Job Description:

Overview:

The Design Leader is responsible for managing every stage of the design process-from research and conceptualization to final design and construction. This leadership role includes mentoring and providing on-the-job training to strengthen the core competencies of team members. The ideal candidate demonstrates a high level of design expertise, consistently drives innovation, and successfully leads project teams through the adoption of new design strategies. The Design Leader is expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines while upholding high-quality standards. In addition to technical leadership, this position requires active participation in professional associations and community organizations, supporting Pape-Dawson's mission to build meaningful partnerships in the communities we serve.

Responsibilities:

• Review proposals, budgets, and client agreements to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams through all phases of project development, including detailed design, engineering calculations, technical reporting, permitting (local and state), and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
• Assist in preparation of responses to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and other solicitations.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, public officials, and community leaders.
• Coordinate and track project tasks, schedules, and budgets to ensure successful project execution.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of internal design and production standards.
• Engage actively with professional and civic organizations to promote community involvement and industry leadership.
• Interpret and work with blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Conduct site inspections to monitor progress and ensure adherence to design specifications and regulatory standards.
• Develop and test models of alternative designs and processes to assess feasibility, sustainability, and operational impact.
• Recommend energy and utility services for optimal system performance.
• Specify system components or direct modifications to ensure regulatory and performance compliance.
• Calculate water and wastewater flow rates to determine design criteria.
• Conduct feasibility studies for a variety of facilities including water supply systems, treatment plants, wells, pipelines, sewer systems, and lift stations.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to junior engineers, CAD technicians, and other team members.
• Oversee the professional and technical growth of assigned project teams.
• Design complex systems such as pump stations, wastewater treatment facilities, raw/potable water pipelines, and wastewater collection systems.
• Perform advanced modeling for hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality.
• Select and design treatment equipment that complies with applicable government regulations.
• Lead investigations related to water storage, permitting, and compliance issues.
• Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply and distribution systems to improve performance and reduce risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.).
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing major water and wastewater projects from inception to completion.
• At least 15 years of hands-on experience in potable water design, including facilities, pumping systems, treatment processes, and permitting.
• Deep expertise in the design and construction of waterlines, storage tanks, pump stations, and transmission mains.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Active involvement in industry associations and community-based organizations.

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.