Senior water and wastewater engineers help communities and organizations plan, design, and improve the systems that deliver clean water and safely manage wastewater. These experienced professionals lead technical work across treatment plants, pipelines, pump stations, and other critical infrastructure. Explore vetted senior engineering opportunities on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by employer and project, but senior engineers commonly evaluate existing systems, develop engineering plans, prepare technical reports, and guide projects from early studies through construction. They may oversee process, civil, or hydraulic design; review calculations and drawings; coordinate permitting; and support construction administration and commissioning. Many roles also involve mentoring engineers and working closely with clients, utilities, contractors, and regulators.
Employers typically seek a degree in civil, environmental, or a related engineering field, along with substantial experience in water or wastewater projects. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is often preferred or required, particularly for roles that involve approving engineering work. Valuable qualifications include knowledge of treatment processes, hydraulic modeling, design standards, regulatory requirements, project management, and technical communication.
Senior water/wastewater engineers work for engineering consultancies, water utilities, public agencies, and infrastructure organizations. Depending on the employer, they may specialize in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, collection and distribution systems, reuse, stormwater, or resilient infrastructure. Experienced engineers can advance into principal engineer, technical director, department manager, or project executive positions.
Search Ladders for senior water and wastewater engineering roles that match your expertise, location, and career goals. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineers explore their next career move.
$112K - $196K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of transportation by leading ecological and permitting efforts for major projects. Leverage your expertise to mentor others, ensure compliance, and drive successf...
3 weeks ago
Intermediate Mechanical Engineer (Remote)
$127K - $143K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs for district energy and low-carbon thermal systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, manage projects independently, and build strong client relationships...
3 weeks ago
Senior Supervising Process Engineer
$125K - $225K *
Drive innovation and strategic leadership in wastewater treatment and reuse projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge engineering solutions while fostering client...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Drive compliance and sustainability by advising clients on environmental regulations, managing projects, and developing practical solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to air, stormwat...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming cloud infrastructure for institutional investors. You'll deploy and manage AI solutions across various cloud environments, ensuring security and compliance while collab...
4 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Designer 2 - Nuclear Power
$85K - $130K *
Drive the design and modification of power plant electrical systems, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams to create detailed diagrams and wiring drawings. Engage in field data gathering and ensu...
1 week ago
$87K - $108K *
Shape the future of fire protection engineering by designing innovative fire suppression and alarm systems for diverse, complex infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ens...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Lead Fire Protection & Plumbing Engineer
$148K - $193K *
Lead strategic initiatives in fire protection and plumbing engineering, collaborating with senior management to enhance operations, drive client engagement, and implement technology solutions for impr...
4 weeks ago
Lead Pipe & Mechanical Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist 2 - Construction Management
$134K - $205K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality standards for heavy industrial construction projects. Oversee QA/QC processes, conduct audits, and support contractors to enhance performance and safety throughout...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $197K *
Drive impactful landscape architecture projects by leading design teams, overseeing project execution, and ensuring compliance with standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to create sustainable, inno...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Project Manager, leading complex, cross-functional projects. Oversee multiple initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while mentoring team members and enh...
3 weeks ago
Senior Construction Inspectors (Remote Site Locations)
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring quality in construction projects. As a Senior Construction Inspector, you'll oversee compliance on Road & Bridge projects, conducting inspections and collabora...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $150K *
Join a team that's advancing renewable energy solutions through expert power system analysis. Lead complex studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative engineering practices...
3 weeks ago
Corporate Account Manager - High Tech Water Treatment
$88K - $118K *
Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex challenges in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with experts to drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency while contributing to impactful pro...
4 weeks ago
$190K - $200K *
Lead the charge in electrical engineering excellence across multiple campuses, ensuring robust design, validation, and energization of critical infrastructure while integrating onsite generation solut...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $110K *
Champion environmental project success by managing scopes, schedules, and budgets. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and clients to deliver high-quality solutions while mentoring junior staff...
Reposted 4 days ago
Industrial Services Sales Manager
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by driving sales in industrial cleaning and waste services. Build relationships, manage proposals, and ensure project execution while maintaining safety and profitability across the C...
4 weeks ago
Project Manager/Program Director, Transportation Engineering
$157K - $283K *
Lead the charge in managing large-scale transportation engineering projects, overseeing all phases from initiation to completion. Leverage your expertise to drive project success and ensure compliance...
Yesterday
Senior Development Engineering Reviewer
$81K - $126K *
Elevate your career by reviewing and approving development plans, ensuring compliance with regulations while collaborating with various departments to enhance public infrastructure and transportation...
Today
Site/Civil Project Manager - Energy Group
$101K - $151K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex energy projects, ensuring client satisfaction and financial performance while coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality solutions that meet...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Structural Engineer - Renewables
$111K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative structural engineering solutions for utility-scale renewable energy projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive design excellence and mentor emerging ta...
2 weeks ago
Senior Power Systems Engineer - EMT
$150K - $210K *
Lead the charge in advancing renewable energy projects by developing dynamic models, conducting studies, and preparing technical reports. Collaborate with clients and vendors to ensure successful proj...
2 days ago
$100K - $115K *
Unlock new business opportunities and drive sales performance in the water industry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and implement strategies to exceed targets while ensu...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality fueling systems projects. As a Site Manager, you'll oversee project execution, ensuring timely completion and adherence to safety standards whil...
1 week ago
Technical Analyst Capital Condition Assessment & Rehabilitation Wastewater
$81K - $92K *
Elevate your career by analyzing and assessing wastewater systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure infrastructure integrity and provide actionable recommendations for repairs and rehabili...
Yesterday
What does a senior water/wastewater engineer do?
A senior water/wastewater engineer plans and leads engineering work for water and wastewater infrastructure. Duties may include treatment process and pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, technical reviews, permitting support, project management, and mentoring engineering teams.
What qualifications are typically required for senior water/wastewater engineer jobs?
Employers commonly require a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or a related engineering discipline and significant relevant project experience. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is frequently preferred or required, depending on the position and jurisdiction.
Where do senior water/wastewater engineers work?
They work for engineering consulting firms, water and wastewater utilities, government agencies, and infrastructure companies. Projects can involve treatment facilities, pipelines, pump stations, water reuse, stormwater, and system upgrades.
Do senior water/wastewater engineers need a PE license?
Many senior roles prefer or require a PE license, especially when the engineer is responsible for approving or sealing designs. Requirements vary by employer, project responsibilities, and state or local regulations.
What is the salary for a senior water/wastewater engineer?
Pay varies based on location, experience, licensure, employer, and project scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying senior water and wastewater engineering opportunities.