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 seeking a Process Mechanical Discipline Lead to 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 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.
- Eligibility for deferred compensation plans or the Executive Deferral Plan.
- Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) for full-time salaried/exempt employees.
- Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
- Additional rewards for certain roles, 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.
Approximately 10% travel to client and project sites in the Midwest and Northeast regions.