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.
Project Engineer/Manager - Water and Wastewater
$96K - $140K *
Join us to lead innovative water and wastewater projects, driving strategic initiatives and regulatory compliance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions for...
1 week ago
Project Engineer/Manager - Water and Wastewater
$96K - $140K *
Join a team that's redefining water strategy initiatives nationwide. Drive innovative solutions in water supply, wastewater management, and regulatory compliance for advanced manufacturing and industr...
1 week ago
Project Engineer/Manager - Water and Wastewater
$96K - $140K *
Shape the future of water management by leading innovative projects in water and wastewater strategies. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive solutions for industrial clien...
1 week ago
Project Engineer/Manager - Water and Wastewater
$90K - $110K *
Shape the future of water management by leading innovative projects in water supply, treatment, and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions for industrial...
2 weeks ago
Civil Environmental Project Engineer
$95K - $120K *
Engineer innovative water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and sustainability. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver effective solutions for municipal and industrial cli...
1 week ago
Project Manager (Water/Wastewater)
$95K - $115K *
Deliver exceptional project management by leading teams, coordinating activities, and ensuring timely completion of large-scale construction projects while fostering a culture of safety and inclusion...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager (Water/Wastewater)
$85K - $185K *
Lead project management efforts, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder communication. Drive team development, manage risks, and foster relationships to exceed project goals while maintaining a cult...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager (Water/Wastewater)
$85K - $185K *
Lead project management efforts by developing plans, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely delivery of large-scale construction projects while fostering a culture of safety and inclusion...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Designer - Water/Wastewater
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to design and deliver innovative electrical solutions for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring high-quality standards and collaboration across multidisciplinary t...
3 weeks ago
Water/Wastewater Practice Leader
$145K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of water and wastewater services by providing strategic leadership and technical expertise. Drive growth, enhance client relationships, and develop high-performin...
1 week ago
Water/Wastewater Practice Leader
$145K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of water and wastewater services by providing strategic leadership, fostering client relationships, and driving operational excellence across municipal markets wh...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Water Process, Treatment and Distribution
$105K - $135K *
Join a team that's leading innovative projects in water treatment and distribution. Leverage your expertise to manage complex initiatives, mentor junior staff, and drive business development while ens...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager - Water/Wastewater
$88K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects, managing multidisciplinary efforts while ensuring compliance with engineering standards and client expectations. Mentor junior...
4 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Wastewater
$110K - $125K *
Shape the future of sustainable building design by leveraging your expertise in HVAC and mechanical systems. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions for water sector projects, fostering co...
Yesterday
Water & Wastewater Treatment Project Manager/Senior Project Manager
$90K - $140K *
Drive impactful water and wastewater treatment projects, ensuring quality and client satisfaction. Lead project execution, manage budgets and schedules, and cultivate strong client relationships acros...
1 week ago
Intermediate Water Resources Engineer
$95K - $140K *
Lead multi-disciplinary water resources projects, enhancing client relationships and driving project delivery while empowering junior engineers and developing project management expertise...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of water systems by leading projects and teams to deliver innovative solutions in wastewater and water management. Collaborate with clients and experts to ensure quality and efficienc...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $140K *
Lead impactful projects in water/wastewater systems, managing teams and client relationships to ensure quality delivery on time and within budget. Collaborate with experts to enhance operational servi...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Transform water and wastewater systems by leading project teams, managing design and operational services, and ensuring quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering strong client relatio...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Elevate project outcomes by leading multi-discipline teams in the planning, design, and management of water and wastewater systems, ensuring quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Empower project success by leading multi-discipline teams in planning, designing, and managing water and wastewater systems, ensuring quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering strong...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading multi-discipline teams in planning, designing, and managing water and wastewater projects. Collaborate with clients and project members to ensure quality delivery on time a...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Champion project leadership in water/wastewater systems, overseeing design, planning, and construction phases while collaborating with clients and multi-discipline teams to deliver quality solutions o...
1 week ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Process Engineer/Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Manage multi-discipline project teams to deliver innovative water and wastewater solutions. Collaborate with clients and team members throughout project phases, ensuring quality work is completed on t...
1 week ago
Senior Civil or Environmental Engineer
$96K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead environmental and civil engineering projects, focusing on stormwater and solid waste management. Engage with clients, mentor staff, and drive project success while cont...
3 days 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.