver constructible, cost‑effective, and operationally sound solutions for our clients.

Location

This role can be located in any of the following offices in Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City area), Lone Tree, CO (Denver area) and Houston, TX, with at least 25% travel. 

Remote candidates may be considered in other areas, near Kiewit offices, with up to 50% travel to an area office and project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire multi‑disciplinary engineering teams delivering water projects.
• Own the engineering scope, budget, and schedule, including effective and fair change management.
• Partner closely with construction, estimating, and scheduling teams to ensure designs support safe, efficient field execution.
• Establish and drive project goals, technical strategies, and performance expectations aligned with business and operational objectives.
• Develop discipline‑specific strategies for talent development, technology adoption, quality, and risk management.
• Mentor and develop engineers and designers with a “train your replacement” mindset, building long‑term organizational capability.
• Collaborate with Engineering Department Managers to align staffing plans with evolving project and market needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate technical and operational risks that could impact project outcomes or company reputation.
• Define, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and digital tools, identifying practical applications for project delivery.
• Develop and execute clear project communication plans, ensuring teams remain aligned, informed, and engaged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or related field) from an accredited program.  Masters preferred.  PE license required
• 7+ years of progressive experience in engineering, preferably within the water market.
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering project team, preferably within water, wastewater, or industrial markets.
• Strong technical background in complex water or industrial systems, with demonstrated experience managing engineering resources.
• Experience across related markets welcomed (Water/Wastewater, Industrial Power, OGC, Chemical Processing, Bioprocessing, Advanced Manufacturing).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, construction teams, and executive leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to guide teams through complex design and execution challenges.
• Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments; adaptable, collaborative, and systems‑oriented.
• Solid understanding of project controls, scheduling, and cost management principles.

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Working Conditions

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