Environmental Engineer/Project Technical Leader

CDM Smith•Denver, CO

About The Position

At CDM Smith you’ll work with a diverse, dynamic team applying the latest technologies to analyze, assess, rehabilitate, renew, and expand critical water, sewer, stormwater, process, chemical, and conveyance systems. You’ll thrive in a supportive, collaborative, and mentorship-driven environment that encourages professional growth and continuous learning as you further your expertise. We are currently seeking an Environmental Engineer/Project Technical Leader to play a critical role in supporting the Project Manager (PM) and ensuring strong technical delivery. Working under the PM’s overall project direction, the PTL develops and drives the technical vision, leads interdisciplinary coordination, and proactively manages the technical content to maintain quality, reduce rework, and prevent errors. The PTL also leads project workflow planning, enabling timely startup, aligning staffing with project needs, and helping the team meet budget and schedule requirements. In contrast, PMs focus on project execution, including scope, schedule, budget management, client communication, and overall project delivery. While PMs guide how the project is delivered, PTLs guide how the engineering is done, ensuring that methods, decisions, and technical outputs meet the firm’s standards of excellence. Water-sector experience will be considered on an individual basis, but experience in the following bullets is preferred.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading water-related engineering projects.
Proven ability to guide teams of engineers and scientists.
Strong technical expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure design.
Commitment to high-quality work, client service, and professional development.
Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices.
Knowledge of engineer principles of design.
Knowledge of Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, etc.).
knowledge of state and local regulations.
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
Professional engineering (PE) license.
7 years of related experience.
Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

Professional engineering (PE) license, with ability to immediately gain comity in CO.
Team player, excellent written and verbal skills.
Client-focused and ability to partner with clients.
Negotiation and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

Develop, review, and approve basic to moderately complex engineering designs for: Water and wastewater treatment facilities, Water and sewer systems, Pipelines and Pump station engineering.
Ensure all project designs comply with state and local regulations.
Apply firm policies, procedures, and best practices across all engineering deliverables.
Conduct site visits, field reviews, and technical studies to verify design requirements and site-specific conditions.
Update project design criteria as needed throughout project development.
Contribute to CDM Smith’s technical leadership by preparing and submitting technical papers, abstracts, and conference presentations.
Collaborate with sales and client service teams to prepare proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Meet with current and prospective clients to understand and support their evolving design and project needs.
Represent CDM Smith at conferences and professional symposia to enhance visibility and foster client relationships.
Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to junior staff; delegate tasks effectively and support staff development within the discipline.