Role Overview for VP of Engineering (Water Tech) – Sacramento, CA
JRG Partners is seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Vice President of Engineering to lead the technological innovation and product development for a pioneering water technology company based in Sacramento, CA. This is a critical leadership role for an individual passionate about leveraging cutting-edge engineering to solve pressing global water challenges, from resource scarcity and pollution to infrastructure resilience and efficiency. As VP of Engineering, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the company’s engineering strategy, building and mentoring high-performing teams, and delivering transformative products that set new industry standards.
Our client is at the forefront of developing smart, sustainable solutions for water management, purification, and conservation. They harness the power of IoT, AI/ML, advanced sensor technologies, and data analytics to create intelligent systems that optimize water usage, improve water quality, and enhance operational efficiency across municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant environmental impact, drive technological advancements, and contribute to a healthier planet.
You will report directly to the CEO, playing a pivotal role in the executive leadership team, influencing company strategy, and fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration. This position requires a leader with deep technical expertise in water technology, a proven track record of managing complex engineering projects, and the ability to inspire and empower a diverse team of engineers. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for sustainability and a desire to lead a mission-driven engineering organization, we invite you to explore this unparalleled opportunity in Sacramento, a city rapidly becoming a hub for cleantech and sustainable innovation.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Engineering (Water Tech) – Sacramento, CA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and articulate the long-term engineering vision, strategy, and roadmap, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business objectives, product strategy, and market needs in the water technology sector. Drive innovation by identifying and integrating emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and grow a multi-disciplinary engineering organization encompassing software, hardware, mechanical, chemical, data science, and systems engineering. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that encourages innovation, professional growth, and accountability. Oversee talent acquisition, performance management, and career development initiatives.
Product Development & Execution
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to testing, deployment, and post-launch support. Ensure the delivery of high-quality, scalable, reliable, and secure water technology solutions that meet performance specifications and customer expectations.
Technical Excellence & Architecture
Establish and enforce engineering best practices, design patterns, and architectural standards. Guide technical decision-making, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable systems. Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, and methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevOps).
Research & Development
Spearhead R&D initiatives to explore and integrate new technologies relevant to water management, such as advanced filtration membranes, smart sensors, AI-driven predictive analytics for water quality, drone-based inspection systems, and IoT platforms for real-time monitoring.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Customer Success teams to translate market requirements into technical specifications, prioritize development efforts, and ensure seamless product delivery and adoption.
Budget & Resource Management
Manage the engineering department’s budget, resources, and timelines effectively, optimizing for efficiency and impact. Make data-driven decisions regarding technology investments and resource allocation.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Ensure all engineering outputs adhere to rigorous quality standards, regulatory compliance (e.g., environmental regulations, drinking water standards), and industry certifications relevant to water technology.
Intellectual Property & Innovation
Drive the creation and protection of intellectual property, fostering an environment where new ideas and inventions are encouraged and rewarded.
Stakeholder Communication
Effectively communicate complex technical concepts and strategic direction to executive leadership, board members, investors, and external partners. Represent the company at industry conferences and technical forums.
Market & Technology Awareness
Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and advancements in water technology and broader engineering fields to inform strategic planning and maintain a competitive edge. Understand and promote sustainable water management practices. For more insights into global water quality and environmental advancements, consider exploring resources from organizations dedicated to advancing global water quality.
Requirements for the VP of Engineering (Water Tech) – Sacramento, CA
Educational Background
Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering (e.g., Environmental, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, or a closely related field) from a reputable institution is highly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree with exceptional relevant experience will also be considered.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, CTO) managing large, complex, and multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Domain Expertise
Proven track record and deep understanding of the water technology sector, including experience with water treatment processes (e.g., filtration, desalination, disinfection), wastewater management, water quality monitoring, smart water grids, resource optimization, or environmental engineering solutions.
Technical Acumen
Extensive technical expertise in relevant areas such as IoT platforms, sensor technologies, data analytics, machine learning/AI for predictive maintenance or process optimization, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), embedded systems, control systems, and full-stack software development.
Hardware & Software Integration
Demonstrated experience in leading projects involving the integration of hardware and software components, including embedded systems, industrial controls, and cloud-based data platforms. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and supply chain management for physical products is a plus.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing engineering teams. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Business Acumen
Solid understanding of business principles, market dynamics, and financial management. Ability to align engineering initiatives with broader business goals and drive commercial success.
Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership, investors, and customers.
Agile Methodologies
Strong familiarity and practical experience with Agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and DevOps practices.
Regulatory Knowledge
Understanding of relevant environmental regulations, industry standards, and certifications pertaining to water quality and water technology products.
Location
Ability to work on-site in Sacramento, CA, with occasional travel as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and financial security. This role comes with a highly competitive salary and an attractive equity package commensurate with your experience and impact.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
Retirement Planning
Generous 401(k) retirement plan with company matching to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, including access to conferences, workshops, online courses, and tuition reimbursement programs.
Innovative Environment
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven culture at the forefront of sustainable technology.
Impactful Work
The chance to contribute meaningfully to global environmental sustainability and address critical water challenges.
Flexible Work
Support for flexible work arrangements where appropriate, fostering a productive and adaptable environment.
Modern Workspace
A state-of-the-art office in Sacramento, equipped with the latest tools and technologies.
Employee Recognition
Programs designed to recognize and reward outstanding contributions and dedication.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished engineering leader with a passion for water technology and a vision for driving innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. Join a team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world through cutting-edge engineering solutions.
Please submit your comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and why you are the ideal candidate to lead our client’s engineering efforts in Sacramento. In your cover letter, highlight specific achievements in water technology or related fields that demonstrate your capacity for this role.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial screening. JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
For more information on how JRG Partners can help advance your career in engineering leadership, please visit our practice area page: Explore more engineering career opportunities with JRG Partners.
