Job Description

Ready to Shape the Future of Water Reclamation in Texas?

CDM Smith is seeking a highly accomplished Project Technical Leader (PTL) to help lead and advance our Water Reclamation practice from one of our most strategic growth locations, Austin, Texas. This is a senior technical leadership role for an individual who is passionate about solving complex water challenges, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions that improve communities.

As a Project Technical Leader, you will serve as a trusted technical authority for major water reclamation projects across Texas and beyond. You will influence technical direction, mentor emerging leaders, drive innovation, and partner with clients to deliver transformative infrastructure projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of water reclamation while serving as a key stepping stone toward broader technical, operational, and executive leadership opportunities within CDM Smith.

Technical Leadership & Project Excellence

• Lead the technical delivery and design direction of complex water reclamation, water reuse, and wastewater treatment projects.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor and subject matter expert for critical infrastructure programs.
• Drive technical excellence, quality, and consistency across project teams.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through planning, design, and implementation challenges.
• Support the development of innovative and sustainable solutions that address current and future client needs.

Innovation & Industry Leadership

• Advance the state of practice through technical innovation and thought leadership.
• Represent CDM Smith through conference presentations, technical publications, industry committees, and professional organizations.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Water Reclamation Community of Practice.
• Partner with Digital Engineering Services (DES), Trinnex, and other technical leaders to accelerate the application of digital tools, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Contribute ideas that enhance project delivery, efficiency, and client outcomes.

Client Engagement & Strategic Growth

• Collaborate with client service leaders and pursuit teams on strategic opportunities and major infrastructure programs.
• Help position CDM Smith for success by communicating technical differentiators and industry-leading solutions.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with clients through technical expertise and exceptional service.
• Support project pursuits, interviews, and business development activities for key clients and programs.

Talent Development & Mentorship

• Mentor engineers, technical specialists, and future project leaders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
• Support recruiting efforts by helping attract and retain top technical talent.
• Create meaningful development opportunities that strengthen succession planning and organizational capability.

Organizational Impact

• Champion a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Leverage CDM Smith's matrix organization to bring the best technical expertise to our clients.
• Support strategic initiatives that enhance technical capabilities and project performance.
• Help strengthen CDM Smith's reputation as an industry leader in water reclamation.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead through influence, expertise, and collaboration.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of technical excellence, professional integrity, and client service.
• Embody CDM Smith's Core Values and Leadership Competencies, including Trust & Accountability, Building Alliances, and Continuous Improvement.
• Serve as a role model for technical leadership, teamwork, and business acumen.

Why Austin? Why CDM Smith?

Austin is a critical strategic hub for CDM Smith's Water Services Group, supporting some of the region's most significant water, wastewater, and water reuse initiatives. In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence high-profile projects, mentor the next generation of technical leaders, and help shape the future of water infrastructure in one of the nation's fastest-growing markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• 12 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Amount of Travel Required

10% or less
Pay Range Min

USD $126,734.00
Pay Range Max

USD $221,790.00
Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.