Director – Energy Recovery and Rotating Systems (Water Utilities)

The Director – Energy Recovery and Rotating Systems plays a strategic leadership role in overseeing the design, optimization, and performance of energy recovery systems and rotating mechanical equipment across water and wastewater utility infrastructure. This position is responsible for driving efficiency improvements, reducing operational energy costs, and ensuring the reliability of key systems such as pumps, turbines, blowers, and motors. The role includes cross-functional collaboration with engineering, sustainability, and operations teams to advance innovation in energy utilization and mechanical reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy

  • Develop and execute a long-term strategy for energy recovery and optimization of rotating assets.

  • Lead initiatives to improve energy efficiency and system reliability across treatment facilities.

  • Establish KPIs and benchmarks for energy and mechanical performance.

• Energy Recovery Systems Oversight

  • Direct the design, implementation, and performance monitoring of systems such as hydro turbines, heat exchangers, and pressure recovery units.

  • Evaluate energy recovery potential in new and existing infrastructure.

• Rotating Equipment Management

  • Oversee lifecycle management of pumps, compressors, blowers, motors, and gearboxes.

  • Implement condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance programs.

  • Ensure optimal asset performance and minimal unplanned downtime.

• Project and Capital Planning

  • Lead capital improvement projects related to mechanical energy systems and equipment upgrades.

  • Evaluate new technologies and recommend high-impact investments.

• Collaboration & Technical Leadership

  • Coordinate with design, operations, maintenance, and sustainability teams to align on technical solutions.

  • Review and approve technical standards, specifications, and engineering designs.

• Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations related to energy and mechanical systems.

  • Promote a strong culture of operational safety and regulatory compliance.

• Budgeting & Resource Management

  • Develop and manage budgets for energy recovery programs, asset maintenance, and mechanical upgrades.

  • Optimize resource allocation and staffing for mechanical projects and maintenance activities.

Key Focus Areas:

1. 1. Strategic Development of Energy Recovery Initiatives

   2. Reliability and Lifecycle Management of Rotating Equipment

   3. Integration of Renewable Energy and Efficiency Technologies

   4. Data-Driven Performance Optimization and Analytics

   5. Capital Planning and Implementation of Mechanical Energy Projects

   6. Standardization of Maintenance and Engineering Practices

   7. Cross-Functional Collaboration for Energy Innovation

   8. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Stewardship

Qualifications & Experience:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

  • 12+ years of experience in water utilities, heavy industry, or infrastructure, with significant focus on mechanical systems and energy optimization.

  • Proven leadership in managing energy recovery systems and rotating equipment in utility-scale operations.

  • PMP certification and familiarity with ISO 50001 (Energy Management Systems) are a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• • Deep technical knowledge of rotating machinery and energy recovery technologies

  • Strong leadership and project management capabilities

  • Experience with predictive maintenance tools (e.g., vibration analysis, thermal imaging)

  • Strategic thinking with a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency

  • Effective communication and stakeholder management