Requisition ID: 110103
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People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
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About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
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The Director, Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall management of the engineering function within the state of Iowa. This role is accountable for three primary areas:
Infrastructure Assessment & Planning
Evaluate the adequacy of water and wastewater infrastructure with respect to capacity, reliability, water quality/compliance, and operational efficiency. Direct long‑term engineering planning to identify system risks and develop strategic recommendations for mitigation.
Capital Program Development & Execution
Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive capital investment program designed to manage system risk, enhance asset resilience, and improve overall efficiency of critical infrastructure.
Operational Engineering Support
Provide technical expertise and engineering resources to operations and other functional teams to support system growth, operational excellence, and the organization’s core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable services to customers.
- Direct engineering planning activities to assess system risks and opportunities. Develops recommendations for capital improvements, including scope, budget, and project prioritization, to strengthen the reliability, resiliency, and performance of water and wastewater systems.
- Develop a prudently prioritized capital improvement plan (CIP) to address key risks and optimize efficient, reliable service. Ensures effective delivery, governance, and oversight of the state operating company’s capital program.
- Direct engineering design and construction activities in alignment with the CIP, ensuring adherence to sound engineering principles, technical standards, and effective project management practices.
- Manage, coach, and develop the engineering organization. Ensure strong collaboration and technical support for operations, business development, and other functional teams.
- Prepare testimony and represents the company in rate cases, regulatory hearings and negotiations, and at community, industry, and public forums.
- Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water and wastewater resource management facilities, Engineering and utility economics, knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to water & wastewater facilities.
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations. Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.
- Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations and technical standards.
- Designated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, water resources, water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.
- Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality and water treatment and other related water resource management disciplines.
- Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry. General understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation, and trends impacting the water industry. Sound business acumen and judgment.
- Knowledge of capital and O&M budgeting, cost estimating, cost recovery, project scoping, prioritization methodologies, and portfolio management.
- Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills
- Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
- Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving)
- Effective people management (planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising and leading individual staff and teams)
- Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations)
- Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
- Leadership presence: ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
- Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and accounting knowledge.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Advanced management or technical degree preferred.
- 15+ years’ experience in utility engineering and/or utility operations.
- 5+ years’ experience managing professional engineering staff.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Professional Engineering (PE) license required in the applicable operating state
Drives Safety Culture
Drives Vision & Purpose
Strategic & Learning Agility
Political & Organizational Savvy
Builds Effective Teams & Network
Situational Adaptability
Persuades
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
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.
