The Chief Mechanical Engineer – Water Treatment Facilities is the technical authority responsible for the design, integrity, performance, and reliability of mechanical systems across water and wastewater treatment plants. This role oversees engineering standards, project execution, and system optimization for critical equipment such as pumps, blowers, compressors, piping systems, valves, and rotating machinery. The chief engineer ensures that all mechanical systems support safe, efficient, and sustainable water treatment operations in compliance with industry codes and regulatory requirements.
Engineering Leadership & Oversight:
Serve as the lead authority on mechanical engineering design and standards for water treatment facilities.
Oversee mechanical system lifecycle planning, including design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and decommissioning.
Design Review & Optimization:
Evaluate engineering designs for pumping stations, sludge handling, aeration systems, chemical dosing systems, and HVAC.
Drive mechanical system enhancements to improve treatment efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize downtime.
Project Management:
Lead or support capital improvement projects related to mechanical systems upgrades, capacity expansion, or new facility construction.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
Reliability & Maintenance Strategy:
Guide condition assessment, predictive maintenance, and asset management for critical mechanical infrastructure.
Implement best practices for mechanical reliability, including vibration monitoring, alignment, lubrication, and system diagnostics.
Compliance & Safety:
Ensure all mechanical systems comply with local, national, and international codes (e.g., ASME, AWWA, OSHA).
Promote a culture of safety by participating in hazard reviews, safety audits, and risk assessments.
Team Mentorship & Technical Development:
Mentor junior engineers and maintenance teams, building internal capacity for high-quality mechanical engineering.
Support training programs focused on equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and new technology adoption.
Interdepartmental Coordination:
Collaborate with process, electrical, civil, and instrumentation engineers to ensure holistic and integrated facility performance.
Act as the mechanical engineering liaison with plant operations, maintenance, and asset management functions.
Mechanical System Reliability:
Ensure continuous, trouble-free operation of pumps, valves, mixers, and blowers through robust engineering and maintenance standards.
Energy Efficiency & Process Optimization:
Improve mechanical energy use through equipment upgrades, pump efficiency audits, and advanced control strategies.
Asset Lifecycle Management:
Develop long-term asset strategies for mechanical equipment, from procurement and commissioning to renewal and replacement.
Regulatory & Code Compliance:
Maintain rigorous compliance with water industry standards and mechanical codes relevant to pressure systems and treatment plants.
Technology Integration:
Incorporate new technologies such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), high-efficiency motors, smart pumps, and IoT-based diagnostics.
Sustainability & Resilience:
Contribute to water sustainability goals by ensuring mechanical systems support energy conservation, reliability, and reduced environmental impact.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in water or wastewater treatment plants, with at least 5 years in a senior or lead role.
Strong understanding of hydraulics, rotating equipment, piping systems, HVAC, and chemical dosing systems in a water treatment context.
Proficiency in engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Plant 3D) and familiarity with CMMS platforms.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer preferred.
Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.