ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Monterey, CA · Hybrid

$88K - $176K/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 Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$84K/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

$97K - $194K/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

$97K - $194K/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 Technical Expert

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

If you are a motivated and experienced drinking water engineer with a passion for mentoring staff ... Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsUtility JobsWater Resource Engineer JobsDrinking Water Process Engineer Jobs

Drinking Water Process Engineer information

See salary details

$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

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

As of Aug 22, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drinking water process engineer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Donohue & Associates, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Donohue is seeking an experienced Drinking Water Process Engineer to provide technical guidance and process leadership on municipal drinking water projects located throughout the Midwest. In this position you will be an integral member of project teams that create detailed facility and master plans, designs, plans and specifications, and estimates for treatment plants, tanks, pump/booster stations, and other water storage and conveyance system infrastructure. You will work closely with our clients and Donohue project team members and serve as a technical resource.

Other responsibilities include project management, involvement in drinking water marketing pursuits, proposal writing, client interviews, staying abreast of regulatory issues impacting the industry, and active participation in AWWA.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years experience with municipal water treatment systems
  • Professional Engineer registration
  • Strong technical background and experience in water treatment, water quality, and regulatory compliance
  • Positive team- and client-focused attitude directed towards delivering quality work on time and within budget
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Leadership and mentoring skills
  • Active professional organization participation

Requirements:

  • Masters degree in Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years experience with municipal water treatment systems
  • Professional Engineer registration

An employee-owned firm, Donohue & Associates was established in 1997 and since then has expanded to over 140 employees in several offices across the Midwest. Engineering News Record ranks Donohue a Top 20 Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Firm and our innovative design teams have received over 45 engineering excellence awards. Donohue offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company contribution, paid-time off and company holidays, flexible work schedules, discretionary annual bonuses, and an industry-unique monthly profit-sharing plan. The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 $175,000 based on education, experience, qualifications and location.

Donohue is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply