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Water Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Fehr Graham

Project Engineer - Water

Aurora, IL

Description Are you a passionate Senior Water Engineer with a flair for designing innovative water systems and analyzing water treatment solutions? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest engineering ...

Baxter & Woodman

Digital Water Engineer I

Chicago, IL

$74K - $90K/yr

Digital Water Engineer I Location Options: Crystal Lake, Chicago, Naperville, Bannockburn, or Mokena, IL Why Join Baxter & Woodman? At Baxter & Woodman, professionals of all backgrounds find more ...

Mannik Smith Group

Project Engineer - Water

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Project Engineer - Water Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: East Peoria, IL Reporting To: Josh Harken Compensation: $90,000 - $115,000 / year Description Fehr Graham is ...

Trilon Group

$90K - $115K/yr

Project Engineer - Water Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: East Peoria, IL Reporting To: Josh Harken Compensation: $90,000 - $115,000 / year Description Fehr Graham is ...

Trilon

Project Engineer - Water

East Peoria, IL · On-site

Fehr Graham is a leading engineering and environmental firm with a passion for helping communities thrive. We offer smart solutions to complex challenges in infrastructure, water resources ...

Mannik Smith Group

Project Engineer - Water

Peoria, IL · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Project Engineer - Water Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: East Peoria, IL Reporting To: Josh Harken Compensation: $90,000 - $115,000 / year Description Fehr Graham is ...

Trilon

Project Engineer - Water

East Peoria, IL · On-site

Fehr Graham is a leading engineering and environmental firm with a passion for helping communities thrive. We offer smart solutions to complex challenges in infrastructure, water resources ...

Stanley Consultants

Water Resources Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$94K - $120K/yr

Job title - Water Resources Engineer Locations - Chicago, IL | Minneapolis, MN Job type - Hybrid Requisition ID - 11263 Stanley Consultants is currently looking for a Water Resources Engineer for our ...

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All JobsWater Engineer JobsWater Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Water Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$59.5K

$77.5K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in Illinois is $59,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $72,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water engineer?

A water engineer works on projects to ensure water supplies stay clean, properly dispose of wastewater and sewage, and prevent flood damage. Job duties include designing and building structures for water resource control, overseeing project construction, monitoring technical systems, and analyzing technical data. They work on structures such as pumping stations, reservoirs, and sea defense walls. To effectively perform this job, you must stay current with environmental management legislation and government regulations related to water resources.

What does a water engineer do?

A Water Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources, such as water treatment plants, drainage systems, and flood defense mechanisms. They work to ensure the safe and efficient supply, distribution, and management of water for communities, agriculture, and industry. Their work often involves environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and compliance with regulations. Water Engineers collaborate with government agencies, contractors, and the public to solve water-related challenges and improve water infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Engineer, you generally need a degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, GIS systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is typically required. Effective communication, project management, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage complex projects. These skills ensure safe, sustainable water systems and successful project delivery in compliance with regulatory standards.

How do water engineers typically collaborate with other professionals on large-scale projects?

Water Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams that include civil engineers, environmental scientists, urban planners, and construction managers. Effective collaboration is essential for designing and implementing water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and flood control solutions. Regular meetings, clear communication, and shared project management tools help ensure all team members are aligned on objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements. This collaborative structure provides valuable learning opportunities and helps Water Engineers broaden their expertise across related fields.

What is the difference between Water Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental, Civil, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, managing water resources, working on water treatment and distribution projectsDesigning infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, including water-related structures
Industry UsagePrimarily in water management, environmental agencies, water treatment plantsConstruction, infrastructure, urban development sectors
Common Search/ComparisonWater Engineer vs Civil Engineer

Water Engineers focus on water-specific systems, resources, and treatment processes, often working within environmental and water management sectors. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, designing various infrastructure projects, including water-related structures. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in specialization and work environment.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers are in high demand due to increasing infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and water resource management challenges. The profession often requires knowledge of environmental regulations, CAD software, and sustainable practices, making it a stable career choice with growth prospects.

How much do water engineers make?

Water engineers in New York City typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and certifications. Senior roles or specialized skills in water treatment, hydraulics, or environmental compliance can lead to higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of industry standards, engineering software, and regulatory requirements.
More about Water Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Water Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Engineer jobs in IL?

For Water Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,510 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Project Engineer - Water

Fehr Graham

Aurora, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
Are you a passionate Senior Water Engineer with a flair for designing innovative water systems and analyzing water treatment solutions? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest engineering environmental firm looking for a motivated Water Engineer. 
Here's the deal. We’re all about shaping the future of our communities. We need an enthusiastic engineer eager to tackle a wide range of projects. If you’re hungry for knowledge, ready to make a difference and dedicated to providing personalized attention to our clients, we want you on our team. 

What’s in it for you?
We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. As one of our water engineers, you’ll be at the forefront of creating efficient and sustainable water systems. Your talent, trustworthiness and expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water treatment solutions for our clients. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and building trust. We believe in the power of talented professionals who bring passion to their craft. 

Where you’ll work
The position is based in our Aurora, Illinois, office. At Fehr Graham, we believe in work-life balance, and that includes injecting a healthy dose of fun into everything we do. It’s even part of our Core Values! We celebrate milestones and enjoy friendly team-building activities and office outings after work. A happy and engaged work team is a successful one. Each of our offices brings an environment filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. We encourage our teams to connect on multiple levels and support each other’s personal and professional growth. If this sounds like you, Fehr Graham will feel like home.

Go beyond the job description: Uncover projects that ignite your passion. Water Engineering - Fehr Graham
What you’ll do
  • As a Sr. Water Engineer, you will have the chance to unleash your potential and take on exciting projects that will expand your skills. We reward hard work and dedication, and you’ll be encouraged to pursue professional growth opportunities. You will also: 
  • Provide water engineering design services, which include everything from helping clients with water treatment plant upgrades to replacing lead service lines.
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow standard office procedures through a series of related detailed steps or processes. 
  • Draft reports, prepare plans, assist with specifications and make preliminary equipment selections.
  • Work with clients to get data or share information. 
What it takes
  • Ideally, you’ll have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. 5+ years of professional experience is preferred and possess a PE license.
  • Be a team player, working across departments to support firm goals.
  • Speak and write well.
  • Have strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Think strategically, finding and implementing improvements. 

What you’ll get
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people-first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:
  • Medical/life/disability insurance.
  • 401K profit-sharing plan.
  • Paid time off.
  • An awesome work environment. 
Learn more about Fehr Graham’s people, culture and projects on our website. 

Equal Opportunity Employer
Fehr Graham provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.