Freelance Water Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your future position: Potable Water Design Project Manager

Choose your location: Chicago (O’Hare), Chicago (Loop), Mokena, Bannockburn, Crystal Lake, or Naperville, IL

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

The Potable Water Design Project Manager will manage potable water treatment plant design projects, treatment studies, develop business, serve clients with an emphasis in Illinois.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Assist Marketing in preparation of Proposals: project plan and approach, staff assignments, fee development and risk assessment.
• Review draft agreements. Provide input and approval for scope and fee.
• Build teams, and assign staff to projects based on knowledge, skills and availability.
• Monitor project performance (client satisfaction, project schedule, project budget, billings, QA/QC).
• Assist with developing department standards and perform quality control review.
• Direct staff efforts and development according to plans and personal skills; support in achieving goals.
• Assist with planning, developing, coordinating and ensuring the successful completion of projects.
• Lead single and multi-disciplined projects.
• Represent the company in client and agency meetings to resolve questions and to plan and coordinate work.
• Communicate and coordinate efforts and ideas with peers and management team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring of project team members.
• Develop and enhance client relationships and business growth.

Education/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois.

Must-haves, what you will bring

• 6+ years of experience in potable water design, including but not limited to, water treatment design, water storage facility design, and water supply design.
• 2+ years of experience in managing multidisciplinary projects pertaining to potable water design.
• Member of professional and technical societies.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong verbal, computer, organizational, and writing skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Compensation: The pay range for this role is $115,000 - $145,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits - At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home on half Fridays and varied schedules. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer