Water Treatment Process Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Process 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 engineering team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.

In this role you will lead and support design of water treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new facilities; permitting; and construction administration. Responsibilities will include conducting site visits, completing treatment studies and developing treatment process recommendations, preparing reports and design documents, and supporting permitting efforts.

• System Design: Lead and support the planning and process evaluation of potable water treatment processes, including intakes and raw water pump stations, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, disinfection, filtration, iron and manganese removal, PFAS treatment, chemical systems, and process wastewater and residuals handling.
• Process Optimization: Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze water quality, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.
• Studies and Evaluation: Plan and execute bench, pilot, and full‑scale studies to meet project goals; assess test results and facility operating data to develop process recommendations; and preparation of required reports.

• BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
• Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6‑12 months
• 4+ years of experience required in water treatment discipline, particularly as a water engineer involved with planning and/or process evaluation for potable water treatment facilities
• Knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• A strong understanding of water treatment chemistry and processes such as oxidation, coagulation, clarification, filtration, disinfection, adsorption, and pH adjustment. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, and water treatment technology is necessary.
• Experience in the planning and execution of projects: including project approach and resource needs, options analysis, process and equipment design, and engineering document development through the project delivery phases of plan, design, procure, construct, and commissioning.
• The role will require occasional travel for meetings, field work, site investigation and inspection

• Experience working directly with Environmental Regulators (e.g., NJDEP, PADEP, MDE, NYDOH, etc).

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $180,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Fairfax, NewPort News, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, VA; Raleigh, NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full‑Time