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Water Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resource Design Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$74.70K - $102.10K/yr

Water Resource Design Engineer Remote (Candidates must be in Florida or willing to relocate to Florida) About Us: Our Client is a pioneering force in the restoration of the Everglades and a key ...

Water Resource Design Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$74.70K - $102.10K/yr

Water Resource Design Engineer Remote (Candidates must be in Florida or willing to relocate to Florida) About Us: Our Client is a pioneering force in the restoration of the Everglades and a key ...

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources ...

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources ...

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Water Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do water design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for water design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree with relevant licensure (such as a Professional Engineer, PE, certificate). Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling tools (e.g., EPANET or WaterCAD) is essential, alongside knowledge of industry standards and regulations. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and delivering practical solutions. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant water infrastructure designs that meet community and environmental needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Design Engineers in project execution, and how are they typically addressed?

Water Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing evolving regulatory requirements, and ensuring designs meet both efficiency and sustainability goals. Effective communication with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies is essential to resolve issues promptly. Staying updated on local codes and leveraging design software helps streamline workflow and maintain compliance. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams also ensures project objectives are met on time and within budget.

What are Water Design Engineers?

Water Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing systems and infrastructure related to water resources, such as pipelines, water treatment plants, drainage systems, and distribution networks. They analyze water flow, pressure, and quality to create efficient and sustainable solutions for municipal, industrial, or environmental needs. Their work ensures safe water supply, effective wastewater management, and compliance with environmental regulations. Water Design Engineers often collaborate with civil engineers, environmental scientists, and government agencies to deliver projects from conception through construction.

What is the difference between Water Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for consulting roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, pipelines, and treatment facilities; often in consulting firms or government agenciesBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, water systems; in consulting, government, or construction firms
Industry UsageSpecialized in water-related projects and systemsWide range of infrastructure projects, including water systems

While both roles require civil engineering fundamentals and PE licensure, Water Design Engineers focus specifically on water systems, pipelines, and treatment facilities, whereas Civil Engineers have a broader scope covering various infrastructure projects. The Water Design Engineer role is more specialized within the water sector, often involving detailed water system design and analysis.

More about Water Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Water Design Engineer jobs are:
Design Engineer I

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago


Job description

Design Engineer I
CA | GA | NY | CR
About Sherwood Design Engineers
Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people, communities and the environment.
Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources - carbon, energy, water, and waste. We've worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.
Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.
Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?
Role Summary
At Sherwood Design Engineers, we value collaboration that incorporates multiple perspectives, and believe that diverse ideas produce more robust and equitable solutions. We have an amazing opportunity for a driven and curious Design Engineer focused on land development design to support our team.
Required Skills
  • Typically industry internship experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental
  • Exercises sound judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional and innovative work.
  • Ability to work with multiple site base files oriented in different coordinate frames and varying units.
  • Ability to read, understand and design topographic information.
  • Working knowledge of Windows, MS Office, and cloud-based collaboration software (Google Apps, Asana, Dropbox, Sharepoint, etc.)
  • Proficient in AutoCAD

Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of civil design programs (Civil 3D, LDT, Hydro CAD, Flowmasters, StormCAD, etc)
  • Knowledge of Graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Certifications or other sustainability-oriented accreditation preferred (iLEED , EIT, etc.)
  • Knowledge of GIS principles
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

Expected Outcomes
  • Research, design, develop, and evaluate plans, specifications, and layouts for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects, public works improvements, or other capital improvement projects using applied knowledge of civil engineering
  • Design naturally and physically built structures using knowledge of biology, statistics, dynamics, materials, kinematics, hydrology, hydraulics, and geotechnics
  • Prepare technical reports, create design specifications, and determine cost estimates
  • Oversee construction of projects to ensure adherence to design specifications
  • Ensure projects comply with local zoning and ordinances, as well as national regulatory requirements
  • Identify, evaluate, and document existing structures for signs for disrepair and provide design remedies as necessary
  • Create and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics
  • Use drafting tools or computer-aided design (CAD) equipment and software in design work. May manage project schedules and budgets
  • May be required to approve designs that can impact the health, safety, and welfare of the general public, as required by law

What We Offer
  • Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
  • Flexible working - with every other Friday off
  • Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
  • Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
  • Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
  • Automatic 401k enrollment
  • Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
  • A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment!

Compensation:
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $80,824 to $98,785. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.