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.
$101K - $168K *
Elevate your career by leading complex civil engineering projects, providing technical expertise, and mentoring teams. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions in site developmen...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $168K *
Drive impactful civil engineering projects by leading design efforts, mentoring teams, and collaborating across disciplines. This role offers the chance to shape site development and environmental sol...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $168K *
Join a team that's redefining civil engineering by delivering innovative, high-impact projects across North America. Leverage your expertise in design, mentoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration t...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $168K *
Lead and manage complex civil engineering projects, providing technical expertise and mentorship. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions from planning through constru...
3 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Municipal Engineering
$92K - $121K *
Lead multidisciplinary municipal infrastructure projects, enhancing community resilience and growth. Manage client relationships, oversee project delivery, and drive business development initiatives w...
Today
Water & Wastewater Treatment Project Manager
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in executing impactful water and wastewater treatment projects. Drive quality, profitability, and client satisfaction while managing schedules and budgets. Collaborate with teams to fo...
1 week ago
Municipal Civil/Utilities Engineer
$101K - $151K *
Transform municipal infrastructure by leading engineering projects and advising clients. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, manage budgets, and enhance community services t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage stormwater operations to enhance flood risk management, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating effective planning, design, and maintenance of drainage systems to protect natural...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading geotechnical engineering for major bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, oversee subsurface investigations, and ensure seamless coordination with st...
2 weeks ago
Water Resources Project Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping municipal infrastructure projects, enhancing water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Collaborate with stakeholders, manage project budgets, and mentor junior engineers to...
5 days ago
Senior Conveyance Technical Director
$163K - $272K *
Drive new business growth and technical support for conveyance projects nationwide, strengthening client relationships and developing strategies to capture key opportunities while engaging in diverse...
Reposted 3 days ago
$90K - $115K *
Deliver your expertise in financial consulting for utilities, managing diverse projects from budget planning to revenue forecasting. Collaborate with clients, analyze data, and produce technical repor...
2 weeks ago
Water Growth Leader and Sr. Project Manager
$110K - $130K *
Champion strategic growth in water infrastructure by leading client engagement, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering complex projects. Shape the future of water services across Upstate New...
1 week ago
Design Engineer in Training - Water Resources
$75K - $113K *
Optimize project success by assisting in the design and delivery of water resources, drainage, and civil engineering projects. Collaborate with clients and improve team efficiency while adhering to re...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Hydraulic Project Engineer / Project Coordinator - Water/Wastewater
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative water and wastewater solutions. You'll manage project execution, coordinate teams, and support client relationships, making a tangible impact on m...
Yesterday
$107K - $150K *
Transform public infrastructure by managing engineering projects, ensuring effective collaboration with consultants and regulatory agencies, and overseeing the design, permitting, and construction pha...
1 month ago
$115K - $125K *
Manage and coordinate complex water and wastewater projects from start to finish, ensuring adherence to budget, milestones, and quality standards while collaborating with stakeholders and vendors to s...
Reposted today
$115K - $125K *
Engineer impactful water and wastewater projects by overseeing all phases, from planning to execution, ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards, while fostering communication am...
Reposted today
$115K - $125K *
Join a team that's driving innovative water and wastewater projects! As a key Project Manager, you will lead complex initiatives ensuring timely and successful delivery within budget while fostering c...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $125K *
Take ownership of diverse water and wastewater projects, overseeing all phases from planning to execution. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure projects meet scope, quality, and budget constraints...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join our team to design and oversee innovative water resource management projects. Utilize your analytical skills and expertise to ensure compliance with environmental regulations while collaborating...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Regional Director Water Resources
$140K - $175K *
Advance your career by overseeing diverse water resource projects, managing budgets, and ensuring timely execution. Collaborate with clients and lead technical teams to achieve project goals while fos...
1 week ago
$100K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading innovative hydrogeology projects in the Pacific Northwest. Embrace a hybrid work model while driving impactful solutions and mentoring junior staff in a dynamic, colla...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver expert leadership in metallurgy and materials engineering across complex projects. Provide strategic guidance, ensure technical excellence, and mentor multidisciplinary teams in energy transit...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead impactful civil engineering projects that enhance communities and protect the environment. You'll mentor junior staff, manage diverse projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary t...
3 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.