ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drinking Water Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All 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 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 Technical Expert

Drinking Water Process Technical Expert

Kennedy Jenks

Austin, TX • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

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 and environmental consulting services today, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using new advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, and award-winning water reuse projects. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.
Kennedy Jenks is seeking a National Water Treatment Technical Expert, serving as a drinking water quality and treatment subject matter expert for clients and project teams across the firm. The ideal candidate will have broad understanding and experience in drinking water treatment technologies and regulations, and a desire to serve as a mentor to mid-level staff to develop their skills in water treatment. If you are a motivated and experienced drinking water engineer with a passion for mentoring staff and serving our water clients, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including treatment process evaluation, process selection, preliminary engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Support client service managers and business development efforts, serving as a technical subject matter expert at in-person and virtual meetings and project interviews.
  • Participate in project pursuits and interviews, including developing treatment process innovations, technical approach and scope items.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead process preliminary design, including preparation of basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects. Guide the development and/or provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Guide, mentor and/or lead the process performance evaluation and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and confidently present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Collaborate with our private sector water treatment staff to support and/or participate in projects related to industrial water quality and water treatment processes.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil / environmental engineering, or related scientific discipline required. -
  • 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering
  • Practical professional engineer (PE) license required. License in one or multiple states (CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, WA) preferred.
  • Ability to interact professionally both internally and externally. Ability to relay technical information competently to clients, as needed. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.
  • Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations.

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.
The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $150,000 to $200,000 and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.
Benefits summary: 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.
Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.

Apply