Manager, Design

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Summary:

Manages engineering and design projects related to the Tunnel Redundancy Program as well as rehabilitation and capital improvement of other water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure. Under the direction of the Director, Design and Construction, implements, manages, coordinates, controls and performs quality assurance/quality control on policies and procedures for shaft and tunnel projects from planning through construction award to ensure design and construction projects comply with approved schedules and budgets.

Posting Period: 4/23/2026 - 5/7/2026
Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $168,000.00 - $176,000.00 annually
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises professional multi-disciplinary design work of large and complex projects applying professional engineering principles and exercising independent judgment.
• Serves as a design engineer during the planning and design of the tunnel systems related to the Tunnel Redundancy Program, including developing concept designs and/or reviewing designs received from consultant engineering firms which involves the oversight and management of schedules and budgets. Implements program design standards including CADD.
• Performs engineering analysis, prepares engineering documents, and writes project reports.
• Develops design schedules and design budgets ensuring fundamental management controls, techniques, and accountability for projects related to the Tunnel Redundancy Program.
• Ensures safe MWRA operations for MWRA employees, constituents, and the general public.
• Implements and administers the program management plan and program to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of the Tunnel Redundancy Program. Implements control and tracking methods and procedures to ensure project compliance with approved budgets and schedules. Reports the status of projects to senior management including any issues that impact schedules and budgets. Develops and provides proposals to address budget or schedule non-compliance issues.
• Determines design delivery methods, specification types, and schedules for projects supporting the Tunnel Redundancy Program. Ensures projects are implemented using comprehensive work plans and resources by selecting consultant services groups that deliver a technically sound, controlled project on budget and on time.
• Participates in consultant selection procedures and contract negotiations for projects. Additionally, oversees applicable phases of consultant selection for assigned projects including developing scope of services, specifications, cost estimates, work schedules, negotiations, and preparing contract award recommendations. Ensures compliance with contract budgets, schedules, and terms.
• Oversees the work of professional engineering consultants for large tunneling projects, including all work products for quality of work, budget, schedule, and compliance with contractual terms and MWRA objectives and policies.
• Reviews work of professional engineering consultants related to alternative analysis, tunnel alignment and shaft location selection, hydraulic analysis, groundwater treatment and discharge, connections to existing MWRA systems, long term operations, design reports, and contract documents (plans and specifications).
• Monitors the professional engineering consultants' efforts to identify and mitigate potential sources of project delays during the design and construction phases.
• Administers the monitoring, control, schedule & budget for projects using scope control, performance reports, change requests and cost management/control using integrated time/cost management controls.
• Supports annual and supplementary budget requests for the Tunnel Redundancy Program in the Capital Improvement Program. Reviews projects' budgets and schedules for compliance with established department, division, and MWRA program goals.
• Prepares and reviews project schedules and budgets, and reviews and recommends payment of invoices.
• Reviews project change orders and cost estimates and identifies new project funding requirements.
• Implements a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan for the program to ensure a project's fast tracking and the effect on contract document preparation that will result in technical, effective and constructible projects. Administers quality management during design and construction process. Ensures that fundamentals and recommended practices and procedures for QA/QC are followed and managed by staff.
• Assists in the development of risk management plans and quality plans for tunneling projects and participates in overseeing their implementation.
• Manages professional staff, including assigning projects, evaluating performance, and planning staff development.
• Oversees the development of engineering designs and permits. Approves final permit applications for submittal and contract documents for bidding and construction using credentials (Massachusetts Professional Engineer license).
• Provides technical and administrative assistance to staff in the development and management of projects which include design and engineering services during construction of the Tunnel Redundancy Program as well as new and rehabilitation water and wastewater projects.
• Develop safety procedures by working closely with MWRA Safety staff.
• Works effectively and in conjunction with Procurement, Law, Operations and Administration divisions. Develops clear schedules and costs associated with all projects from both in-house and consultant teams.
• Assists with project development of work breakdown and construction packaging. Coordinates cooperative project development with other MWRA divisions and departments to ensure complete and coordinated projects. Coordinates projects with communities, government agencies and other MWRA departments. Provides technical information and assistance. Assists in addressing professional and community groups and initiates outreach projects as required.
• Assists with compliance with MWRA procedures and policies, local, state, and federal environmental regulatory requirements and applicable engineering standards.
• In coordination with MWRA senior staff, supports all project activities and coordinates with MWRA divisions and departments, outside regulatory and permitting agencies and communities, as appropriate.
• Oversees the recruiting, professional development, training, and performance evaluation of staff for assigned department.
• Works collegially with and coordinates with staff in other MWRA divisions and departments and advances the goals, objectives and strategies of the MWRA business plan.
• Assists in implementing the goals and commitments of MWRA in the areas of customer services, diversity and affirmative action, economy and efficiency, health and safety, emergency response and security, integrity, and public trust.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering or associated engineering field; and
• At least ten (10) years demonstrated success in progressively responsible management positions in engineering design, project management and/or construction functions including at least three (3) years experience in a supervisory capacity; and
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Preferred qualifications: An advanced degree or other post-graduate study in engineering. Experience relating to shaft and tunnel systems. Knowledge of principles and practices of geotechnical and tunneling engineering. Experience with alternative delivery methods on large complex underground projects. Design or construction experience on a megaproject(s) (i.e., projects over $1B). Experience with major water/wastewater facilities or water systems.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or driver's license from another state.
• Massachusetts license as a Registered Professional Engineer. (P.E.)
• Preferred qualifications: Certification by the Project Management Institute as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering and geotechnical engineering. Understanding of issues related to design, construction and operation of large and complex water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative project team and also to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts bidding laws, including M.G.L Chapter 30 and Chapter 149 construction bidding regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Proficiency with computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite and CADD.
• Ability to provide program management leadership to engineering managers and staff engaged in engineering programs, projects and activities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, typical office software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. This position may be eligible for telework up to 50%.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high or underground precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings and moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under general supervision by the Director, Design and Construction (Tunnel Redundancy Program).
Directly manages professional staff and consultants.

Other Position Information
PCR: 3640004
Division: Tunnel Redundancy Department: Tunnel Redundancy
Union/Grade: Non-Union/Grade 14

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.