Design Manager
US$170,000 – US$230,000 / yr base salary
Posted 20 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Principal Design Manager (Water Infrastructure)”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 15+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- Hybrid
| Base salary | US$170,000 – US$230,000 / yr |
|---|
CertificationsProfessional Engineer
Field of studyCivil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyCivil Engineering, Environmental Engineering
Study levelMaster's
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis is currently searching for a Principal Design Manager to join our Resilience Water Business in Southern California.
The Design Manager will utilize their expertise and technical knowledge of Water / Wastewater evaluations, design & construction to serve as a Project Manager and Client Manager on local projects. This is a ‘hands-on’ role with an expectation of leading projects, managing staff, and participating in business development activities
Role accountabilities:
As a Principal Design Manager, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to successfully deliver municipal water and wastewater projects while supporting client growth and team development. This role is responsible for managing projects from planning through construction, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and fostering strong client relationships across the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and construction of municipal water/wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, stormwater systems, and water distribution/collection systems.
- Manage project overall project delivery and ensure successful execution on time and within budget.
- Support business development efforts, cultivate client relationships, and represent Arcadis through participation in industry associations, conferences, presentations, and leadership activities.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, supervise technical staff, mentor junior engineers and designers, and contribute to the growth of team capabilities.
- Prepare and oversee complete engineering and construction deliverables, perform complex engineering analyses, and maintain Arcadis standards and specifications for municipal water/wastewater projects.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- 15 or more years’ experience.
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or a related field of study.
- Licensed Professional Engineer in California.
Skills and Abilities:
The ideal candidate will have strong staff development and supervision skills, including the ability to mentor and support junior-level engineers and technical staff. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have proven client relationship and business development experience, including preparing proposals, managing client engagements, and delivering engineering projects that consistently meet or exceed client expectations.