Department Manager – Industrial Field Services & Engineering Consulting

Practical Applications•Woburn, MA

About The Position

Practical Applications, Inc. is seeking an experienced and driven Department Manager to lead our Industrial Field Services and Engineering Consulting team. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a hands-on, client-focused environment and has the ability to combine technical depth with operational leadership. This position includes oversight of projects involving industrial water systems, including pure/ultrapure water, as well as industrial wastewater and EPA pretreatment program compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, or related field)
8+ years of experience in industrial field services, engineering consulting, or plant operations
3+ years of leadership or management experience
Hands-on experience solving real-world industrial operational challenges
Experience with industrial water systems and/or wastewater treatment

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification
Direct experience with: Industrial pure or ultrapure water systems, EPA industrial pretreatment programs and regulatory compliance
Background in process systems, utilities, or environmental engineering
Experience with root cause analysis, reliability engineering, or system optimization
Proven success in business development and client relationship management

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, field technicians, and project managers
Build a strong, accountable, safety-first culture aligned with Practical Applications’ values
Recruit, develop, and retain top technical talent
Provide coaching and career development for team members
Oversee execution of industrial field service projects and consulting engagements
Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards
Support teams in troubleshooting complex engineering challenges in real-world environments
Provide oversight for projects involving: Industrial pure and ultrapure water systems (RO, DI, filtration, polishing systems), Industrial wastewater systems and treatment processes
Balance field demands with consulting deliverables and resource availability
Maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships
Identify new opportunities within existing accounts and new markets
Lead or support proposals, scopes of work, and technical presentations
Represent Practical Applications as a trusted partner in: Water system reliability and performance, Regulatory compliance and pretreatment program management
Manage departmental budget, utilization, and profitability
Track key performance metrics and drive continuous improvement
Optimize processes to improve responsiveness and project execution
Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and client requirements
Provide high-level technical oversight on complex projects
Guide engineering and field teams on: Industrial pure water system design, operation, and troubleshooting, EPA industrial pretreatment program requirements and implementation, Regulatory compliance, permitting, and reporting
Promote best practices in industrial maintenance, water treatment, and reliability engineering
Support teams with real-time problem-solving expertise in the field