Job Description

Requisition ID: 110064 

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.  

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit  amwater.com and join American Water on  LinkedIn ,  Facebook , X  and  Instagram .

Compensation Data

Base Salary Range: $98,800 - $165,100 per year.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Primary Role

The Senior Manager, Research & Development provides strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of applied research initiatives supporting water and wastewater utility priorities. This role leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancing research, pilot studies, and innovation efforts that address treatment, water quality, regulatory, operational, and infrastructure challenges. The Senior Manager translates business needs into actionable research priorities, ensures rigorous and practical program execution, and partners across operations, engineering, compliance, and external organizations to deliver insights and solutions that inform utility decision-making and performance.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure research programs generate practical recommendations that support regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, system reliability, environmental stewardship, and customer service outcomes.
• Oversee a portfolio of research and innovation programs, ensuring alignment of scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables with organizational objectives.
• Provide direction and oversight for the design, prioritization, and execution of research initiatives, minimizing risk and ensuring scientific rigor.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing research team with diverse technical expertise; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Lead development and execution of research priorities in alignment with organizational strategy, regulatory drivers, and emerging industry challenges.
• Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for internal leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Partner with operations, engineering, compliance, and other business functions to identify research needs and ensure applicability of outcomes.
• Build and sustain productive internal and external partnerships to advance research objectives, support knowledge-sharing, and strengthen organizational capability and industry engagement.
• Guide the development of proposals, technical reports, and publications, ensuring quality and alignment with organizational goals and standards.
• Drive innovation by supporting teams in scoping exploratory work, evaluating new technologies, and developing creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Monitor progress across programs, proactively identify risks or barriers, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery.
• Establish and maintain research governance practices, ensuring adherence to internal standards, safety protocols, and regulatory expectations.
• Provide leadership input into research prioritization and long-term capability development.
• Enable effective communication of research findings through presentations, reports, and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, technical conferences, and collaborative research initiatives as appropriate.
• Align team objectives with broader organizational goals and motivate teams to deliver research outcomes with measurable business impact.

Knowledge/Skills

Broad understanding of laboratory science, analytical methods, and research methodologies relevant to water and wastewater systems.

Knowledge of contaminants of emerging concern and associated monitoring, treatment, and regulatory considerations.

Understanding research program management, including prioritization, governance, and performance tracking.

Familiarity with applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., EPA standards) and industry practices.

• Awareness of emerging technologies, scientific trends, and innovation opportunities within the water sector.
• Computer literacy (competent in use of Word and Excel, LIMS, SAP and other software as needed).
• Statistical analysis, database and file management techniques.
• Experience and ability to perform methods of data analysis.
• Advanced scientific writing.
• Laboratory management and safety practice
• Knowledge of EPA and/or Standard Methods.
• Knowledge of drinking water and wastewater regulations.
• Knowledge of conventional, advanced and emerging water treatment technologies.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate organizational goals into actionable research plans.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities.
• Effective project and program management, including prioritization and risk management.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Stakeholder management and ability to influence across functions and organizational levels.
• Problem-solving and decision-making in complex, ambiguous environments.
• Ability to foster innovation and guide teams in developing creative solutions.
• Strong organizational and operational oversight skills.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field. Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline preferred. 
• 12+ years of full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization, relevant in the water industry or laboratory.
• Experience in the water, wastewater, or environmental sector preferred.
• Experience with external partnerships, grant-funded research, or industry collaboration preferred.
• Experience contributing to or overseeing technical publications or presentations preferred.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel for site visits, conferences, stakeholder meetings, and industry engagement.

Other

Work Environment: 

• Work is primarily conducted in an office and laboratory environment, with regular engagement across cross-functional teams.
• May include interaction with laboratory and field activities, as needed for oversight and program alignment.

Short Description

Competencies

Prioritizes & Role Models Safety

Self-Awareness

Develops Talent

Plans, Aligns, & Directs

Drives Engagement

Decision Quality

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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