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Water Wastewater Process Engineer Jobs in California

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $194K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$84K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $194K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

Monterey, CA · Hybrid

$88K - $176K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $194K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

kennedyjc

Wastewater Process Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · Hybrid

$84K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure ...

Black & Veatch

Sr Wastewater Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

Function in a lead wastewater process engineer role as a technical specialist in the areas of ... Our Team of over 200 process engineers support water, industrial, next generation agriculture, LNG ...

Black & Veatch

Sr Wastewater Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Function in a lead wastewater process engineer role as a technical specialist in the areas of ... Our Team of over 200 process engineers support water, industrial, next generation agriculture, LNG ...

Black & Veatch

Sr Wastewater Process Engineer

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Function in a lead wastewater process engineer role as a technical specialist in the areas of ... Our Team of over 200 process engineers support water, industrial, next generation agriculture, LNG ...

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All JobsWater Wastewater Process Engineer JobsWater Wastewater Process Engineer Jobs in California

Water Wastewater Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do water wastewater process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for water wastewater process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water wastewater process engineer do?

A Water Wastewater Process Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes for treating water and wastewater in municipal or industrial facilities. They ensure that water treatment systems operate efficiently, meet regulatory standards, and protect public health and the environment. Their work often involves evaluating treatment technologies, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing improvements to reduce costs and enhance performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water wastewater process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Wastewater Process Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental or chemical engineering, with expertise in water and wastewater treatment processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, often, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, process modeling tools, SCADA systems, and regulatory compliance standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot complex issues. These skills ensure the efficient design, optimization, and operation of treatment systems, safeguarding public health and environmental standards.

What are some common challenges water wastewater process engineers face when managing treatment plant upgrades?

Water Wastewater Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations, and minimizing plant downtime during upgrades. Managing these projects requires strong communication skills to collaborate with operations staff, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Additionally, engineers must balance technical feasibility with budget constraints and maintain system performance throughout the transition.

What is the difference between Water Wastewater Process Engineer vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Wastewater Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or related field; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize water and wastewater treatment processes in engineering firms or industrial settings
Employer & IndustryEngineering consulting firms, municipal agencies, industrial plants
Job FocusProcess design, system optimization, troubleshooting, and compliance with environmental regulations

While Water Wastewater Process Engineers focus on designing and improving treatment systems through technical analysis and engineering principles, Water Treatment Plant Operators handle the day-to-day operation and maintenance of treatment facilities. Engineers typically work in office or lab settings, whereas operators work on-site at treatment plants. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and compliant water treatment processes, but they differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs in California?

For Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Water Wastewater Process Engineer job openings:

Water Wastewater Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Wastewater Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Wastewater Process Engineer

Resource Management Solutions

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot process-related issues and provide solutions for wastewater treatment processes.

  • Prepare and review process descriptions, process flow diagrams, and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).

  • Provide input on all project delivery activities involving process scope of work.

Job description

A global engineering and construction firm specializing in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities is seeking an experienced Process Engineer for project/s with the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering (BOE), Environmental Engineering Division (EED). The project/s will be at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Los Angeles, CA.

This position is focused on process engineer services such as troubleshooting process related issues, prepare process descriptions and process flow diagrams, prepare/review piping, and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and provide input on all project delivery activities that involves process scope of work. Must have thorough knowledge of all wastewater treatment processes from the Headworks facility through advanced treatment and be able to recommend solutions and improvements to wastewater processes. Good communication skills are important including the ability to translate and explain complex process issues. The process engineer will be required to stamp Process Flow drawings and needs to be a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.


A global engineering and construction firm specializing in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities is seeking an experienced Process Engineer for project/s with the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering (BOE), Environmental Engineering Division (EED). The project/s will be at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Los Angeles, CA.

This position is focused on process engineer services such as troubleshooting process related issues, prepare process descriptions and process flow diagrams, prepare/review piping, and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and provide input on all project delivery activities that involves process scope of work. Must have thorough knowledge of all wastewater treatment processes from the Headworks facility through advanced treatment and be able to recommend solutions and improvements to wastewater processes. Good communication skills are important including the ability to translate and explain complex process issues. The process engineer will be required to stamp Process Flow drawings and needs to be a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.

Qualifications

  • Expert knowledge of the wastewater treatment principles and their translation to studies, designs, and construction of those facilities.
  • Expert knowledge in the areas of:
  1. Hydraulic calculations
  2. Process calculations/computer simulations
  3. Environmental chemistry
  4. Environmental biology
  • Expert knowledge of various processes such as: Headworks, primary clarifiers, aeration basins, secondary clarifiers, BNR processes, disinfection processes, anaerobic digestion, solids dewatering, digester gas management and cleaning, co-generation, membrane processes and advanced oxidation.
  • Expert in process selection and development.
  • Expert in the development of process flow diagrams, process descriptions, process mass and heat balances and P&ID’s.
  • Expert in process related environmental regulations.
  • Proven ability to publish in leading industry journals.
  • Ability to conduct pilot tests, independent investigations, collect data, document test results, and provide recommendations based on that data.
  • Ability to provide process trainings and deliver presentations to City staff.
  • Ability to anticipate problems and develop solutions to overcome problems.
  • Good communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project software.
  • Knowledgeable and capable of working with process simulation programs.
  • Aggressive and self-starting enough to research details and inform management of potential delays and problems.
  • Familiarity working within City organizations.
  • AutoCAD skills.
  • Good understanding of safety issues including Cal OSHA regulations.

Education/Certifications & more

  • Minimum education: BS or MS in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical or Environmental Engineering.
  • Licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the field of wastewater treatment.