Senior Water Main Design Engineer

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Water Main Design Engineer 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 Design Manager in developing and maintaining a prioritized water main replacement candidates and associated lead service line replacement (LSLR) list and delivering the required quantity of water main designs to meet annual CIP mileage goals. Also responsible for supporting the planning, design and coordination with DWM’s Construction Management team on construction of water mains and lead services line replacements. This position assists the Design Manager with coordinating various subtask lanes including Planning, Survey, CAD, Records, and Water Quality . This role will include the mentoring & development of entry to mid-level water main design engineers.

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.
• Support special projects (e.g., LSLR designs/implementation, complex designs in the central business district and major arterial streets) and preparation of contract and bidding documents for various types of projects.
• Support large diameter (>16”) water main design efforts including detailed design plan preparation, project prioritization, and advisory services for DWM.
• Support 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 through developing CIP candidates and provide subsequent project execution oversight.
• Perform quality control of design documents - reviewing plans, signing drawings, reviewing cost estimates and construction submittals/RFIs.
• 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.).
• Attend and lead coordination meetings with the DWM and their Construction Management group, including client facing interaction.
• Coordinate design approval workflow through DWM, OUC, IDOT and other relevant step actors.
• Mentor and develop entry to mid-level water main design engineers.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS + 6 years of related 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:

• 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.
• 6+ years of progressive water main design experience including managing teams and projects.
• 2+ years of large diameter (>16”) water main design experience.
• Experience in working on municipal water utility projects.
• Experience in water quality and LSLR regulations and implementation programs.
• Knowledge and experience with all Illinois and City of Chicago regulations – namely IEPA, IDPH, Illinois Water/Sewer Standard Specifications, and City of Chicago Code Regulations
• 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

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 
• AECOM is not offering sponsorship for this position now or in the future.
• Relocation not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

 

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.