Chief Mechanical Engineer – Municipal Water Systems

The Chief Mechanical Engineer – Municipal Water Systems is responsible for leading the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems supporting municipal water supply and wastewater infrastructure. The role ensures the reliability, efficiency, and compliance of mechanical assets including pumping stations, treatment plant equipment, and water distribution systems. The position also plays a critical role in capital project execution, system upgrades, and technical supervision of engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Mechanical System Design & Review:

• Lead the design and specification of mechanical systems in water treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution infrastructure.

• Review and approve engineering drawings, designs, BOQs, and tender documents.

• Ensure alignment with municipal codes, national standards (e.g., IS, ASME, AWWA), and environmental guidelines.

2. Project Planning & Execution:

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership in capital projects including new installations, capacity enhancements, and modernization efforts.

• Monitor project progress, quality control, and contractor performance.

• Coordinate with civil, electrical, and instrumentation teams for integrated project delivery.

3. Operations & Maintenance Oversight:

• Guide maintenance strategies for pumps, valves, compressors, blowers, and other rotating and static equipment.

• Support the implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

• Analyze equipment performance and recommend reliability improvements and upgrades.

4. Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, public health standards, and mechanical codes.

• Lead risk assessments, mechanical integrity audits, and safety improvement initiatives.

• Liaise with regulatory authorities for inspections, reporting, and approvals.

5. Asset Management & Performance Monitoring:

• Conduct condition assessments and life cycle analyses of mechanical assets.

• Implement asset management tools (CMMS, SCADA integration) for tracking performance and maintenance schedules.

• Recommend equipment replacement strategies based on performance and cost-effectiveness.

6. Technical Leadership & Capacity Building:

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers, inspectors, and technicians.

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and training programs for staff development.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and adoption of engineering best practices.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Design and Optimization of Water/Wastewater Mechanical Systems

2. Pump Station & Treatment Plant Equipment Performance Management

3. Preventive & Predictive Maintenance of Mechanical Assets

4. Compliance with Municipal, Environmental & Safety Standards

5. Engineering Support for Capital Projects and System Expansion

6. Asset Management, Condition Monitoring, and System Reliability

7. Interdepartmental Coordination & Technical Team Leadership

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred; certification in Public Utilities Engineering or PMP is a plus).

• 15+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on municipal water and wastewater systems.

• Strong knowledge of pumping systems, water treatment processes, distribution systems, and related mechanical infrastructure.

• Familiarity with applicable codes: AWWA, ASME, BIS, ISO, and environmental regulations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Expertise in Mechanical Design & System Integration

• Project Management & Execution Oversight

• Maintenance Engineering & Asset Performance Optimization

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Technical Leadership & Team Development

• Budgeting, Tendering, and Vendor Coordination

• Proficiency with Engineering Software (AutoCAD, EAM/CMMS, hydraulic modeling tools)