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Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Temecula, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Monterey, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $210K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

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Drinking Water Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

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

As of Jul 12, 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

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.

What does a water process engineer do?

A water process engineer designs, develops, and optimizes systems for treating and distributing drinking water. They analyze water quality, select appropriate treatment methods, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often using tools like process simulation software. Their work supports safe, clean water supply and may involve field testing and process monitoring.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most drinking water process engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in large organizations can potentially earn $200,000 or more. Achieving a $500,000 salary typically requires executive-level positions or specialized consulting roles beyond standard engineering responsibilities.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers, including drinking water process engineers, are in demand due to ongoing needs for water treatment, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental compliance. The field offers steady employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in water treatment systems, environmental regulations, and relevant certifications. Job growth is driven by aging infrastructure and increasing water quality standards across many regions.

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Locum Tenens, 52% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Drinking Water Process Engineer

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Kennedy Jenks

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.
Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets.
In this role, you will apply technical knowledge to complex water challenges, support project delivery, and collaborate with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
You'll help evaluate treatment approaches, prepare technical deliverables, support facility planning, and advance sustainable water solutions for Kennedy Jenks clients.
What You'll Do
As a Drinking Water Process Engineer, you'll support technical analysis, project delivery, client coordination, and process improvement.
  • Evaluate treatment approaches: Assess municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced purification processes, including evaluation, selection, engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Support pursuits and delivery: Partner with project teams and client service managers during pursuits, interviews, technical discussions, and project execution, including contributions to treatment process innovations, technical approaches, and scope development.
  • Advance planning, studies, and research: Contribute to feasibility studies, facility planning, pilot testing, and related technical evaluations, and collaborate with the Applied Research Group on water quality and treatment research.
  • Support municipal and industrial treatment work: Collaborate with municipal and private sector water treatment staff on projects related to water quality, industrial water treatment, and treatment process improvement.
  • Prepare technical deliverables: Develop basis of design reports, preliminary and detailed engineering drawings, specifications, process flow diagrams, and process instrumentation diagrams.
  • Improve facility performance: Identify opportunities to enhance treatment operations, efficiency, and reliability at existing facilities.
  • Collaborate and mentor: Work with senior engineers on technical solutions and provide guidance to less experienced staff.

What Makes This Role Different
  • Meaningful impact: Contribute to projects that help communities deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water solutions.
  • Varied experience: Work on local and national projects that expose you to a range of treatment challenges, client needs, and technical solutions.
  • Opportunities to grow: Build your technical depth, take on increasing responsibility, and collaborate with experienced engineers who support your development.

What You Bring
  • Relevant experience: Background in drinking water treatment engineering, including process design, system optimization, or operational evaluation.
  • Functional expertise: Knowledge of municipal treatment, reuse, advanced purification, process evaluation, and engineering studies.
  • Stakeholder communication: Ability to communicate clearly with clients, project managers, client service managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Industry engagement: Active participation in water-focused professional organizations, with the ability to submit abstracts and confidently present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Ability to evaluate alternatives and develop practical engineering recommendations.
  • Technical documentation: Experience preparing basis of design reports, engineering drawings, specifications, process flow diagrams, and process instrumentation diagrams.
  • Writing and collaboration: Strong writing, analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Work style: Collaborative, curious, and growth-oriented, with a willingness to mentor others.

Qualifications
  • Education: BS or MS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Certifications or licenses: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license in California; PE preferred or ability to obtain.

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 do their best work.
Salary range for this position is expected to be between $120,000 and $210,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.
Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.
#LI-Hybrid
Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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