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Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Preliminary Engineering Reports, Plans, Specifications and Estimates for challenging ... Drinking water infrastructure: wells, storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, pressure reducing ...

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

San Diego, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Preliminary Engineering Reports, Plans, Specifications and Estimates for challenging ... Drinking water infrastructure: wells, storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, pressure reducing ...

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Preliminary Engineering Reports, Plans, Specifications and Estimates for challenging ... Drinking water infrastructure: wells, storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, pressure reducing ...

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Preliminary Engineering Reports, Plans, Specifications and Estimates for challenging ... Drinking water infrastructure: wells, storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, pressure reducing ...

Assistant Water/Wastewater Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$33.65 - $43.27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview NV5 is seeking a passionate Assistant Engineer for our California Water/Wastewater ... With this in mind, we take a two-fold approach to our mission: access to safe drinking water ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions. * Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water ...

Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions. * Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions. * Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions. * Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions. * Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water ...

Principal Civil Engineer (Water)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128 - $175/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Adhere to Brown and Caldwell's QA/QC process. * Provide mentorship, guidance, support, and ... Desire to work on projects related to groundwater, drinking water, water reuse, and stormwater.

Showing results 41-60

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.

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

NV5

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

NV5's Southern California Water/Wastewater Practice has an exciting opportunity for an associate engineer. Our practice focuses on the planning and design of water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure. We produce sustainable and innovative projects that assist disadvantaged communities with access to safe drinking water and promote sustainable water resources through water recycling and indirect potable reuse.

Our primary mission is to create a lasting impact on society. We believe that every individual should have access to clean and safe drinking water, regardless of their circumstances. With this in mind, we take a two-fold approach to our mission: access to safe drinking water & sustainable water resources. By designing and implementing innovative water infrastructure projects, we actively contribute to this fundamental goal. In addition to providing immediate access to clean water, we are deeply committed to the sustainable management of water resources. This includes the promotion of water recycling and the implementation of indirect potable reuse initiatives. By taking a forward-thinking approach, we aim to mitigate water scarcity and secure the future of our planet's most vital resource.

Responsibilities
  • Work within a team of highly experienced and creative engineers to problem solve, analyze, and evaluate projects from planning through construction.
  • Prepare Preliminary Engineering Reports, Plans, Specifications and Estimates for challenging drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure, including for:
    • Drinking water infrastructure: wells, storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, pressure reducing stations, and water treatment facilities.
    • Wastewater infrastructure: wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and pipelines.
    • Recycled water infrastructure: storage tanks, pipelines, pump stations, and pressure-reducing stations.
    • Prepare master planning reports and hydraulic models.
  • Assist in marketing business opportunities with key clients and development of responses to RFP/RFQs.
  • Participate in local professional organizations.
  • Develop long-term relationships with clients
  • Assist clients with permitting and infrastructure financing applications
  • Mentor junior and assistant engineers
  • Presentations to governing boards and city councils
  • Work with local and state regulatory agencies for project permitting, funding, etc.
  • Travel to project sites and client meetings, with occasional overnight stays required
  • Coordinate with other disciplines for project development, including geotechnical engineering, land surveying, electrical engineering, and structural engineering.
Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and/or Master of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering with concentration in water/wastewater
  • 3-8 years of progressive relative water/wastewater infrastructure design experience
  • Professional Engineer license required, California PE preferred or ability to obtain a California PE license within a year if licensed in another state
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Innovyze InfoSewer/InfoWater, and ArcGIS
  • Understanding of hydraulics and pipe networks
  • Participation in professional societies (e.g. American Society of Civil Engineers, Water for People, Engineers Without Borders, American Public Works Association, etc.)

The pay range for this position in California is $85,000 to $120,000 per year. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About NV5

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NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US