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Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Monterey, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Temecula, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

Kennedy Jenks

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification.

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How much do drinking water process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for drinking water process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drinking Water Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drinking Water Process Engineer, you need a strong background in environmental or civil engineering, water treatment processes, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, often, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with water quality modeling software, SCADA systems, and industry standards such as EPA regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of clean drinking water to communities.

What are some typical challenges Drinking Water Process Engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Drinking Water Process Engineers often work alongside civil engineers, environmental scientists, and operations staff to design and maintain water treatment systems. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team member may have different technical priorities and terminology. Additionally, balancing regulatory compliance, cost constraints, and sustainability goals can require frequent negotiation and creative problem-solving. Developing strong interpersonal and project management skills is essential for successful collaboration in this role.

What does a Drinking Water Process Engineer do?

A Drinking Water Process Engineer designs, develops, and manages systems and processes to ensure the safe and efficient treatment of drinking water. They work to remove contaminants, optimize water quality, and comply with regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include designing treatment plants, selecting appropriate technologies, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting operational challenges. These engineers also collaborate with other professionals to ensure that drinking water meets health and safety requirements for communities.

What is the difference between Drinking Water Process Engineer vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectDrinking Water Process EngineerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; certifications may include CWE or WQ certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; operator certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize water treatment processes; office and lab settingsOperate and monitor water treatment equipment on-site at treatment plants
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, government agencies, water utilitiesMunicipal water treatment facilities, private water companies

While both roles focus on water quality, the Drinking Water Process Engineer primarily designs and improves treatment systems, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator manages daily operations on-site. Both roles are essential for ensuring safe drinking water but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

More about Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Drinking Water Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs are:
Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Engineer

kennedyjc

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer to join our team in California and contribute to projects focused on drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification. This role offers the opportunity to work on both local and national projects, applying your technical expertise to complex water treatment challenges. Candidates at all stages of their career who are ready to take on increasing technical responsibility, contribute to innovative solutions, and collaborate with experienced engineers are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute technical expertise in municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including evaluating treatment processes, selecting appropriate methods, conducting engineering studies, and optimizing operations.

  • Support project teams and client service managers in project pursuits, meetings, and technical discussions.

  • Participate in feasibility studies, facility planning, and pilot testing for water treatment projects.

  • Prepare technical deliverables, including basis of design reports, preliminary and detailed engineering drawings, specifications, process flow diagrams, and process instrumentation diagrams.

  • Evaluate and optimize operations of existing water treatment facilities.

  • Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers when appropriate, and collaborate with senior engineers on technical solutions.

  • Stay current on industry standards, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

  • 5+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering, including process design, system optimization, or operational evaluation

  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license; PE preferred or ability to obtain

  • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with clients and project staff

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential.

Salary range for this position is expected to be between $115,000 and $210,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

This position is eligible for performance and incentive compensation. 

Benefits Summary: Kennedy Jenks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.

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