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.
$80K - $95K *
Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Hydrogen Systems (Pre-Construction & Permitting Focus)
$86K - $135K *
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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Security Consultant, Operational Technologies (OT)
$100K - $175K *
Grow expertise in Operational Technology security, leading critical engagements across industrial systems. Collaborate on advanced methodologies while mentoring others and contributing to pivotal rese...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
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...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Transform the construction landscape in Virginia by leading a dynamic CEI program. Oversee roadway and bridge projects, foster client relationships, and mentor a dedicated team to ensure excellence in...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Build a transformative construction services program in Virginia, overseeing CEI services for roadway and bridge projects. Lead a dedicated team, foster client relationships, and drive strategic growt...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - Power System Studies
$80K - $120K *
Contribute to power system studies for high-voltage substations, ensuring reliability and compliance. Collaborate with engineers, support project documentation, and drive continuous improvement initia...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager (Capital Project)
$178K - $195K *
Lead critical recovery and rebuild projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and stakeholder needs while coordinating with various agencies and contractors in a fas...
2 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving scalable cloud infrastructure, driving architectural strategy, and enhancing operational culture while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet ambit...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead project management efforts for complex land development projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality execution. Collaborate with teams to manage scopes, schedules, and budgets while fostering c...
1 month ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, Energy - Remote
$90K - $173K *
Drive impactful nuclear and commercial energy projects as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading the design and implementation of complex electrical systems while ensuring engineering excellence and re...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of construction services by leading a dynamic program, overseeing roadway and bridge projects, and fostering strong partnerships with VDOT and local agencies while mentoring a skilled...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Consultant - State Government IT IV&V
$90K - $130K *
Pioneer innovative solutions for state government clients by leading IV&V projects, providing expert guidance on system implementations, and ensuring project success through effective communication an...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Director (Power & Energy) - Remote
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex power and energy projects, ensuring successful delivery and stakeholder engagement while managing budgets, risks, and multi-disciplinary teams for high-impact initi...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Substation
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential as you lead engineering teams in high voltage substation projects, ensuring quality and efficiency from design to completion while collaborating with key stakeholders and managin...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Access Service Line
$90K - $105K *
Drive strategic success in large-scale electrical transmission projects by overseeing estimating, pre-construction, and execution phases, ensuring seamless coordination across multiple companies and e...
1 week ago
Sr. Consulting Engineer - Generator
$120K - $150K *
Unlock your potential as a key resource in power plant consulting, focusing on generator engineering. Collaborate with industry leaders to deliver innovative solutions while enjoying a flexible remote...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...
Reposted yesterday
$100K - $170K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager/Engineering Manager
$125K - $225K *
Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...
1 week ago
Transportation Infrastructure PM - NEPA/PD&E
$125K - $225K *
Champion NEPA/PD&E projects by leading teams, managing budgets, and driving client relationships. Leverage extensive experience in highway/bridge sectors to deliver innovative solutions and ensure pro...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
$130K - $155K *
Champion a proactive safety culture by managing H&S programs, training staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate across teams to enhance Management Systems and drive continuous impr...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by mentoring junior engineers, becoming a subject matter expert, and driving innovative projects while ensuring safety and compliance in a collaborative envir...
1 week ago
Civil Engineering Project Manager - Mission Critical (REMOTE)
$90K - $145K *
Bring your expertise to lead mission-critical data center projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance civil site designs while ensuring timely project delivery for high-profile cli...
Reposted 2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in accurate cost estimation for construction projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Collaborate with teams to analyze specifications and maintain high-quality stand...
1 week ago
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.