Sr Director of Engineering

Connecticut Water Service, Inc.•New Braunfels, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Director of Engineering plays a pivotal role in driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of the Engineering Department, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of capital projects that enhance system reliability, efficiency, water quality and sustainability. Reporting to the President, this position ensures compliance with the highest standards of project delivery, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Responsible for fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, the Sr. Director provides leadership in infrastructure investment, resource management, and process optimization to align engineering initiatives with the company’s long-term operational and financial goals. Through collaboration with internal teams, external agencies, industry partners, and the development community, this role ensures Texas Water Company remains a leader in water utility excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree (from an accredited institution) in Civil Engineering or a related field
A minimum of 10+ years of experience in engineering management
At least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing large teams and complex portfolio of public works projects.
Proven track record of managing capital projects and infrastructure initiatives, preferably in the utility or municipal sector.
Professional Engineer (PE) license is required
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration across diverse teams and departments.
Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive organizational effectiveness in a complex, regulated environment.
Proficient in engineering software and technologies, including GIS, and project management tools.
A proven commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance, with experience in shaping organizational safety culture.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, is preferred.
familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., AWWA, OSHA) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute long-term strategies for the Engineering Department that align with the company’s overarching goals.
Proactively monitor evolving regulations and compliance requirements, positioning the company as an industry leader in best practices and innovation.
Provide strategic leadership across all areas of Engineering (Asset Management, Water Quality, Planning, Design, and Construction), ensuring seamless coordination within all teams in Engineering as well as across the organization to achieve organizational objectives.
Oversee a diverse workforce, including, administrative staff, and engineering professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
Oversight of the Company’s capital program (excluding IT projects) including all facets of project planning including budgeting, prioritization, planning, design, construction and all ancillary aspects of Engineering project delivery.
Ensures alignment with the company’s strategic vision and operational priorities.
Collaborate with Operations, Accounting, and Regulatory teams to optimize project planning, spending, and compliance.
Maintain rigorous oversight of design, construction, and maintenance initiatives , ensuring efficient budget management, resource allocation, and project execution.
Champion compliance across all engineering functions.
Actively participate in safety and regulatory committees, ensuring all engineering activities adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA.
Keen focus on capital project spending and rate-recovery mechanisms for Public Utility Commission of Texas while also ensuring compliance with all water quality, storage and other applicable regulations by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and all applicable standards and codes pertaining to the design and construction of waterworks infrastructure.
Represent the company in industry groups and government forums, promoting engineering innovation and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, local officials, regulators, and industry associations.
Provide strategic direction to all engineering support functions while ensuring effective utilization of Operational Technology (OT) including but not limited to SCADA and GIS applications.
Ensures all applications meet internal needs and regulatory requirements, optimizing functionality, integration, and performance across departments and other H20A companies as applicable.
Establish and maintain standard design and material specifications for engineering projects.
Collaborate with Procurement to ensure compliance with technical requirements for equipment and materials.
Actively support and lead initiatives that enhance both Company and departmental goals.
Drive culture change and transformation in engineering practices that align with broader business strategies.
Oversee the execution of special projects and other duties as assigned, ensuring that all initiatives are implemented effectively and comply with established guidelines and objectives.