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.
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Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...
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Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
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Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...
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Elevate your career by supporting turbine and generator outage activities. Collaborate with engineers and leverage your expertise in QA/QC and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance for power p...
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Transform high-voltage transmission projects by leading design, planning, and execution. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and safety standards while mentoring staff and foste...
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Senior Energy Engineering Consultant
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Lead energy management initiatives by coaching teams at large facilities to achieve sustainable energy savings through effective practices and continuous improvement strategies...
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Lead the charge in designing and coordinating mechanical systems for diverse projects. Ensure compliance, constructability, and alignment with client goals while managing documentation and client comm...
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Designer (AutoCAD Civil 3D)- Landfills
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Develop design layouts and drafting for civil and geotechnical projects, collaborating with teams to produce high-quality drawings and details. Engage in mentoring CAD technicians while ensuring adher...
1 week ago
Key Account Manager, Industrial Water Treatment - Metro Atlanta
$102K - $149K *
Join a dynamic team as you cultivate customer relationships and drive growth in the industrial water treatment sector. Leverage your expertise to identify opportunities, enhance performance, and deliv...
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Senior Substation Relay + Control Engineer
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Elevate the future of high-voltage systems by leading design and delivery of protection and control solutions for substations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standar...
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Reposted 3 weeks ago
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Grow your career by driving sales in the high-tech water treatment sector. Leverage your industry relationships and expertise to expand market presence, develop strategic plans, and lead negotiations...
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Environmental Remediation Engineer
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Shape environmental remediation projects by leading technical design, regulatory documentation, and field implementation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and effective pr...
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Senior Global Equipment & Technology Engineer
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Join a team that's redefining food processing technology by leading equipment evaluation, design, and deployment. Collaborate globally to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance eff...
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Lead the charge in advancing telecommunications engineering by analyzing complex regulatory issues, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance on emerging technologies to enhance public safety...
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Drive comprehensive audits and enhance internal controls across business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess risks, implement improvements, and ensure compliance while leading audit engagem...
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Project Manager, Hydrogen Systems (Pre-Construction & Permitting Focus)
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Lead the charge in optimizing pre-construction workflows for hydrogen systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely project execution and regulatory compliance, driving efficiency an...
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Senior Security Consultant, Operational Technologies (OT)
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Director of Construction Services
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Transform the construction services landscape by leading a dynamic CEI program, ensuring compliance and quality in roadway and bridge projects while fostering strong partnerships with VDOT and local a...
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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.