Defense Industry Program Management Director Jobs

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The Program Director, Water / Wastewater provides senior leadership and oversight for the successful delivery of large, complex water/wastewater programs of significant strategic and public value across the United States.

The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for critical water and wastewater pursuits and to support long-term succession planning for our active programs, ensuring experienced program leadership is in place to transition seamlessly from pursuit through delivery.
Current Programs include municipal drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, collection and conveyance networks, water reuse, regulatory compliance and consent decree programs, climate resilience initiatives as well as major capacity expansion and rehabilitation efforts.
The Program Director sets the overall direction for program delivery, establishing governance, technical assurance, commercial frameworks, and integrated management systems required to meet client objectives, regulatory obligations, and community expectations.

Acting as the primary leader for day-to-day integration and performance, the role oversees multidisciplinary teams across engineering, construction management, environmental compliance, commercial management, and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to delivery leadership, the role plays a key part in work winning, contributing to capture strategy, proposal development, and client engagement for high-priority pursuits.

Due to the nature of this role, the initial work location may be flexible.  However, relocation to a program location will be required once a suitable program has been identified and awarded.  Current program locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta and Dallas.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership across the full lifecycle of major water/wastewater programs, from pursuits and mobilization through execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Establish and maintain program governance, assurance, and performance frameworks aligned with municipal, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Direct and integrate senior leaders across engineering, construction management, environmental compliance, operations readiness, and commercial management.
• Ensure program-wide compliance with safety, environmental, drinking water, and water quality standards, including permits and consent decrees.
• Provide senior commercial oversight including contract strategy, supplier engagement, risk management, change control, and financial governance.
• Act as the principal point of contact for municipal clients, regulators, delivery partners, and community stakeholders.
• Champion innovation, digital delivery, and continuous improvement across water and wastewater infrastructure programs.
• Support major water/wastewater pursuits and programs, including proposal strategy, interviews, and transition from award to delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, construction management, project management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Typically 15+ years of professional experience delivering large, complex water and/or wastewater programs.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams within regulated public-sector environments.
• Willingness and ability to relocate within the United States upon program award.
• PgMP, PMP, CCM, or similar professional certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional registration preferred.

THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY NOVEMBER 18, 2026

You will join a global organisation recognised for delivering complex and high-impact water and wastewater programs that protect public health, support environmental stewardship, and strengthen communities.

This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative infrastructure programs across multiple U.S. markets while contributing to leadership continuity and the development of future program directors.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.