Lead Plumbing Engineer - Buildings

WSP is currently seeking a Lead Plumbing Engineer for our Irvine, CA office. This position involves leading plumbing design efforts, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, mentoring engineers and designers, and working directly with clients and project stakeholders.

Your Impact As a Lead Plumbing Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead and trusted project resource across a diverse portfolio of building projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading plumbing design efforts from initial concept through construction
• Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
• Mentoring junior engineers and designers
• Working directly with clients and project stakeholders
• Developing and overseeing engineering calculations, system layouts, equipment selections, specifications, technical reports, and construction documents
• Establishing plumbing design criteria and recommending appropriate systems based on project requirements, sustainability goals, constructability, lifecycle considerations, and client objectives
• Coordinating plumbing systems with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, civil, and other disciplines
• Serving as a primary technical point of contact for plumbing-related matters
• Leading plumbing discipline coordination and participating in multidisciplinary design and project meetings
• Performing and overseeing QA/QC reviews of calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, and other technical deliverables
• Providing technical oversight and guidance to engineers, designers, and BIM staff
• Mentoring junior and mid-level staff and supporting their technical and professional development
• Delegating assignments and reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, code compliance, constructability, and adherence to WSP standards
• Conducting and overseeing field investigations, existing-condition assessments, and site observations
• Leading plumbing construction administration activities, including review of submittals, RFIs, shop drawings, field conditions, and contractor questions
• Working with project managers to develop and manage scope, schedule, staffing, budgets, and discipline deliverables
• Supporting engineering fee development, project work plans, staffing forecasts, and resource planning
• Managing multiple concurrent projects and coordinating engineering resources to achieve project milestones
• Participating in client presentations, project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and other business development activities
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, architects, contractors, and industry partners
• Identifying additional opportunities to support existing clients and help grow WSP’s Property & Buildings practice in Southern California
• Remaining current with plumbing codes, sustainable design practices, water conservation strategies, emerging technologies, and industry best practices

Who You Are Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
• 7–10 years of relevant post-education experience in plumbing engineering and building systems design
• Demonstrated experience leading the plumbing design and delivery of commercial, institutional, or other general building projects
• Advanced knowledge of plumbing engineering principles, system design, calculations, equipment selection, and construction practices
• Strong working knowledge of the California Plumbing Code (CPC), California Building Code (CBC), applicable local codes, and relevant industry standards
• Experience leading projects through concept design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration
• Ability to independently develop and review engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, and other technical documentation
• Demonstrated experience coordinating plumbing systems within multidisciplinary architecture and engineering teams
• Experience providing technical direction and reviewing the work of engineers and designers
• Experience performing discipline-level QA/QC reviews
• Experience supporting project management activities, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and technical deliverables
• Experience communicating directly with clients, architects, contractors, and other project stakeholders
• Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD, with working knowledge of Bluebeam and related building design tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical and cost-effective engineering solutions
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements

Benefits WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation Expected Salary (all locations): $122,700 - $182,200