Design Engineering Manager

Job Code: 348/001/352Industry: Water TreatmentJob BriefThe Design Engineering Manager will lead the complete engineering design function for large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including seawater desalination plants, sewage treatment plants, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, and major foul sewage and stormwater pumping stations. This role requires a technically strong, hands-on leader who can guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensure timely and accurate design deliverables, and prepare comprehensive execution plans for each project. The position plays a critical role in ensuring design quality, constructability, compliance with standards, and seamless coordination with procurement and execution teams.Job ResponsibilitiesA. Design LeadershipLead and manage the complete design lifecycle from Concept → Basic → Detailed Engineering.Review, validate, and approve all engineering deliverables, including P&IDs, hydraulic calculations, layouts, SLDs, BOQs, technical specifications, and data sheets.Ensure design alignment with client requirements, project specifications, and authority standards.Provide technical solutions for complex design challenges and cross-disciplinary issues.Maintain high standards of detail, accuracy, and constructability in all deliverables.B. Detailed Engineering Planning & Forecasting (Critical Responsibility)This is one of the core KPIs for the role.1. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)Prepare a complete and detailed Work Breakdown Structure for every project.Break down work into discipline-wise and package-wise tasks to ensure clarity and accountability.2. Engineering Deliverables PlanningDefine all deliverables required for Concept, Basic, and Detailed Engineering phases.Develop and maintain a comprehensive engineering deliverable register with defined timelines.Track progress on a daily and weekly basis to ensure zero delays in deliverables.3. Forecasting & Resource AllocationEstimate the engineering hours required for each discipline.Assign tasks across Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Civil (vendor), and drafting teams.Identify bottlenecks early and implement corrective actions to maintain progress.4. Coordination with Execution TeamProvide critical construction inputs, including foundation loads, cable routing, piping layouts, method statements, and installation drawings.Support procurement by ensuring the timely delivery of data sheets, specifications, and vendor approvals.Align engineering milestones with procurement schedules and site execution timelines.5. Monitoring & ControlConduct weekly engineering review meetings to track progress and address issues.Maintain dashboards reflecting percentage progress, pending items, risks, and recovery plans.Take ownership of resolving delays, design gaps, and coordination challenges.6. AccountabilityEnsure zero rework due to engineering errors through stringent quality control.Ensure engineering deliverables do not delay procurement or site execution.Take full responsibility for maintaining the engineering schedule from start to completion.C. Project Execution & Technical SupportSupport tender engineering and preparation of technical proposals.Participate in technical discussions with clients, consultants, and OEMs.Lead design reviews, HAZOP studies, value engineering, and coordination meetings.Provide technical support to site teams during installation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.Review and validate vendor designs and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports.D. Team ManagementLead and mentor a team of 10+ engineers across Mechanical, Electrical, Process, and Drafting disciplines.Monitor individual performance, ensuring quality output and adherence to timelines.Develop team capabilities through structured training and technical development initiatives.Ensure effective coordination and communication across all engineering disciplines.E. Quality & DocumentationEstablish and implement internal engineering standards, templates, and checklists.Ensure all drawings and documents meet IFC (Issued for Construction) quality standards.Manage document control and versioning through engineering document management systems.Ensure compliance with international standards such as AWWA, ASTM, ASME, BS, IEC, and NFPA.F. Stakeholder CoordinationCoordinate with clients, consultants, technology licensors, and government authorities.Present design concepts and technical solutions during workshops and approval meetings.Support procurement teams in vendor evaluation and finalization processes.G. Required Technical ExpertiseStrong hands-on design experience in:SWRO Plants: intake systems, pre-treatment, membrane design, ERDs, post-treatment.STPs: MBBR, SBR, MBR, IFAS, tertiary treatment, and sludge systems.ZLD Systems: high-TDS treatment, evaporators, crystallizers.Foul Sewage & Stormwater Pumping Stations: pump sizing, surge analysis, hydraulics.Hydraulics: pipe sizing, head loss calculations, surge analysis, pump selection