Associate Planning Engineer

American Water Co.; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Urbana, IL is seeking an entry-level Associate Planning Engineer to help assess long-term water and wastewater system needs. You will assist teams with hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition assessments, and planning recommendations, gaining hands-on experience in a regulated utility environment.

With a Bachelor’s in engineering and 0–2 years’ experience, you’ll contribute to small-to-medium projects, interact with CAD operators and consultants, and grow toward

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of Engineering.
• 0 - 2 years’ experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the preparation of strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations to support ongoing operations and growth opportunities.
• Assist in hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution and wastewater systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and varied engineering assignments.
• Develop technical information into feasible engineering approaches.
• Support consulting engineers, technicians, and CAD operators as needed.

Skills

Engineering design

Project management

Water/wastewater

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Associate Planning Engineer is an entry level position in the Engineering function that is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers. This role will assist their respective teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist the preparation of strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping and collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
• Assist in the hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Any other special projects and tasks assigned by their team leads or managers

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
• Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements, and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of Engineering
• 0 - 2 years’ experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%, as required

Certifications & Licenses

Valid Driver’s License

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on‑site project kick‑off/review meetings

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.