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Water Systems Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Water Systems Design information

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$49.5K

$118.6K

$173.5K

How much do water systems design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for water systems design in the United States is $118,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Water Systems Design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Water Systems Design often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure, meeting strict regulatory requirements, and managing projects within tight budgets and timelines. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams—including civil engineers, contractors, and environmental specialists—is crucial to overcoming these hurdles. Staying current with evolving regulations and advancements in water treatment technologies, as well as developing strong project management skills, can help address these challenges and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What kind of engineer designs water systems?

A water systems design engineer specializes in creating and planning water distribution, treatment, and plumbing systems. They often have backgrounds in civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering and use tools like CAD software to develop system layouts. Certification such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure can also be required or preferred.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Systems Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Systems Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, fluid dynamics, and water resource management, usually supported by an engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE). Familiarity with technical tools like AutoCAD, hydraulic modeling software (e.g., EPANET, WaterCAD), and GIS systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of water systems that meet regulatory standards and community needs.

What is a water designer?

A water designer is a professional who plans and develops water systems, including plumbing, irrigation, and water supply networks, often using design software like AutoCAD. They ensure systems meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards, typically working in engineering or consulting firms. Strong knowledge of hydraulics, codes, and environmental considerations is essential for this role.

What is the difference between Water Systems Design vs Plumbing Engineer?

AspectWater Systems DesignPlumbing Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in water systemsEngineering degree, plumbing licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project sitesConstruction sites, design offices
Industry UsageDesigning water distribution, treatment systemsInstalling and maintaining plumbing systems
Common Search/ComparisonFocus on system design, planningFocus on installation, repair

Water Systems Design involves creating plans for water distribution and treatment systems, focusing on planning and engineering. Plumbing Engineers implement these designs, handling installation and maintenance of plumbing systems. While both roles require engineering knowledge, Water Systems Design emphasizes planning, whereas Plumbing Engineering centers on practical application and system upkeep.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of water systems design, senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized consulting firms. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives beyond base salary. Typically, these roles require a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, project management skills, and a track record of large-scale project delivery.

What is water systems design?

Water systems design refers to the planning, engineering, and implementation of infrastructure and technologies that manage the supply, distribution, treatment, and disposal of water. Professionals in this field design systems for potable water, wastewater, stormwater, and sometimes irrigation, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This work often involves hydraulic modeling, selecting appropriate materials, and integrating sustainable practices to meet the needs of communities or industries. Water systems designers collaborate with civil engineers, architects, and environmental specialists to develop solutions tailored to specific projects.

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. Leadership roles like engineering managers or principal engineers in high-demand industries can also reach or exceed this salary level.
More about Water Systems Design jobs
Infographic showing various Water Systems Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,589 per year, or $57 per hour.

Industrial Mechanical Systems Design

GRIFOLS, S.A.

Clayton, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.
Location: Clayton NC
Travel: Up to 25%
Summary:
Looking for an engineer with experience who can contribute to industrial dirty utility and plumbing system design who has a desire to become an engineer who can design systems on their own. A 4 -year engineering degree or degree in related field is preferred.
Primary responsibilities for role:
  • Contribute to system design on the following system types:
    • Steam, Chilled Water, Heating Hot Water, Compressed Air, Natural Gas, and Plumbing
  • Help develop construction documents for industrial and commercial code compliant underground plumbing systems.
  • Specify technical utility equipment: boilers, chillers, cooling towers, heating hot water skids, air compressors, receivers, tanks, and other parts of the listed system types through development of user requirements, P&IDs, equipment sizing calculations, equipment specifications and datasheets.
  • Modify existing or develop new piping, material, and equipment specifications to meet requirements of project scopes.
  • Perform vendor & bid evaluations, progress monitoring, and attendance of factory acceptance testing.
  • Field supervision of contractors during construction to ensure safety, quality, and schedule.
  • Work as part of a multidiscipline team to design, start up and commission new systems.
  • Provide contractors answers to questions that arise during construction, review/approve component submittals, issue field notices as needed.
  • Ensure drawings are as-built, document commissioning, prepare turnover package.
  • Ensure compliance with company, environmental, building code, and regulatory policies and procedures and is responsible for optimum use of staff and technical capabilities within defined areas.
  • Analize existing utility systems and infrastructure and reconfigure to support new operations.
  • Work to become a site subject matter expert for industrial utility design and construction.
  • Provide the necessary calculations for all equipment sizing associated with the utility systems.
  • These new utility systems are to support the FDA licensed blood fractionation, purification, and filling operations. Pharmaceutical experience is not required but shall be considered a plus for the candidate.
  • HVAC experience is not required but shall be considered a plus for the candidate.
  • Direct experience with AutoCAD, PipeFlo, Revit, Plant 3D is not required but will be considered a plus for the candidate.

This job description is intended to present the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. The description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Managers and supervisors may assign other duties as needed.
Additional Responsibilities:
Meets customer expectations and continuously improves process technology or capital process through improved productivity and quality, in consultation with internal departments and external resources. Maintains awareness of governmental, industry, and academic developments. Usually participates with a technical or industry association external to the company. Works efficiently with people to transfer technology into the business. Transfers knowledge for the good of the corporation. Leads installation, qualification, and integration into process controls of mechanical systems. Develops objectives and implementation plans for a team of engineers. Works with a core team and management to continue to develop and define the approach for the organization. Participates in identification, justification, development, and implementation of strategies and communicates the ideas to the core team. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex ideas in clear and simple terms. Strong problem solving skills. Ability to analyze and identify areas for improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Possesses adequate communication skills necessary in interacting with internal and external customers. Report-writing skills are important to help prepare clear and concise updates to clients and co-workers. Must be computer literate and have knowledge of such software programs as Microsoft Office that is helpful in creating reports, spreadsheets, and system design plans. Must also be well-organized and have the ability to facilitate meetings ensure reports are organized and prepared in advance to present to intended parties.
Education:
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field prefered.
Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of industrial experience
Equivalency:
Depending on the area of assignment, related experience or a combination of related education and experience and/or competencies may be considered in place of the stated requirements. Example: If a job level requires a bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience, an equivalency could include 8 years of experience, an associate's degree with 6 years of experience, or a master's degree with 2 years of experience.
Occupational demands:
Work is performed in an office and a laboratory/manufacturing environment. Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms. Exposed to occasional extreme cold below 32°F in production areas. Exposure to electrical office and laboratory equipment. Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves. Frequently sits for 4-6 hours per day. Stands for 2-4 hours per day. Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects. Occasionally walks. Occasionally bends and twists neck and waist. Repetitive foot movements. Color perception/discrimination, depth perception and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye. Light to moderate lifting and carrying objects with a maximum lift of 50lbs.
Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:
Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.
Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic or status protected by law. We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws
Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Clayton:((cust_building))
Learn more about Grifols