Water Systems Engineer

Knoxville Utilities Board

$68K — $121K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Biosystems, Mechanical, or related) from an ABET-accredited university
  • 1-3 years of relevant experience
  • Strong analytical and time management skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication abilities
  • Capacity to work independently and lead others
  • Valid driver's license

Responsibilities

  • Lead capital improvement and maintenance projects for water and wastewater infrastructure
  • Oversee project phases from concept to commissioning
  • Manage planning, design review, procurement, and contract administration
  • Ensure stakeholder coordination across multidisciplinary teams
  • Drive innovative engineering solutions for system performance and compliance

Benefits

  • Generous health benefits with low premiums and deductibles
  • Benefits start on day one
  • Competitive 401(k) contribution and match
  • PTO available after first payday
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Free financial advising
  • Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
  • Employee physical and mental wellness programs
Full Job Description
Salary: $68,400.00 - $121,100.00 Annually
Location : 4505 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Number: 01261
Department: Water Systems Engineering
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Classification: Engineer

Work Hours: 40+ hours/week; M-F

About the Role: Join KUB's Water Systems Engineering team and play a key role in delivering critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects that support the reliability, safety, and sustainability of essential utility services. This position leads high-impact capital improvement and maintenance projects across treatment facilities, pump stations, collection and distribution systems, and pipeline infrastructure.

The successful candidate will apply engineering, project management, and construction management expertise to oversee projects from concept through commissioning, including planning, design review, procurement, contract administration, construction oversight, budget and schedule management, and stakeholder coordination. Working with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and operations personnel, this role drives innovative solutions that improve system performance, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term asset reliability.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community while managing complex infrastructure projects and helping shape the future of KUB's water and wastewater systems.

Qualifications
Physical Requirements:

Works primarily in an office setting, but field visits and field activities may be required. These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times. Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/or exceed those demands described above.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Civil, Biosystems, Mechanical, or related engineering field from a four-year ABET-accredited college or university
  • One (1) to three (3) years of demonstrated experience in related field
  • Strong analytical and time management skills
  • Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and team skills
  • Ability to work independently on projects in a timely manner and direct the work of others
  • Valid driver's license

Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Four or more (4+) years of experience in planning, design, project management, operations, and construction of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, treatment plants, and remote facilities
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee within one year
  • Advanced degree (MS or MBA)
  • Proven ability to analyze system performance data, recommend capital or operational improvements, and provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams
  • Strong knowledge of engineering principles, standards, and practices related to water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems
  • Proficient in Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, and GIS, with experience in developing engineering specifications, cost estimates, and managing procurement processes

Selection Process
About the Selection Process:

Phase 1 - Apply online at www.kub.org

Phase 2 - Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 - Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 - Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 - Background Investigation

Phase 6 - Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

*KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

  • Generous health benefits with low premiums and deductibles
  • Benefits start day 1
  • Competitive 401(k) contribution and match
  • PTO available for use after your first payday
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Free financial advising
  • Educational assistance & professional development opportunities
  • Employee physical & mental wellness programs

01

If you would like to attach a resume to your application, please make sure it is attached in the "Attachments" section.
  • Yes; I have attached my resume to my application.
  • No; I'm not attaching a resume to my application.

02

If you answered "Career/Job Fair," Employee Referral," or "Other" to the 'how did you first hear about this opportunity' question, please include details here. If 'no,' please type "N/A" in the text box.
03

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

04

Describe your reasons for leaving your jobs within the past seven years.
05

Which discipline of capital project management best aligns with your interests?
  • Water distribution and wastewater collection system
  • Treatment facilities and remote sites

Required Question

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