Engineering Construction Project Manager - Water Facilities

We are looking for a full-time Engineering Construction Project Manager - Water Facilities to join our team in Chicago, IL. This Project Manager on the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) Program Services team will oversee the delivery of multi-year $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects to improve Chicago’s water infrastructure.

Highly qualified candidates would be engineers with construction management experience in large municipal capital improvement programs with a Design-Bid-Build delivery mechanism. Experience managing and collaborating on large joint venture projects is preferred; experience with water infrastructure projects is also preferred.

The Engineering Construction Manager will represent the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) and oversee the construction of a range of CIP projects.

We provide a comfortable, collaborative work environment with flexible work arrangements. We’re committed to our work – but we also value fun. If that sounds like a good fit, let’s talk. Relocation assistance is available for highly qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Construction Manager responsible for supporting DWM with providing oversight on improvements to major water system facilities that include water purification plants, intake structures, pumping stations, reservoirs, and hydraulic structures. buildings/structure and large conveyance for raw and finished water supply tunnels.
• Manage construction of water facilities with multi-disciplinary improvements (e.g., electrical, mechanical, structural, processes, and architectural).
• Provide oversight to electrical/mechanical equipment commissioning.
• Manage project teams and monitor consultants’ compliance with contractual commitments.
• Manage the process of hiring a resident engineer who are a part of on-call engineering firms and a field inspector to oversee the construction of projects.
• Work in conjunction with the Resident Engineer to ensure the work is executed in accordance with the contract documents.
• May manage all phases of construction projects (from beginning to close out).
• Manages project schedules and budgets.
• Coordinates and communicates project progress with the client.
• Facilitates and resolves project issues and scope changes with the design team and the client.
• Works mostly independently but receives basic instruction on specific assignments, objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.
• Monitors and reports the financial and completion status of projects to the client.
• Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
• Involves occasional field work at facilities related to design and construction projects.
• Manages one or more moderately complex design projects, involving coordination of multiple engineering disciplines, consultants, and/or various agencies.
• Supervise other engineering and technical staff.
• Performs such other duties as the supervisor may deem necessary from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, mechanical engineering or a related discipline
• 6+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills, including client interaction, public speaking, and persuasive ability.
• Strong project financial management, along with the ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplined teams

Preferred qualifications:

• Professional Engineering license in Illinois or the ability to obtain one within the first 6 months of employment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in Water/Wastewater Facilities as an engineer and project manager.
• Experience working on municipal projects.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first cultureAt MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impactOur teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunityWe are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundationBuilt on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in successWe provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

• Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
• Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you. 

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.

US Pay Range 115000 - 165000 USD