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.
Water Distribution System Hydraulic Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in water systems analysis by providing technical expertise, conducting hydraulic modeling, and assessing water infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and resilience in distri...
Reposted 1 week ago
Water Resources Project Engineer II
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovative water resources engineering, managing diverse infrastructure projects. Leverage your expertise in stormwater management and green infrastructure while collab...
3 weeks ago
Graduate Engineer II Public Works
$70K - $91K *
Lead impactful public works projects by inspecting construction, assisting with CAD, and preparing plans for municipal clients. Collaborate across service lines while gaining valuable project manageme...
6 days ago
Environmental Engineer - Water and Wastewater
$126K - $196K *
Develop and enhance corporate water and wastewater compliance strategies while guiding manufacturing sites on regulatory requirements. Lead audits and advocate for environmental governance, ensuring t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of railway infrastructure by leading structural engineering projects, mentoring team members, and ensuring high-quality deliverables through collaboration and tec...
1 week ago
Senior, Environmental, Health & Safety Program Manager
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative strategies and solutions across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and achieve business objectives while fostering a culture...
4 days ago
Assistant Water Resources Director
$77K - $96K *
Grow your career by managing municipal infrastructure projects, overseeing engineering activities, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver effective...
5 days ago
Sr. Engineer/Project Manager - Civil & Environmental Engineering
$114K - $143K *
Innovate by leading water and wastewater projects from inception to completion. Manage client relationships and foster technical growth while securing funding and delivering high-quality engineering s...
Reposted 2 days ago
Water Systems Engineer - Mechanical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive the design and maintenance of critical water systems for advanced scientific facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety of coolin...
3 weeks ago
Senior Transportation Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovative urban roadway design projects, ensuring quality and resolving complex engineering challenges. Supervise teams, manage client relations, and lead in technical expertise to shape safe a...
Reposted 5 days ago
Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer
$85K - $100K *
Empower geotechnical projects by developing innovative solutions, managing site investigations, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with clients and ensure compliance with industry standards while...
1 week ago
Project Engineer, Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics
$94K - $125K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of geotechnical engineering. Lead projects, mentor staff, and collaborate on innovative solutions for diverse infrastructure challenges while enhancing client rel...
6 days ago
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Oversee multiple project disciplines, ensuring alignment with client goals while managing deliverables, risk assessments, and development of project management plans. Foster effective team collaborati...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Oversee project activities across disciplines, enhance execution strategies, and manage client goals. Partner with diverse teams while ensuring efficient processes in planning, procurement, and risk m...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving successful project outcomes across various sectors while enhancing client relationships and managing multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals efficientl...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in overseeing multi-disciplinary project activities, ensuring alignment with client objectives. Collaborate on planning, execution, and risk management, contributing to innovative solu...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading complex multi-disciplinary projects to achieve client goals, overseeing contracting, risk management, and deliverable production, while supporting program growth and commun...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager- Municipal Infrastructure
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in managing multi-disciplinary projects that align with client goals. Oversee comprehensive planning, risk management, and deliverables, while ensuring effective execution and fosterin...
Reposted yesterday
$126K - $133K *
Contribute to the design and maintenance of wastewater facilities. Play a key role in supervising engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards, and enhancing operational efficiency. Grow y...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation and excellence in project management, overseeing cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results while fostering collaboration...
1 week ago
Senior Dams Engineer / Practice Leader
$140K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading complex water infrastructure projects in the NYC metro area. Leverage your technical expertise and business development skills to expand market share and drive innovation i...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director - Process Engineering NORAM
$177K - $200K *
Transform the future of water treatment by leading process engineering initiatives, driving innovation, and optimizing solutions across diverse markets. Shape high-performing teams to deliver excellen...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director - Process Engineering NORAM
$177K - $200K *
Drive engineering excellence in water treatment solutions by leading high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and aligning strategies with market needs to enhance competitive advantage and support...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director - Process Engineering NORAM
$177K - $200K *
Lead the charge in advancing process engineering excellence for water treatment systems. Drive strategic initiatives, build high-performing teams, and ensure alignment with commercial objectives to en...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining plumbing engineering by designing innovative systems across diverse sectors, including healthcare and commercial projects, while ensuring code compliance and collaboratio...
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.