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Water Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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:

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

GFT.

Newark, NJ

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

GFTis 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 team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What you'll be challenged to do:

In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • System Design:Designing water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing systems, including pre-treatment, various filtration processes including granular media and membranes, chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment
  • Process Optimization:Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new water treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.
  • Testing and Monitoring:Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
  • Compliance and Safety:Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
  • Project Management:Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology. 
  • Data Analysis:Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
  • Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced water treatment 

What you will bring to our firm: 

  • BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
  • Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6-12 months
  • 8 + years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing (study, plans and specifications) water infrastructure (i.e. treatment and pumping station projects)
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling preferred.
  • Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects
  • Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration as well as membrane filtration is preferred. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection would be preferred.
  • Progressive experience in the evaluation, design, permitting and construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and water storage and distribution facilities
 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: New York or New JerseyCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME