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Membrane Separation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$140 - $180/hr

Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to product design, development, and manufacturing processes. * Knowledge of membrane separation technologies, water treatment systems, or related process ...

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Membrane Separation Engineer information

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$42K

$96K

$149K

How much do membrane separation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for membrane separation engineer in the United States is $96,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a membrane separation engineer do?

A Membrane Separation Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and optimizing processes that use membranes to separate substances in liquids or gases. They work in industries such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical manufacturing, focusing on filtration, purification, and concentration processes. Their responsibilities include selecting appropriate membrane technologies, troubleshooting system performance, and ensuring efficient and sustainable operation. They also stay updated on advancements in membrane materials and system design to improve process efficiency and reduce costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a membrane separation engineer?

To thrive as a Membrane Separation Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, often with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with membrane fabrication techniques, characterization tools (such as SEM, FTIR), and simulation software like COMSOL or Aspen Plus is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills distinguish top professionals in this niche. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient membrane systems, optimizing separation processes, and ensuring project success in research or industrial environments.

What are the primary challenges membrane separation engineers face when scaling up laboratory processes to full-scale industrial applications?

Membrane Separation Engineers often encounter challenges related to membrane fouling, maintaining consistent performance, and optimizing operational costs when transitioning from lab-scale experiments to industrial-scale systems. Issues such as feed variability, cleaning protocols, and system integration with existing plant operations become more complex at larger scales. Successful engineers must collaborate closely with process engineers, maintenance teams, and quality assurance specialists to troubleshoot, adapt designs, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout scale-up.

What is the difference between Membrane Separation Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectMembrane Separation EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; certifications in membrane technologyBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; process optimization certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, water treatment facilitiesManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, industrial sites
Industry UsageWater treatment, desalination, gas separation, biotechOil & gas, chemical manufacturing, food processing
Common Search/ComparisonMembrane Separation Engineer vs Process Engineer

The Membrane Separation Engineer specializes in designing and optimizing membrane-based separation processes, primarily in water treatment and biotech industries. The Process Engineer focuses on overall process design, optimization, and efficiency across various manufacturing sectors. While both roles require engineering credentials and involve process improvement, the Membrane Separation Engineer has a specialized focus on membrane technologies, whereas the Process Engineer covers broader process systems.

More about Membrane Separation Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Membrane Separation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Membrane Separation Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Membrane Separation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Membrane Separation Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Membrane Separation Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Membrane Separation Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Membrane Separation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,000 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer- Water Treatment (Membrane)

Irvine, CA • Hybrid


GHD
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$108K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Join a global professional services leader! We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy, and urbanization. 

GHD is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join our water treatment team based out of Southern California, to lead the design, optimization and troubleshooting of advanced membrane filtration systems (RO, NF, UF) for municipal and industrial applications, supporting work across GHD's West Region. 

Our group focuses on water and wastewater treatment, asset management, operations support, and program management for public and private clients. You will use your experience and knowledge and be involved in exciting projects that will offer an opportunity to provide technical solutions.

As a Senior Process Engineer, you will provide design and management support and relating to the design of membrane water treatment projects. Further, you will have the opportunity to be a key member of the team responsible for the delivery of sophisticated and innovative projects, the mentorship of technicians and other engineers, and grow your competence towards becoming a design leader.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership and demonstrated engineering skills relating to membrane filtration technology. We are seeking self-motivated and active networkers who value building credible relationships with clients and the community.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Collaborate with fellow engineers on a wide range of projects.
  • Participate in the planning, design and construction oversight of membrane water treatment related infrastructure projects.
  • Develop technical reports and proposals.
  • Guide, train, develop and mentor junior and intermediate process engineers.
  • Work with clients for planning purposes, providing updates and building positive relationships.
  • Interact with clients, suppliers, and regulators to help create successful concepts

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!  Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility.  Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

The Ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:

  • Proven experience in leading the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of advanced membrane filtration systems (such as Reverse Osmosis, Nanofiltration, Ultrafiltration, and Membrane Bioreactors) for municipal and industrial applications.
  • Deep knowledge of water chemistry, membrane fouling mechanisms, normalization software and producing mass/energy balances for membrane separation units. 
  • Ability to select appropriate membrane materials, module configurations, and pretreatment/post-treatment processes to maximize recovery rates and energy efficiency.
  • Ability to excel in a multidisciplinary team environment as well as independently. Lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with external clients or vendors, and act as the technical specialist during  safety reviews.
  • Demonstrated ability of effective time management, handling priorities, and working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to provide hands-on technical support during plant startup, performance testing, root-cause investigations, and ongoing operational troubleshooting.
  • Attention to detail and ability to complete diverse assignments.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering from an accredited university.

Requirements

  • Minimum 8 years of experience 
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in California, or the ability to obtain within 1 year.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Salary Range:  $108,000-$180,000 based on experience and location

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About GHD

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation. GHD is a global professional services company that is a leader in engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals, yet we are proudly 'One GHD' across more than 200 offices, spanning five continents - Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are passionate about building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waterloo, ON, CA

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