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.
$103K - $125K *
Empower innovation in water filtration by leveraging your engineering expertise to enhance production processes, mentor teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic manufacturing e...
6 days ago
Experienced Environmental Engineer / Geoscientist
$85K - $117K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative environmental solutions, managing complex waste and hydrogeological projects, and mentoring a collaborative team to enhance client relationships and drive busi...
4 weeks ago
Senior Structural Engineer -- S&L Consulting
$118K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading structural engineering reviews for renewable energy projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to optimize design and support financing for utility-scale solar, wind...
6 days ago
Senior Structural Engineer -- S&L Consulting
$118K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading structural engineering reviews for renewable energy projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to optimize design, support financing, and deliver actionable insights...
6 days ago
Senior Water/Wastewater Project Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Advance water infrastructure by designing innovative treatment systems, leading project documentation, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with clients and manage resources to deliver high-quality pr...
6 days ago
Senior Engineer (Design Services)
$157K - $212K *
Drive innovative engineering solutions by managing complex projects, leading teams, and ensuring successful execution of capital improvement initiatives while optimizing performance and collaboration...
6 days ago
$150K - $175K *
Transform groundwater modeling practices by collaborating with a skilled team to develop innovative solutions for complex hydrogeological projects across diverse global locations, enhancing client ser...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Water/Wastewater
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's leading the design of innovative water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Collaborate with experts to develop technical designs, manage permitting, and support construction, en...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Water/Wastewater
$85K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the design and execution of innovative water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Water/Wastewater
$85K - $100K *
Drive the design and coordination of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with teams to execute technical designs, manage permitting, and support...
3 weeks ago
Area Practice Leader - Water Resources
$191K - $285K *
Help us drive strategic growth and operational excellence in our practice. Lead high-performing teams, align business objectives, and ensure client satisfaction through innovative solutions and collab...
Yesterday
Water/Wastewater Project Manager
$95K - $110K *
Lead impactful water and wastewater projects from inception to completion, ensuring client satisfaction and project success through effective management of scope, budget, and multidisciplinary teams...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform transportation systems by leading ITS engineering projects, optimizing operations, and collaborating with diverse teams across the West Coast to enhance traffic management and safety through...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing transportation systems across the West Coast. Collaborate with a team of experts to deliver innovative ITS projects, ensuring effective integration and project execution...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead and manage traffic engineering projects, ensuring quality delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with stakeholders, mentor staff, and drive strategic growth initiatives across North Caroli...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Geologist / Environmental Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Lead the evaluation of subsurface data to assess environmental conditions, generate maps, and collaborate on projects. Oversee field testing and ensure quality standards while preparing detailed repor...
1 week ago
Environmental / Industrial Wastewater Engineer II (WWTP Design)
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to design and implement innovative industrial wastewater systems. Collaborate across disciplines and engage in all stages from scoping to commissioning for food and bev...
Reposted today
Senior Civil Engineer - Land Development
$112K - $154K *
Deliver innovative land development solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and fostering client relationships to create sustainable community value and drive impactful change in infra...
1 week ago
Senior Civil Engineer - Land Development
$112K - $154K *
Join a team that's shaping sustainable communities through innovative land development. Lead complex projects, mentor emerging engineers, and build lasting client relationships while driving impactful...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's committed to delivering innovative engineering solutions in civil design. Oversee project management and technical teams while ensuring client satisfaction and successful project ou...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
The Senior Engineer - Traffic will provide design oversight for various traffic engineering projects, including roadway design, traffic signals, and management systems. This role also involves serving...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$111K - $131K *
Oversee and lead a technical team in the design and management of water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring effective project delivery and collaboration with internal and ext...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape water and wastewater projects as a Site Civil Engineer, managing multi-discipline teams and ensuring high-quality design from planning through construction, while leading due diligence and commu...
Reposted 5 days ago
Mid-Level Water/Wastewater Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Manage and lead technical assignments for municipal water and wastewater projects, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and engaging with clients...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of geotechnical engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovative solutions while ensuring safety and q...
2 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.