Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Project Overview

The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) is seeking consulting services to conduct a technical feasibility study and produce the preliminary design for the water conveyance system of the Lesotho to Botswana Water Transfer Scheme. The bulk water transfer scheme is intended to mobilize water in Lesotho and convey it through South Africa to Botswana, while supplying users along the route. The study will assess and integrate technical, financial, environmental, regulatory, institutional, social, and climate considerations to support financing and implementation decisions.

The assignment covers route confirmation, demand and socioeconomic assessment, topographical and cadastral surveys, geotechnical and materials investigations, climate risk assessment, hydraulic modelling and optimization, preliminary design of pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs and supporting infrastructure, cost estimation, economic analysis, and preparation of detailed-design terms of reference and a Record of Implementation Decision.

Position Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Team Leader/Water Engineer to provide overall technical and managerial leadership for the anticipated 12-month feasibility study. The position will lead planning and implementation, coordinate the multidisciplinary team, guide stakeholder consultation, oversee quality and timely delivery of reports, and manage the assignment’s administrative, contractual, and financial matters.

*Professional engagement is contingent on project award and client approval.

Responsibilities:

Lead the overall planning and implementation of the consultancy services.
Manage and coordinate the multidisciplinary study team and maintain alignment across technical workstreams.
Ensure achievement of the study objectives, scope, schedule, quality requirements, and deliverables.
Facilitate consultations and coordination with ORASECOM, State Party institutions, stakeholders, development partners, the Panel of Experts, and consultants undertaking complementary studies.
Oversee the preparation, integration, quality control, and finalization of inception, technical, preliminary design, feasibility, and implementation reports.
Direct the review of prior studies and guide route confirmation, design criteria, optimization, preliminary engineering design, cost estimation, climate resilience, and implementation planning.
Ensure environmental, social, financial, legal, institutional, and economic study findings are appropriately incorporated into the technical feasibility study and preliminary design.
Oversee risk management, quality assurance, progress reporting, and presentations of findings and recommendations.
Oversee and manage administrative, contractual, and financial matters of the consultancy assignment.

Skills & Abilities

Leadership of complex, multidisciplinary engineering and advisory teams.
Strong technical understanding of bulk water transfer systems, large-bore pipelines, pump stations, hydraulic infrastructure, and feasibility-stage engineering.
Ability to integrate engineering, environmental, social, economic, financial, legal, institutional, and climate-resilience considerations.
Effective stakeholder engagement and coordination across government, regional, client, consultant, and development-partner organizations.
Strong project planning, quality assurance, risk management, contract administration, and financial oversight capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication, technical reporting, presentation, and facilitation skills in English.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Water Engineering or any related field
Minimum 25 years post qualification work experience
At least 15 years in the field of relevant water infrastructure (large bore pipelines and pump stations) development
Proven experience in the leadership of feasibility studies, similar to this project, partly in Africa, related to transboundary multipurpose water transfer project preparation
Proven track record of leadership in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
The Team Leader should be registered as a professional engineer and project manager with a recognized statutory engineering professional body (not a voluntary institution).
He/she should have acted as a Team Leader for at least 5 similar projects.
Previous experience and knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations related to large linear water projects in Lesotho, Botswana and RSA will be an added advantage.
The Team Leader must be fluent in English and must possess excellent communication and report writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior leadership experience on bankable feasibility studies and preliminary designs for long-distance, large-diameter bulk water conveyance or inter-basin transfer schemes.
Demonstrated experience coordinating projects that span multiple countries and involve regional river-basin institutions, national governments, utilities, regulators, landowners, and development partners.
Experience with African Development Bank or other multilateral development bank-financed infrastructure preparation assignments.
Working knowledge of the institutional, permitting, servitude, wayleave, land-access, and engineering-regulatory environments in Lesotho, Botswana, and South Africa.
Experience integrating climate-risk assessment and adaptation measures into the planning and design of major water infrastructure.
Experience coordinating complementary ESIA, economic and financial, legal, institutional, and technical workstreams.
Demonstrated responsibility for contract management, cost control, quality management systems, risk registers, and delivery of multidisciplinary reports to demanding review panels.
Professional registration and project management credentials that are current and readily verifiable.

Amount of Travel Required

20% - 40%
Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
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 are not open to sponsoring 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.

