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Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs in California

... process. #LI-JF1 Keywords: Drinking Water Market Sector Leader, drinking water Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. * Masters's degree in engineering ...

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... process. #LI-JF1 Keywords: Drinking Water Market Sector Leader, drinking water Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. * Masters's degree in engineering ...

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Drinking Water Process Engineer information

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs in California?

For Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drinking Water Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drinking Water Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Drinking Water Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Drinking Water Market Sector Leader

HDR

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Area Drinking Water Market Sector Leader, we'll count on you to:

Drinking Water Growth and Strategy

  • Develop and drive a long-range Drinking Water vision and strategy for HDR's Southern California Area.
  • Lead HDR's Drinking Water branding in Southern California Area by engaging in professional organizations allied to the drinking water market.
  • Responsibilities also include collaborating with other technical and marketing staff in the pursuit of new projects, taking a leadership role in selected key pursuits.
  • Support the development of and provide reviews of scopes of work, fee estimate, project risk identification and project schedules.
  • Work with area leadership to coordinate staffing/recruiting plans for key hires and assist leadership as necessary with technical or project management hires. 
  • Identify technical gaps and support talent management and recruiting.
  • Identity and apply Drinking Water initiatives to the marketplace.
  • Implement national Drinking Water initiatives to marketplace.
  • Participate in industry associations and serve as a company role-model in business and community organizations.
  • Develop relationships with industry counterparts in other consulting organizations
  • Client Management Activities.
  • In alignment and in support of our Client Managers, promote the Drinking Water market. 
  • Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews for Drinking Water projects.
  • Serve as the Client Manager for selected key clients. 

Project Delivery

  • Function as a project manager on large or key projects
  • Assist with contract review on key projects to help ensure risk management, proper staffing, quality reviews and resolution of claims.
  • Ensure the best technology and solutions are integrated into project delivery
  • Serve as a QAQC reviewer for Drinking Water projects, including plans, specifications, models, presentation and report, and be engaged early in the project delivery process.     #LI-JF1

Keywords: Drinking Water Market Sector Leader, drinking water

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. 
  • Masters's degree in engineering, planning, or related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in major water infrastructure projects
  • Minimum 10 years managing municipal water and wastewater projects, engineering budgets, project teams.
  • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on project engineering experience 
  • Good leadership and organizational skills.
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.
  • Experience with staff mentoring and development of multidiscipline teams a must.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field
  • A minimum of 10 years of industry experience
  • Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for planning and/or engineering services
  • Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits
  • Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth
  • Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector
  • Ability to work cooperatively with Regional Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers
  • Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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Benefits

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917