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Septic Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Septic Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$110.5K

$163.1K

How much do septic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for septic design engineer in Virginia is $110,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $137,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Septic Design Engineer job?

A Septic Design Engineer is responsible for designing septic systems that efficiently treat and dispose of wastewater in areas without access to municipal sewer systems. They assess soil conditions, site layout, and regulatory requirements to create plans that ensure environmental safety and compliance with local codes. Their work involves conducting site evaluations, hydraulic calculations, and selecting appropriate system components. These engineers collaborate with homeowners, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure proper installation and functionality of the septic system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Septic Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Septic Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, and familiarity with relevant state and local regulations. Proficiency with CAD software, hydraulic modeling tools, and holding a Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, project management, and effective communication with clients and regulatory agencies are important soft skills. These abilities ensure compliant, efficient septic system designs that meet client needs and regulatory standards.

What are some typical challenges a Septic Design Engineer faces on the job?

Septic Design Engineers commonly encounter challenges related to site constraints, such as soil composition, topography, and lot size, which can complicate the design process. They often need to balance regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, and client expectations while meeting tight project deadlines. Collaboration with surveyors, contractors, and local health departments is frequent to ensure all aspects of installation and permitting are addressed properly. Successfully navigating these challenges requires technical expertise, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills.

What are popular job titles related to Septic Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Septic Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Septic Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Septic Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Septic Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Septic Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Septic Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,543 per year, or $53.1 per hour.
Project Delivery Engineer, Military Services Group

Project Delivery Engineer, Military Services Group

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Fort Belvoir, VA

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


American Water rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID:  109940 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

In September 2008, under the Department of Defense’s Utility Privatization Program, American Water was awarded ownership and a 50-year contract for the operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater distribution and collection systems and treatment facilities at Fort Johnson in Leesville, Louisiana. Our responsibilities include system capital investment, regulatory and environmental compliance, planning, asset recapitalization, and long term operations and maintenance. The potable water distribution system consists of ground water supply, treatment, storage, and piping. There are twelve active wells supplying water through a network of 100 miles of pipe and being stored in 14 elevated and ground tanks with a combined capacity of 7 million gallons. The wastewater collection system includes two wastewater treatment plants with a capacity of 1.4 and 3.8 million gallons per day (MGD) both serviced by 82 miles of pipe. The water and wastewater systems at Fort Johnson serve a population of just under 20,000.

Primary Role

***This role provies a relocation package availabe to those that are not local to this role. 

*** College students who are graduating are encouraged to apply

Carries out engineering tasks and activities on assigned water and wastewater projects, under the direction of one or more managers by performing the following duties personally or through work with other team members. Performance Measurements: Performance of a project engineer in the Engineering group will be primarily measured against demonstrated success in developing and delivering project work products that are of high quality and prepared within the limits of contracted schedule and budget. Additional goals will be established at yearly performance review.

Key Accountabilities
  • Undertakes assignments and activities related to the development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects including preparation of feasibility studies, acquisition of permits and design of facilities.
  • Typical projects include, but are not limited to, potable water wells, treatment facilities, storage tanks and water distribution systems along with sewage collection, pumping stations, septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities.                                                                     
  • Performs engineering calculations, contributes to the preparation of engineering and project reports, conducts field investigations, develops engineering cost estimates and prepares design sketches and drawings, all under the supervision of a manager.
  • Assists in the development of new business documents and proposals.
  • Prepares portions of project reports for project management.
Knowledge/Skills
  • Ability to work multiple projects or assignments with minimum direction.
  • Effective management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, coordinating individual staff and teams).
  • Verbal and written communications skills (e.g. presentation, report writing, listening).
  • Interpersonal skills (e.g. tact/diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, ability to motivate others).
  • Strong Quantitative, analytical and financial skills; attention to details.
  • Leadership presence (e.g. ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperation working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions form management.
  • Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Knowledge of engineering theory and practice related to planning, design, construction and operation of water/wastewater facilities, project management, water resources, engineering economics and utility operations.
  • Knowledge of engineering or construction contract administration and project delivery approaches related to water/wastewater facilities.
  • Sound business acumen and judgment.
  • Knowledge of company procedures, policies and operations.
  • Understanding of Company management theories, practices, and trends.
Experience/Education
  • Engineering experience in water resources utility or related field.
  • 1-5 years minimum experience in water and wastewater industry or utility industry
  • Bachelor’s Degree in civil, Environmental, Mechanical or related field.
Work Environment/Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm 
  • 60% office 40% field.
  • 20% Travel (as needed)
  • In addition to American Water’s pre-employment screenings, this position requires the ability to pass a Department of Defense background check for access to the military installation.
Certifications/Licenses
  • Minimum of Engineer in Training (EIT) required.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred, not required for this role.

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Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.


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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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