About the company

CDM Smith is a full-service engineering and construction firm that serves public and private clients worldwide with solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy. Its work covers the entire project life cycle—from planning and design to construction and ongoing management—through integrated teams of engineers, scientists, and construction professionals. The company distinguishes itself by delivering multi-disciplinary, end-to-end projects across major infrastructure sectors and focusing on long-lasting impacts and enduring value for clients. Its goal is to shape the present by meeting evolving needs with practical, reliable infrastructure solutions that stand the test of time.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded

1947

Get referred to CDM Smith

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Houston's 360 MGD expansion and PFAS planning create multi-year backlog through 2028.
Daniel Clark became CFO on September 17, 2026, strengthening finance and governance.
Teri Myers' August 2026 R&D leadership upgrade monetizes PFAS research faster.

What critics are saying

A 2020 Navy False Claims Act settlement still stains federal trust and procurement credibility.
CDM Smith v. Reed Barton opened June 17, 2026, signaling active trade-secret conflict.
EWPP runs through 2028, concentrating revenue on one politically exposed Houston megaproject.

What makes CDM Smith unique

Bellevue lab expansion on August 5, 2026 deepens PFAS pilot-testing capabilities.
Houston picked CDM Smith for $145 million EWPP design on July 16, 2026.
September 2026 hires in data centers and reuse broaden CDM Smith beyond water.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options

Company News

Associated Press

Sep 17th, 2026

CDM Smith appoints Daniel Clark as chief financial officer

CDM Smith has appointed Daniel Clark as its new chief financial officer. Clark succeeds Thierry Desmaris, who is retiring after more than 10 years with the firm. Clark brings over 20 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. He began his career as an engineer before moving into finance. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. As CFO, Clark will lead the firm's financial strategy, enterprise risk management and governance. CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm specialising in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities projects.

GlobeNewswire

Sep 17th, 2026

CDM Smith names new chief financial officer Daniel Clark.

CDM Smith names new chief financial officer Daniel Clark. September 17, 2026 13:59 ET | Source: CDM Smith BOSTON, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - CDM Smith is pleased to announce our new chief financial officer, Daniel "Dan" Clark. Clark succeeds Thierry Desmaris, who will retire after more than a decade of exceptional service to the firm. As CFO, Clark will lead the firm's financial strategy, enterprise risk management, and governance stewardship while helping advance CDM Smith's long-term growth, direct employee ownership culture, and strategic vision. Clark brings more than 20 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, with a strong track record of operational excellence and financial leadership. Before transitioning into finance, Clark began his career as an engineer, providing him with firsthand insight into project delivery, technical excellence and the unique dynamics of engineering/construction-driven organizations. "CDM Smith has built a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and client service, and I'm proud to be a part of that tradition. That work continues with investing in our people, supporting our clients and creating lasting value for our employee-owners and the communities we serve," said Clark. Clark holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. "On behalf of our Board of Directors and employee-owners, I want to thank Thierry for his outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to CDM Smith over the past decade. His impact on our company will endure well beyond his retirement," said CDM Smith Chairman and CEO Tim Wall. "As we welcome Dan, we are gaining a leader whose combination of financial expertise and engineering experience is particularly well suited to our evolving business," Wall continued. "Dan understands the complexities of project delivery, the importance of disciplined investment and the value of a long-term perspective. Most importantly, Dan shares our commitment to serving clients, supporting employee-owners and delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities we help build. I am excited to welcome him to our leadership team and look forward to the impact he will have on CDM Smith's next chapter." CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service through decades of know-how and digital ingenuity to deliver smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges.

The Mirror Democrat and Savanna Times-Journal

Aug 12th, 2026

CDM Smith wins first place for brand awareness campaign at 2026 SMPS National Awards Gala.

CDM Smith wins first place for brand awareness campaign at 2026 SMPS National Awards Gala. * 2 hrs ago BOSTON, Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - CDM Smith received first place in the Brand Awareness Campaign, Mixed-Media category at the Society for Marketing Professional Services' (SMPS) 2026 Marketing Communications Awards (MCAs), one of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry's most prestigious marketing competitions. TUV leader Jim Allister MP reacts as three dead in Ballymena. The award-winning "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" campaign was developed by CDM Smith's marketing and communications team to inspire clients, employees and industry professionals to prepare for the trends and technologies shaping the future. The integrated campaign combined thought leadership videos, social media content, recruiting initiatives, employee engagement activities and a webinar series to engage audiences across multiple channels. Recognized for its creativity, strategic execution and measurable results, the campaign showcased the power of collaboration across the firm, bringing together employees from diverse disciplines to share insights, perspectives and expertise. First Place: "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" Brand Awareness Campaign As emerging technologies, shifting workforce dynamics and evolving client needs continue to transform the AEC industry, organizations face increasing pressure to anticipate what's next. CDM Smith created the "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" campaign to help audiences better understand these changes and prepare for future opportunities and challenges. Through compelling storytelling and thought leadership, the campaign highlighted topics such as artificial intelligence, aging infrastructure, data centers, workforce trends and other forces shaping the industry. The effort reinforced CDM Smith's commitment to helping clients navigate change, identify opportunities and build resilient solutions for the future. This recognition reflects the talent, creativity and dedication of CDM Smith's marketing and communications team, as well as the many technical experts and employee contributors who helped bring the campaign to life. CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service through decades of know-how and digital ingenuity to deliver smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about its work and invested in each other, Mycarrollcountynews is inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges. Daryl Shepard CDM Smith 6174526093 [email protected] Georgia Terry CDM Smith 6174526000 [email protected] Media gallery

