WSSC Water · 13 hours ago
Program Manager - Applied Research, Water & Wastewater Systems
Laurel, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$136K/yr - $231K/yr
7+ years expWSSC Water is a leading water utility organization, and they are seeking a Program Manager – Applied Research to lead applied and emerging research programs. This role focuses on advancing the understanding and solutions to treatment processes, while driving innovation across various water-related domains to enhance operational reliability and efficiency.
EnergySustainabilityService IndustryWaterWater Purification
Responsibilities
Leads and oversees teams to plan and execute applied and emerging research initiatives—from project design and pilot testing to data interpretation and quality control
Develops and implements research strategies and long-term priorities that ensure alignment with Smart One Water principles, WSSC Water’s strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and that drive industry-leading outcomes to enhance service delivery
Researches and assesses emerging industry trends to anticipate gaps in subject matter expertise, identifies potential research opportunities, and develops the capabilities needed to address those gaps
Oversees all research instrumentation, hardware, and software at a level sufficient to ensure proper maintenance and provide basic trouble shooting
Builds and manages external research partnerships, oversees collaborative studies, and ensures efforts are aligned with WSSC Water’s operational priorities and delivers maximum value
Serves as a technical liaison and strategic contributor, supporting regulatory coordination, knowledge sharing, benchmarking of emerging technologies, and innovation-focused planning and policy development
Recruits, coordinates, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to interns, research fellows, contractors, and staff to support high-quality technical outcomes and professional development
Provides input on performance and staffing decisions as appropriate
Provides technical expertise and recommendations, and prepares high-quality reports and presentations to inform senior leadership, program teams, and external stakeholders through data-driven insights
Develops the annual research portfolio and goals aligned with operational priorities, assessing project feasibility, resource needs, and availability of internal expertise
Manages multiple concurrent research initiatives, overseeing schedules, budgets, quality control, and deliverables using established program management tools
Establishes programmatic and contractual frameworks for research partnerships and coordinates space and logistical needs to support research activities
Prepares and administers research and innovation grants; coordinates consultant and research team selection, contracting, and performance to ensure alignment with project goals, funding requirements, and Commission standards
Develops and monitors research metrics, KPIs, and return-on-investment measures while ensuring compliance with WSSC Water standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements
Serves as the acting division manager when designated
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Comprehensive understanding of water resources, water treatment, distribution systems, wastewater conveyance, and resource recovery processes
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage applied and emerging research initiatives in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including experience with pilot testing, process optimization, technology evaluation, and change management in operations
Experience leading or mentoring research teams, including interns, research fellows, contractors, and permanent staff
Experience in project and experimental design, laboratory practices, and research funding strategies, including grant development and administration
Knowledge of emerging and future-focused water and wastewater topics, with experience building external partnerships, funding agreements, and multi-institutional research initiatives
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical issues, assess alternatives, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions
Knowledge of laboratory methods and equipment operations, laboratory safety practices, industrial safety and chemical handling practices
Ability to maintain accurate and concise records of research activities and perform data and statistical analysis using appropriate analytical tools
Ability to manage projects effectively, including budgeting, scheduling, performance tracking, and use of data analytics or project management tools such as Power BI
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively through strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, and to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Sanitary, or Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field
7+ years of experience managing cross-functional research or technology development programs in the water, wastewater, or environmental sector
2+ years of experience managing large, complex projects
Company
WSSC Water
Established in 1918, WSSC Water is currently among the largest water and wastewater utilities in the nation, with a network of nearly 6,000 miles of drinking water pipeline and over 5,600 miles of sewer pipeline.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Christine Grooby
Chief Information Security Officer
Deirdra Walker
Assistant to the Deputy General Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Recent News
2025-03-01
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