About Practical Applications, Inc.
Practical Applications, Inc. is a trusted provider of industrial field services and applied engineering consulting, delivering practical, results-driven solutions to complex operational challenges. We specialize in helping clients improve reliability, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance across their facilities through hands-on expertise and innovative problem-solving.
Our team is known for bridging the gap between engineering theory and real-world execution—bringing deep technical knowledge directly into the field.
Position Overview
Practical Applications, Inc. is seeking an experienced and driven Department Manager to lead our Industrial Field Services and Engineering Consulting team. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a hands-on, client-focused environment and has the ability to combine technical depth with operational leadership.
This position includes oversight of projects involving industrial water systems, including pure/ultrapure water, as well as industrial wastewater and EPA pretreatment program compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, field technicians, and project managers
- Build a strong, accountable, safety-first culture aligned with Practical Applications’ values
- Recruit, develop, and retain top technical talent
- Provide coaching and career development for team members
Project & Field Operations
- Oversee execution of industrial field service projects and consulting engagements
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards
- Support teams in troubleshooting complex engineering challenges in real-world environments
- Provide oversight for projects involving:
- Industrial pure and ultrapure water systems (RO, DI, filtration, polishing systems)
- Industrial wastewater systems and treatment processes
- Balance field demands with consulting deliverables and resource availability
Client Engagement & Business Growth
- Maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships
- Identify new opportunities within existing accounts and new markets
- Lead or support proposals, scopes of work, and technical presentations
- Represent Practical Applications as a trusted partner in:
- Water system reliability and performance
- Regulatory compliance and pretreatment program management
Department Management & Performance
- Manage departmental budget, utilization, and profitability
- Track key performance metrics and drive continuous improvement
- Optimize processes to improve responsiveness and project execution
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and client requirements
Technical Leadership
- Provide high-level technical oversight on complex projects
- Guide engineering and field teams on:
- Industrial pure water system design, operation, and troubleshooting
- EPA industrial pretreatment program requirements and implementation
- Regulatory compliance, permitting, and reporting
- Promote best practices in industrial maintenance, water treatment, and reliability engineering
- Support teams with real-time problem-solving expertise in the field
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, or related field)
- 8+ years of experience in industrial field services, engineering consulting, or plant operations
- 3+ years of leadership or management experience
- Hands-on experience solving real-world industrial operational challenges
- Experience with industrial water systems and/or wastewater treatment
Preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification
- Direct experience with:
- Industrial pure or ultrapure water systems
- EPA industrial pretreatment programs and regulatory compliance
- Background in process systems, utilities, or environmental engineering
- Experience with root cause analysis, reliability engineering, or system optimization
- Proven success in business development and client relationship management
Key Skills
- Practical, solutions-oriented mindset
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
- Excellent communication and client engagement skills
- Ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational practices
- Technical expertise in industrial water systems and compliance frameworks
- Financial and operational management skills
- Commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with performance incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunity to lead a highly skilled and respected technical team
- A collaborative, hands-on environment focused on solving real-world challenges
- Career growth and leadership development opportunities