Lead Engineer, Planning
American Water

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Engineer, Planning

Posting Start Date: 12/8/25

Job Description:

Primary Role

The Lead, Planning Engineer is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers. This role will assist their respective teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. This position is also responsible for conducting or reviewing water and wastewater system capacity and service evaluations associated with water or sewer service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities.Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

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Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate and prepare strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering the cost, timing, prioritization, operational need and risk, strategic investment fit and other pertinent factors surrounding individual projects or investment programs.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping and collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
• Ability to serve as a competent technical resource on Water and Wastewater System Planning matters including capital planning, source water safe yield analysis, demand/inflow projections, treatment adequacy, transmission and distribution adequacy, collection adequacy, inflow and infiltration, computerized hydraulic modeling and analysis, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects as needed to support operational and business needs.
• Hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Establish project budgets and scope.
• Support the pre-qualification and selection of consulting and construction organizations for projects using negotiation or competitive selection processes.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
• Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements, and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
• Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years' experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus

Certifications/Licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE) required
• Valid Driver's License

Work Environment

• Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on-site project kick-off/review meetings

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20%, as required

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates

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American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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