Africa Business Watch

Aug 12th, 2026

CDM Smith wins first place for brand awareness campaign at 2026 SMPS National Awards Gala.

CDM Smith wins first place for brand awareness campaign at 2026 SMPS National Awards Gala. BOSTON, Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - CDM Smith received first place in the Brand Awareness Campaign, Mixed-Media category at the Society for Marketing Professional Services' (SMPS) 2026 Marketing Communications Awards (MCAs), one of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry's most prestigious marketing competitions. The award-winning "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" campaign was developed by CDM Smith's marketing and communications team to inspire clients, employees and industry professionals to prepare for the trends and technologies shaping the future. The integrated campaign combined thought leadership videos, social media content, recruiting initiatives, employee engagement activities and a webinar series to engage audiences across multiple channels. Recognized for its creativity, strategic execution and measurable results, the campaign showcased the power of collaboration across the firm, bringing together employees from diverse disciplines to share insights, perspectives and expertise. First Place: "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" Brand Awareness Campaign As emerging technologies, shifting workforce dynamics and evolving client needs continue to transform the AEC industry, organizations face increasing pressure to anticipate what's next. CDM Smith created the "What's Happening NEXT Is Happening NOW" campaign to help audiences better understand these changes and prepare for future opportunities and challenges. Through compelling storytelling and thought leadership, the campaign highlighted topics such as artificial intelligence, aging infrastructure, data centers, workforce trends and other forces shaping the industry. The effort reinforced CDM Smith's commitment to helping clients navigate change, identify opportunities and build resilient solutions for the future. This recognition reflects the talent, creativity and dedication of CDM Smith's marketing and communications team, as well as the many technical experts and employee contributors who helped bring the campaign to life. CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service through decades of know-how and digital ingenuity to deliver smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges. Daryl Shepard CDM Smith 6174526093 [email protected] Georgia Terry CDM Smith 6174526000 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

GlobeNewswire

Aug 5th, 2026

CDM Smith expands Research and Testing Laboratory to further support R&D Program and innovation for clients.

CDM Smith expands Research and Testing Laboratory to further support R&D Program and innovation for clients. August 05, 2026 17:23 ET | Source: CDM Smith BELLEVUE, Washington, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - To further support CDM Smith's Research & Development (R&D) Program and innovation, the firm has expanded its Research and Testing Laboratory facility in Bellevue, Washington by an additional 1,100 square feet. The expansion signals CDM Smith's continued investment in new ideas, new technologies and new ways of collaborating with communities and clients to solve increasingly complex water, environmental and infrastructure challenges through large-scale testing and pilot testing. The mission of CDM Smith's Research & Testing Laboratory is to advance innovation from flask to field by developing, evaluating and scaling practical technologies that help clients address complex water, wastewater, PFAS and emerging contaminant challenges. Through CDM Smith's R&D Program, the laboratory creates opportunities to transform promising ideas into tested solutions that deliver value for clients, communities and the environment. "The larger Research and Testing Laboratory space allows CDM Smith's team to advance high-impact research and accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions for clients. The upgraded lab equipment also enables precise and reliable results for clients," said Paul Ho, Laboratory Manager and environmental scientist. In addition to the Bellevue Research and Testing Laboratory facility expansion, Teri Myers, Ph.D., PMP, has been appointed as CDM Smith's new R&D Program Manager. Dr. Myers has led more than $22 million in PFAS research and complex, multidisciplinary initiatives involving universities, private organizations and federal agencies, transforming emerging research into practical applications that address environmental and infrastructure challenges. "The R&D Program is one of the most exciting ways we can explore new ideas and create value for our clients and communities. I look forward to supporting ideas and innovation across the firm and helping our teams develop solutions that address today's challenges while preparing for what's next," said Teri Myers, R&D Program Manager and environmental scientist. CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service through decades of know-how and digital ingenuity to deliver smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about its work and invested in each other, SoftwareONE AG is inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges. Attachments

CDM Smith

Team Leader/Water Engineer

About the job