Principal - Water/Wastewater - Design Center

Apex Companies • Houston, TX

7h • Remote

About The Position

Apex Companies is hiring a Principal - Water/Wastewater to lead the build-out of a design center. We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Principal-level leader to build, scale, and lead a high-performing Design Center focused on water and wastewater infrastructure. This role is a unique opportunity to shape a center of excellence that drives technical delivery, innovation, and operational efficiency across the organization. As a Principal Design Center Lead, you will be responsible for establishing and growing a centralized design capability that supports projects across multiple regions. You will define the vision, build the team, and implement the processes, tools, and culture needed to deliver high-quality, efficient, and scalable engineering solutions. This role blends technical leadership, business strategy, and people development—ideal for a leader who thrives on building something from the ground up and driving measurable impact.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering and project/program delivery
• Proven experience leading teams, projects, or operations at scale
• Strong understanding of design delivery models, project workflows, and quality standards
• Demonstrated ability to build and grow teams, develop leaders, and drive performance
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and implement new operating models

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Responsibilities

• Establish the vision, structure, and operating model for a centralized design center
• Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing engineering teams (EITs, PEs, designers, PMs)
• Create scalable delivery frameworks to support multi-office and national project needs
• Oversee delivery of design for infrastructure projects including water and wastewater treatment, distribution/collection systems, and stormwater management.
• Ensure technical excellence, quality control, and adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and QA/QC oversight to project teams.
• Manage project performance, including backlog, utilization, and profitability metrics.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality design standards across all projects
• Oversee production for water/wastewater treatment, conveyance, and infrastructure projects
• Champion innovation, digital design tools, and process efficiency improvements
• Partner with regional and market leaders to align resources with project demand
• Drive utilization, performance metrics, and operational efficiency
• Support business development by positioning the design center as a differentiator
• Build a strong pipeline of engineering talent through mentorship and career development
• Foster a collaborative, high-accountability environment grounded in ownership and continuous improvement
• Promote a culture of learning, innovation, and inclusion

Benefits

• Company-subsidized medical and dental.
• Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability.
• 401k match, tuition assistance, and more.
• Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
• Performance-based bonuses or other incentives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed