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Water Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$48.07 - $57.69/hr

Water Resources Engineer We are seeking a Water Resources Engineer to support a growing portfolio of public and private infrastructure projects throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. This ...

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health ...

Your Opportunity You will lead the design and engineering of multiple water and wastewater related projects that range in size and complexity. As a licensed professional, your duties will include ...

Job Summary DJ&A is seeking a full-time Water/Wastewater Design Engineer with 1 to 5 years of relevant experience in water/wastewater engineering. Other experience can include site civil ...

Senior Electrical Engineer, Water

Portland, OR · On-site

$114K - $148K/yr

Your Opportunity You will lead the design and engineering of multiple water and wastewater related projects that range in size and complexity. As a licensed professional, your duties will include ...

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Water Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.7K

$65.1K

$84.8K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in Portland, OR is $65,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,128 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Regional Engineering Sponsor (Water)

Kiewit Corporation

Vancouver, WA

$83K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Requisition ID: 178906 

Job Level: Executive 

Home District/Group: Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering 

Department: Design Engineering 

Market: Industrial 

Employment Type: Full Time 

Position Overview

Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering (KIWE) has an immediate opening for an Engineering Sponsor as part of our expanding Water group.

This position is business development focused.  Engineering Sponsors in this role provide technical guidance during pursuits, aid in pursuit strategy development, project development, client positioning, interviewing, contract negotiation, estimating, and project initiation, within the Water/Wastewater market. Sponsors are typically responsible for multiple projects at various stages of development, and the role requires proactive communication and coordination to meet the pursuit goals and objectives and ensure project scope, schedule and budget are clearly defined and understood.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc is a full-service engineering firm serving the Water, Infrastructure, Industrial, Nuclear, Power, and Oil, Gas & Chemical markets. Our combined staff of more than 3,500 engineers and design professionals have expertise that spans all engineering disciplines to serve our customers across markets on projects of any scale and complexity. Backed by 140 years of construction expertise, our construction-focused engineering approach encompasses constructability, commissioning, safety, and lowest installed cost strategies to ensure total project success.

The KIWE team, which includes process, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation and control, structural, civil and architectural disciplines, is a multi-faceted Kiewit district with technical expertise primarily focused on collaborative delivery models for complex water projects. The team delivers projects across North America in the following areas:

  • Municipal and Industrial Water Treatment
  • Desalination
  • Water Reuse
  • Groundwater Remediation
  • Stormwater Recycling
  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Biosolids Treatment     
Location

This role will be based out of Kiewit's Lone Tree, CO (Denver area), Fairfield, CA (Bay area), Santa Fe Springs, CA (Los Angeles area), Tampa, FL, Westlake, TX (Dallas/Ft. Worth), Houston, TX, Vancouver, WA or Woodcliff Lake, NJ (NYC area) office.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Assist and support executive leadership with strategy development and organizational initiatives
  • Function as an established Kiewit representative, supporting business development and pursuit win strategy
  • Collaborate with local/regional construction operations and business development professionals, serving as primary engineering contact to interface with customers (client meetings, proposal messaging, interviews)
  • Develop strategy for new business opportunities and foster long-term client and engineering partner relationships
  • Communicate/present industry trends, competitive situations, or regulatory issues that impact Kiewit
  • Identify current and future pursuit and project risks and develop/implement mitigation strategies
  • Manage, interpret and present project data and results to support sound business decisions
  • Involvement in the community and industry as an influential leader 

Pursuit & Project Leadership

  • Collaborative management responsibility during pursuits and projects to drive contract compliance, design execution strategy development and delivery, technical proposal content accuracy, risk assessments and performance guarantees
  • Serve as local/regional liaison and technical resource for multiple concurrent internal and external engineering teams on municipal and industrial water projects and pursuits
  • Understand and serve as a resource to construction operations for engineering performance of municipal water infrastructure design spanning collaborative delivery models (PDB, DB, CMAR, CMGC, DBOOM)
  • Able to change focus from internal to external, fostering relationships with customers, partners, and project stakeholders
  • Establish and maintain zippering relationships with customers, other Kiewit functions/districts, subcontractors, and technology providers throughout the project lifecycle
  • Share best practices and execution experience to set project teams up for success
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration
  • 20+ years' experience in project/program management, engineering design, construction, and start-up/commissioning of municipal water/wastewater projects
  • Knowledge and experience with alternative project delivery methods (PDB, DB, CMAR, DBOOM, P3)
  • Demonstrated success as a Project Director, Project Manager or Program Manager on collaborative delivery water projects
  • Capable of autonomous management of multiple pursuits and projects
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done
  • Established local/regional client and industry relationships
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills
  • Team player with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines and goals
  • Willing and able to accommodate travel as business requires

Other Requirements:

  • Regular, reliable attendance
  • Work productively and meet deadlines timely
  • Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
  • Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
  • Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
  • May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

Base Compensation: $179,000/yr - $275,000 
(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

This posting will be active from:  07/06/2026  - 09/01/2026  

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


What Kiewit Corporation employees say

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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884