Subject Matter Expert- Pipeline & Pump Station Design (Water/Wastewater)
GHD

Job Description

The importance of water to the health of our world can't be overstated.

As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front.

Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and inspire change for your community.

You'll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to create positive water outcomes that respect nature and nurture communities.

Who are we looking for?

The Linear Infrastructure Water Group is looking for a SME- Pipeline & Pump Station Design (Water/Wastewater) to work from one of our Southern California offices The Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Pipeline and Pump Station Design serves as a senior technical authority and trusted advisor in the planning, design, rehabilitation, and delivery of water, wastewater, and recycled water conveyance infrastructure. This role provides expert-level technical leadership across complex projects, supports quality assurance and risk management, mentors engineering staff, and contributes to business development and client engagement.

The SME is recognized internally and externally for deep technical expertise in pipeline systems and pump stations, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex challenges while aligning with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Expertise

• Serve as the technical authority for pipeline and pump station projects, including transmission mains, force mains, gravity sewers, lift stations, and pumping facilities.
• Lead or provide oversight for planning, alternatives analysis, hydraulic modeling, preliminary and final design, and construction support.
• Apply expert knowledge of materials, design standards, and methods, including:
  • Ductile iron, steel, PVC, HDPE
  • Rehabilitation and trenchless technologies (e.g., CIPP, sliplining, microtunneling, HDD)
  • Pump selection, hydraulics, surge analysis, and system reliability
• Ensure designs comply with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., AWWA, ASTM, ASCE, local agency standards).

Quality, Risk, and Technical Assurance

• Provide senior-level technical review and quality control for deliverables, including drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical memoranda.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies related to constructability, operations, maintenance, and long-term asset performance.
• Support development and implementation of risk registers, design criteria, and standard details.

Project Delivery & Collaboration

• Support Project Managers and Design Managers in delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, I&C) and coordinate with contractors on design-build and progressive design-build projects.
• Support alternative delivery projects (design-build, progressive design-build, CMAR) through contractor coordination and collaborative problem-solving.
• Provide construction-phase engineering support, including RFIs, submittal reviews, and field issue resolution.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as a technical advisor to clients, participating in meetings, workshops, and presentations.
• Play a key role in business development efforts, including:
  • Supporting and leading pursuits, proposals, and interviews
  • Developing technical approaches, win themes, and differentiators
  • Contributing to client strategies and market growth plans
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key municipal clients, water agencies, and industry partners.
• Track industry trends, emerging technologies, and client needs to help shape service offerings and strategic investments.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and develop engineers and designers through technical guidance, training, and informal coaching.
• Share lessons learned, best practices, and emerging technologies across teams.
• Support development of technical standards, tools, and internal guidance documents.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Internal Communications: Develop and/or deliver a plan for significant aspects of internal communications with guidance from senior colleagues.
• Improvement/Innovation: Identify shortcomings in existing business practices, then suggest and implement improvements while developing and delivering projects or a work stream within the organization's change management program. Involves working with guidance from senior colleagues.
• Leadership and Direction: Communicate the local action plan; explain how this relates to the function's strategy and action plan and to the broader organization's mission and vision; motivate people to achieve local business goals.
• Building Capability: Implement the formal development framework for a team, with guidance from senior colleagues. Provide informal coaching to others throughout the organization in area of expertise.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline (Master's degree preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; ability to obtain licensure in additional states as needed.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in water and wastewater pipeline and pump station design.
• Demonstrated expertise in conveyance system hydraulics, materials, constructability, and operations considerations.
• Experience working with municipal clients, water agencies, and regulatory authorities.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading business development efforts.
• Experience serving as Engineer of Record, Technical Lead, or Design Manager on complex conveyance projects.
• Experience with large-diameter pipelines, critical infrastructure, and/or rehabilitation programs.
• Familiarity with design-build or progressive design-build delivery.
• Active involvement in professional organizations (e.g., AWWA, ASCE, NASTT).

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary Range: $129,000-$216,000 based on location and experience

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