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Water Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Water Treatment Process Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

Joining the water engineering team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in, advanced water and wastewater treatment ...

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 ...

Utilizes knowledge of regularly used civil concepts, practices, codes, and procedures within the water engineering industry * Applies knowledge to complex projects, find and develop non-standard ...

Utilizes knowledge of regularly used civil concepts, practices, codes, and procedures within the water engineering industry * Applies knowledge to complex projects, find and develop non-standard ...

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

LJB Inc. is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to help grow our Water Resources Practice in North Carolina. This role supports a varied client base and is based in Charlotte, Raleigh, or ...

We have an immediate opportunity within our Water practice in the Carolinas for a Water/Wastewater Engineer to pursue and manage municipal and industrial projects including water, wastewater, and ...

We are looking for an engineer to join our motivated and engaged Water Resources Team. This is an opportunity to be involved in a vast array of water resources projects, serve as a leader in the ...

Mid-Level Water Resources Engineer - FEMA

Durham, NC ยท Hybrid

$76K - $104K/yr

Candidates will join our Carolinas' Water Resources Engineering team with an opportunity to work on a variety of projects throughout the Southeast with an initial focus on projects in and around ...

We are looking for an engineer to join our motivated and engaged Water Resources Team. This is an opportunity to be involved in a vast array of water resources projects, serve as a leader in the ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

$69K - $95K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation Practice in our Charlotte or Raleigh, NC office! This position will be responsible for storm water management, drainage ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation Practice in our Charlotte or Raleigh, NC office! This position will be responsible for storm water ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation Practice in our Charlotte or Raleigh, NC office! This position will be responsible for storm water ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10.7K

$59.7K

$77.8K

How much do water engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for water engineer in Raleigh, NC is $59,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,900.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often work in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries with competitive compensation packages.

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.

Are water engineers in demand?

Water engineers are in high demand due to ongoing needs for water infrastructure development, environmental protection, and water resource management. The profession often requires knowledge of environmental regulations, engineering software, and certifications such as PE licensure, which can enhance job prospects in this field.

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 do water engineers do?

Water engineers design, develop, and maintain systems for water supply, treatment, and distribution. They analyze water quality, create infrastructure plans, and use tools like CAD software to ensure safe and efficient water management in various environments.

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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Water Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,695 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Carolina's Water Treatment Leader

Carolina's Water Treatment Leader

Brown and Caldwell

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$117K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

The Water Treatment Leader role leads complex environmental engineering work involving the planning, analysis, and design of solutions that support environmental protection, water sustainability, and public health outcomes. Operating with minimal supervision, this role applies advanced technical expertise to solve complex problems without clearly defined solutions across natural and engineered systems. This position addresses environmental and public health protection, mitigation, and prevention of degradation of water, soils, air quality, and habitats. This role may lead technical efforts across water and wastewater treatment and conveyance, stormwater management, solid and hazardous waste management, and related practice areas. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality engineering analyses, designs, and recommendations with significant project impact.

This candidate will help lead strategic drinking water projects to support respective teams in pursuits, execution, design and construction. This individual will also support the growth of the Drinking Water Practice at Brown and Caldwell by serving in capacities such as Client Service Manager for key clients. The ideal candidate should be a strong leader, with the ability to drive projects and pursuits forward while working with a high-functioning team. Our successful candidate will have a positive, can-do attitude; will be flexible and self-motivated, creative, quality-oriented with attention to detail and will be accountable for this specialtyโ€™s growth and operation. The ideal candidate will be highly involved and engaged in the drinking water industry and familiar with local clients.ย 

Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute complex technical analyses and engineering design efforts.
  • Prepare, review, and approve advanced technical reports and engineering deliverables.
  • Develop and design environmental protection systems and infrastructure for complex projects.
  • Lead development of facility, watershed, or strategic resource management plans.
  • Ensure technical quality, regulatory compliance, and integration of multidisciplinary inputs.
  • Provide technical leadership during permitting, regulatory coordination, and vendor engagement.
  • Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.

Mentorship

  • Provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to help less experienced team members develop their skills and grow within their roles.ย 

Skills and Competencies

  • Advanced expertise in environmental engineering principles, practices, and regulations
  • Ability to solve complex, ambiguous technical problems
  • Strong judgment in applying engineering standards and best practices.
  • Effective leadership and communication skills within technical teams.

Experience

  • Typically, a minimum of 10 years of related work experience in Environmental Engineering or related field.
  • Typically, will become certified in BC's SMS (Subject Matter Specialist) Framework and progress through the SMS competencies.

Education

  • A bachelorโ€™s degree in environmental engineering or related field is required.
  • PE license required and ability to acquire licensure in multiple states is required.

Preferred Experience

  • Masterโ€™s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Biological, or Environmental).ย 
  • Minimum of 10 years of related professional experience as a water treatment design Engineer.
  • Minimum of 5 yearsโ€™ experience in project management and client service management.
  • Experience in project and sub-consultant management.
  • Strong leadership skills and high emotional intelligence.
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills and ability to work well independently, and in both in-person and remote team environments.
  • Experience in Design-Build project delivery.
  • Be willing and able to travel, up to 30% of the time.

Salary Range:ย Theย anticipatedย starting payย range for this position is based on the employeeโ€™s primary work location and mayย beย more or lessย dependingย upon skills, experience,ย and education.ย  These ranges may be modified in the future.ย 

Location A: ย $117,000 - $159,000ย 

You can viewย ย 

Benefits and Other Compensation: ย We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Clickย hereย to see our full list of benefits.ย 

About Brown and Caldwellย 

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction firm with 50 offices and 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choiceโ€”to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visitย www.brownandcaldwell.comย 

This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.ย 

Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. ย ย 

Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Brown and Caldwell encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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