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.
$90K - $110K *
Drive excellence in estimating for telecommunications projects by leading the development of accurate, standardized cost libraries and estimates. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alig...
3 weeks ago
Senior Substation Engineer 2 - Grid
$100K - $152K *
Accelerate your career by leading high voltage substation projects, collaborating with engineers to solve complex electrical issues, and enhancing your skills through peer learning and client interact...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Capital Project Engineer - CommissioningCC&S -Pulp/Paper industry - Remote w/travel
$137K - $183K *
Empower your career by leading capital projects in commissioning. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful startup and adherence to safety standards while traveling extensively to drive pro...
2 weeks ago
Capital Project Engineer - CommissioningCC&S -Pulp/Paper industry - Remote w/travel
$137K - $183K *
Lead the commissioning process for capital projects in the pulp and paper industry. Collaborate with diverse teams, oversee testing procedures, and ensure safety compliance while traveling extensively...
2 weeks ago
Senior Construction Manager - Electric Utility Distribution Projects
$110K - $130K *
Engage with us to lead electric utility construction projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and budget standards. Oversee contractor activities and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...
3 weeks ago
Senior Owners Engineer - Civil Structural
$110K - $130K *
Lead a team to design and oversee civil structural projects, ensuring quality and technical excellence across all phases. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while managing diverse pr...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing a large-scale FHWA communications program, ensuring effective contract leadership, quality management, and stakeholder engagement across a multidisciplinary team to deliver...
1 month ago
Senior Market Leader - Renewables
$160K - $216K *
Drive business growth in the renewable market by developing innovative client solutions, mentoring teams, and collaborating across departments to meet evolving client needs and market challenges...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Design Director - Digital Infrastructure & Mission Critical Facilities
$150K - $180K *
Lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex infrastructure projects. Manage all phases from planning to operational readiness, ensuring quality and client satisfaction while fostering team deve...
1 week ago
Director, Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment
$120K - $150K *
Lead the technical authority for anaerobic wastewater treatment, driving innovation and optimization across a growing portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance biogas production an...
3 weeks ago
Senior Construction Manager - Distribution Line
$110K - $130K *
Optimize project outcomes by managing construction activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinating contractor efforts across multiple sites to meet performance obje...
1 week ago
Sr. Engineer - Design Services
$79K - $122K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative municipal engineering solutions. You'll manage complex projects, oversee data analysis, and provide technical support while collaborating with int...
5 days ago
Senior Grid Interconnection Consultant
$130K - $179K *
Engineer utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on transmission system analysis, generator interconnection applications, and ISO feasibility studies to support diverse clients in the energy...
1 week ago
Senior Grid Interconnection Consultant
$111K - $153K *
Unlock potential by leading utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on transmission system analysis, generator interconnection applications, and client guidance for ISO feasibility studies. J...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Design Services
$87K - $135K *
Lead complex civil engineering projects, overseeing planning, design, and maintenance of municipal systems. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to ensure project success while developing entry-lev...
5 days ago
Project Management Technical Director - Northern/Central California
$132K - $174K *
Shape the future of environmental consulting by leading complex projects, fostering client relationships, and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure excellen...
1 week ago
$88K - $154K *
Optimize and integrate the manufacturing process for hazardous materials, taking ownership from design through commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency i...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Enterprise Business Process Architect
$130K - $160K *
Lead the transformation of enterprise business processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with stakeholders to architect solutions that drive operational excellence across the orga...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Planner (Private Land Development)
$95K - $115K *
Inspire growth by leading land development projects, managing teams, and collaborating with clients to ensure successful outcomes while navigating regulatory standards and enhancing operational effici...
1 week ago
Senior Marketing Manager, Architecture
$128K - $141K *
Shape the future of sector marketing strategy by leading initiatives that align with corporate priorities and drive enterprise growth, while advising senior leadership on market opportunities and stra...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Kiewit Power Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design for large-scale power plants, driving projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance energy solutions and ensure projec...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform your career by leading proposal strategies and managing a dynamic team. Drive compliance and quality in project proposals while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure timely and effective...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Manager (STPM)
$120K - $165K *
Join a team that leads complex technical infrastructure projects, driving AI initiatives and operational improvements through effective project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined planni...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Structural Designer 1 - Nuclear
$77K - $118K *
Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...
2 weeks 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.