Water Principal Engineer / Construction Manager

Veolia•Haworth, NJ

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This position manages the delivery of large and strategic capital infrastructure projects from inception through completion. The role works closely with Operations personnel and coordinates project activities through a cross-functional team. It develops solutions to complex technical problems, including potential new systems or processes for water and wastewater resource management, provides value-engineering assistance on selected projects, and supports construction oversight. The position will serve as Construction Manager for the PFAS treatment project at Veolia’s 188 MGD Haworth Water Treatment Plant, using a progressive design-build (PDB) delivery approach. The Construction Manager oversees the Designer/Builder’s construction scope and progress, supervises construction activities, and represents Veolia in daily project management. The role requires working under pressure with an open and collaborative mindset. During Phase 0 (September 2026–August 2027), the role participates in Design-Build partner review and selection and challenges construction alternatives during preliminary design development. Haworth will take approximately 25% of the position’s time, with the remainder spent on other VWNJ capital projects. During Phase 1 (September 2027–March 2029), the role leads construction-related Work Groups and challenges construction issued by the Design-Build partner; full-time commitment to the Haworth project is anticipated. During Phase 2 (April 2029–mid-2032), the role implements QA/QC requirements, ensures delivery to agreed schedule and cost, oversees commissioning, ensures site safety rules are implemented, and manages the interface with the Design-Build partner during construction and commissioning. This is a full-time, onsite position, five days per week, located at the Haworth WTP.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
At least 15 years of experience managing water/wastewater design and construction projects and upgrade projects.
In-depth experience in project scheduling, cost analysis, contract terms development, technical scope development, contracting, cash flow analysis, and other construction-project functions.
Experience with major upgrades at operating treatment plants and pumping stations.
Experience with major transmission/force-main and distribution/collection projects.
Experience with environmental regulatory frameworks and permitting, including drinking water quality standards and compliance.
Experience with alternate project delivery methods, such as design-build and integrated project delivery, and contracting methods such as guaranteed maximum price and reimbursable.
Experience obtaining local permits, such as planning board approvals and building permits.
Thorough working knowledge of water and wastewater process applications.
Strong personal effectiveness, influencing, team-building, communication, listening, presentation, and reporting skills.
Collaborative mindset and readiness to take a driving role under an alternate project delivery method such as PDB.
Familiarity with project control tools, including document control and planning.
Computer skills, including MS Project and AoDOCs or Procore.
Strong project financial analysis skills, including budget management, ongoing assessment of project risks and opportunities, and basic project accounting knowledge.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
PMP and/or Construction Management certifications.

Responsibilities

Manage large and strategic capital infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
Coordinate project activities with Operations personnel using a cross-functional team approach.
Develop solutions to complex technical problems, including potential new systems or processes for water and wastewater resource management.
Provide value-engineering assistance on selected design and construction projects and assist with construction oversight as needed.
Represent Veolia in the daily management of the Designer/Builder for its construction scope and supervise construction activities.
Participate in Design-Build partner review and selection during Phase 0.
Challenge construction alternatives during preliminary design development and construction approaches issued by the Design-Build partner.
Lead construction-related Work Groups during Phase 1.
Implement QA/QC requirements and ensure the Design-Build partner delivers according to agreed schedule and cost, including commissioning.
Ensure Veolia safety rules are implemented on site.
Manage the interface with the Design-Build partner during construction and commissioning.