Process Mechanical Discipline Lead - Design Build (Water/Wastewater)

About the Role

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery, and cutting-edge manufacturing. We’re redefining how water infrastructure is planned, designed, and delivered to create healthier, more resilient communities. As a Process Mechanical Discipline Lead, you will support our expanding Water Infrastructure portfolio, delivering complex municipal and industrial projects using design-build and other alternative delivery models. This role blends deep process and mechanical engineering expertise with team leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and direct client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Technical & Project Leadership
  • Serve as the Process Mechanical Discipline Lead for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, reuse facilities, and conveyance systems.
  • Lead the development and review of process plans, equipment selection, layouts, piping systems, hydraulic profiles, and design criteria.
  • Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for calculations, reports, drawings, and specifications.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, construction partners, electrical, instrumentation & controls (I&C), structural, and civil disciplines to ensure fully integrated system designs.
  • Support construction activities including constructability reviews, submittal reviews, technical RFIs, and field support.
• Design-Build & Delivery Excellence
  • Play a critical role on design-build projects, supporting collaborative and accelerated delivery schedules.
  • Participate in pursuit and proposal efforts, including technical approaches, scope development, cost input, and client interviews.
  • Partner with construction teams, partners, and equipment vendors to develop practical, maintainable, and cost-effective solutions.
  • Identify and manage technical, operational, and construction-related risks throughout project delivery.
• People & Discipline Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop teams of supporting process and mechanical engineers and designers across multiple projects.
  • Support workforce planning, coaching, performance feedback, and technical development within the process mechanical discipline.
  • Champion Jacobs’ standards for safety, quality, innovation, and inclusion.
  • Contribute to the advancement of discipline best practices, standards, and technical excellence.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Interface directly with internal and external clients, serving as a trusted process/mechanical engineering advisor.
  • Participate in client meetings, technical workshops, coordination sessions, and project reviews.
  • Travel approximately 10% of the time to client and project sites in the Midwest and Northeast regions.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, contractors, equipment suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Support business development by strengthening client confidence and identifying future project opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of progressive process/mechanical engineering experience, with a strong focus on water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading process/mechanical scope on large, complex water or wastewater infrastructure projects (design-build or alternative delivery projects preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality, reliable designs.
• Strong communication skills and experience working directly with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with common water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and client interviews.
• Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Interest in innovation, optimization, and sustainable treatment solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company stock purchase options at a discount.
• Deferred compensation plan or Executive Deferral Plan for eligible employees.
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees.
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
• Eligibility for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $135,000.00 to $195,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Schedule

Hybrid working policy allowing employees to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations.