VP – Engineering and Mechanical Operations (Water Sector)

The Vice President – Engineering and Mechanical Operations (Water Sector) provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of mechanical engineering and operations within water and wastewater infrastructure. The role is responsible for ensuring mechanical systems—including pumps, piping, valves, compressors, mixers, and treatment equipment—are designed, operated, and maintained to meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The VP leads cross-functional teams, capital projects, asset reliability programs, and mechanical innovations supporting utility resilience and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership

• Provide technical direction and leadership for mechanical design, analysis, and system integration across the water sector.

• Oversee the development and implementation of standards for pumps, piping systems, rotating equipment, HVAC, and mechanical plant infrastructure.

Operations Oversight

• Direct mechanical operations for treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution/collection networks.

• Ensure operational efficiency, uptime, and system performance through proactive maintenance and monitoring strategies.

Capital Project Execution

• Lead the planning and delivery of mechanical aspects of capital improvement projects (CIP) across water and wastewater systems.

• Approve designs, review engineering packages, and coordinate with EPC contractors to meet project goals.

Reliability and Maintenance

• Implement asset management strategies for mechanical equipment, including condition-based maintenance, root cause analysis, and lifecycle planning.

• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.

Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with mechanical safety codes (ASME, API), utility performance standards, and environmental regulations.

• Lead mechanical risk assessments and audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in water system infrastructure.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Promote energy-efficient and sustainable mechanical solutions including variable frequency drives (VFDs), energy recovery systems, and low-emission technologies.

• Champion modernization efforts through smart systems, digital twins, and automation technologies.

Team & Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, operations staff, and project managers.

• Collaborate with municipal agencies, consultants, and regulatory bodies to align on goals and ensure technical excellence.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Mechanical Engineering Governance for Water & Wastewater Systems

2. Operations Optimization of Treatment Facilities and Mechanical Infrastructure

3. Capital Improvement Projects – Mechanical Systems Delivery

4. Reliability Engineering and Asset Lifecycle Management

5. Compliance with Engineering Standards and Environmental Regulations

6. Energy Optimization and Sustainable Mechanical Practices

7. Digital Transformation and Smart Infrastructure Integration

8. Leadership and Cross-Functional Coordination

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• 15+ years of experience in water utility mechanical systems, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or executive role

• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred

• Extensive experience in plant operations, mechanical design, and public infrastructure project management

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of water sector mechanical systems (e.g., pumps, valves, actuators, tanks, blowers)

• Proficiency in asset management tools, CMMS, SCADA, and condition monitoring technologies

• Strong leadership and organizational development skills

• Proven ability to drive innovation, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence