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Water Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsWater Engineer JobsWater Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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.

More about Water Engineer jobs
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:
Water Engineer jobs near you
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.
Civil Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Civil Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Kimley-Horn

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 357 rated engineering

Job description

Kimley-Horn's Durham office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Water/Wastewater and Utilities team! This is not a remote position.


  • Designing water transmission and distribution systems, pumping stations, conveyance systems, water treatment systems, water/wastewater distribution planning, master planning, and treatment plant rehabilitation and expansions
  • Managing project tasks, project design and permitting, construction coordination, and providing regular communication and guidance with less experienced staff
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary team and external clients to contribute to the successful completion of assigned projects
  • Maintain a high degree of quality sets of plans along with checking the work of others
  • Create work plans and adhere to the budget set by the client and performing strong project management knowledge
  • Attend meetings and communicate with clients, government entities, and various regulatory agencies to fulfill any regulations and requirements relating to projects
  • Monitor project progress, budgets, and schedules
  • This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of engineers and designers on a variety of projects
  • You will flourish on both building meaningful internal and external professional relationships
  • You will work closely and collaboratively with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors

  • 4+ years of relevant engineering design experience
  • Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
  • Relevant municipal engineering experience including designing pump stations, pipelines, water/wastewater treatment facilities
  • Experience performing hydraulic modeling (using programs such as WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, InfoWater, etc.)
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Positive attitude, self-motivated; sense of urgency to produce high quality work
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with the potential/desire to lead a practice and manage clients and a team

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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