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.
Land Development Project Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Manage land development projects from site evaluation to construction. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions, ensuring compliance with regulations and...
5 days ago
Intermediate Geotechnical Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by supporting Major Projects in geotechnical engineering, focusing on pavement design and analysis. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions from ince...
3 weeks ago
Senior Structural Field Engineer
$93K - $139K *
Take ownership of senior structural engineering support for complex infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with design standards and resolving technical issues during construction phases to main...
1 week ago
$110K - $166K *
Join our team to lead hydraulic modeling and analysis for natural gas pipeline assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance, optimize operations, and support growth pr...
1 week ago
$110K - $166K *
Empower the optimization of natural gas pipeline operations by leading hydraulic modeling and analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and support growth initiat...
1 week ago
Senior Civil Structural Engineer
$119K - $202K *
Innovate your career by leading civil/structural design for electric utility substations. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance with safety regulations and contribute to renewable energ...
3 weeks ago
Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC
$165K - $250K *
Elevate dam safety standards by leading evaluations and analyses for federally-regulated projects. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while managing impactful water resource initiati...
6 days ago
Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC
$165K - $250K *
Lead impactful dam safety evaluations and projects, collaborating with clients on FERC-regulated hydroelectric initiatives. Utilize your expertise in civil, structural, or geotechnical engineering to...
6 days ago
Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC
$165K - $250K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead dam safety evaluations and collaborate with clients on federally-regulated hydroelectric projects. Utilize your expertise in engineering to ensure compliance and enhanc...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading complex transportation projects, providing technical expertise, and fostering collaboration within a dynamic team. Shape your career while delivering impactful solutions an...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the growth of traffic engineering services in the Delmarva region by leading projects, managing client relationships, and mentoring staff. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful transportat...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Process Engineer, optimizing renewable energy processes, enhancing plant performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic environment focused...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower the growth of traffic engineering services by leading projects, managing client relationships, and mentoring staff. Drive business development in the Delmarva region while delivering impactful...
5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Traffic Engineer, leading diverse projects from traffic studies to signal designs. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior staff while managing project scopes and en...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in advancing traffic engineering solutions, managing projects, and fostering client relationships. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver impactful services while shaping the futur...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic engineering initiatives in production and logistics at our water chemical treatment facility. Drive process excellence, safety standards, and continuous improveme...
Today
Senior Structural Engineer - Marine & Waterfront
$126K - $189K *
Advance your career by leading complex marine and waterfront engineering projects. Manage technical teams and mentor engineers while ensuring adherence to design standards for public and private secto...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Structural Engineer - Marine & Waterfront
$107K - $202K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex marine and waterfront engineering projects, guiding teams through design phases, and ensuring technical excellence for public and private sector clients across...
Reposted yesterday
Commercial Water Quality Systems Engineer
$86K - $96K *
Join a dynamic team to provide technical guidance and support in commercial water quality solutions. Engage with clients and industry groups, driving sales and customer satisfaction while influencing...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of architecture and engineering. Lead diverse projects, provide expert consulting, and ensure compliance while mentoring junior staff. Drive innovation and qualit...
4 weeks ago
Supervising Engineers - Water and Storm/Sewer
$116K - $156K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading utility infrastructure programs, ensuring reliable and sustainable systems. Collaborate with teams to manage projects, develop staff, and address complex engine...
Today
Senior Electrical Engineer (10+ Years)
$115K - $150K *
Pioneer innovative electrical engineering solutions while leading a dynamic team. Engage with clients, manage multiple projects, and contribute to design excellence in a collaborative environment focu...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Electrical Engineer (10+ Years)
$130K - $180K *
Lead a dynamic team as a Senior Electrical Engineer, designing innovative electrical systems for diverse projects. Collaborate across disciplines, ensuring quality and efficiency while fostering profe...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (10+ Years)
$130K - $180K *
Lead the design and execution of electrical systems for diverse projects, collaborating with multi-discipline teams. Drive innovation and quality while mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic, growth...
2 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Engineer (Waste Management)
$112K - $187K *
Join a dynamic waste management team in a senior engineering role, leading projects and delivering sustainable solutions for diverse clients while mentoring junior staff and promoting health and safet...
Reposted 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.