Graduate Engineer I - Water/Waste Water

LJA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Family Leave

Education Support

Referral Bonuses

Community Impact

Professional Development

Career Growth

Fun Culture

Job summary

LJA, an employee-owned firm, is seeking a Graduate Engineer I -W/WW in Land Development to contribute to water and wastewater plant design tasks under close supervision. You will assist with calculations, plan preparation, specifications, and quantity take-offs, gaining hands-on experience with a broad client base.

The role targets recent graduates with a Civil Engineering background and FE-Exam-ready credentials, offering mentorship, training, and growth within a collaborative office

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree from ABET accredited university (Civil Engineering Preferred).
• 0–2 years post-graduate experience in detailed civil design of land development water and wastewater facilities or Master’s +1 year.
• FE Exam passed or eligible to take exam.

Responsibilities

• Apply prescribed methods to complete portions of the broader assignment under supervision.
• Adjust and correlate data to build accurate designs.
• Recognize discrepancies and follow through with related steps and processes.
• Exercise limited judgment in method selections and alternatives.
• Expand your engineering toolbox with advanced techniques and industry concepts.
• Check in with manager/mentors to identify growth opportunities.
• Work in a well-equipped office with modern technology.

Skills

Civil design

Water/wastewater

Team collaboration

FE Exam ready

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bluebeam

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

Job description

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Graduate Engineer I -W/WW at LJA Land Development, includes developmental assignments involving the application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out routine engineering tasks under close supervision. The candidate will be involved with water and wastewater plant design calculations, plan preparation, specifications and quantity take-offs.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Applied prescribed methods to complete limited and specific portions of the broader assignment of an experienced engineer.
• Adjusts and correlates data.
• Recognizes discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes.
• May exercise limited judgment in making preliminary method selections and the adoption of alternatives.
• Expanding your engineering toolbox and vocabulary to add knowledge of advanced techniques, applied theory, industry concepts, and best practices.
• Check‑ins with your manager and other engineering mentors to identify areas of excellence and growth opportunities.
• Working in an office equipped with meeting rooms, amenities, and excellent technology.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree from ABET accredited university (Civil Engineering Preferred)

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• 0‑2 years of post‑graduate experience in detailed civil design of land development water and wastewater facilities including sanitary lift stations, water plants and wastewater treatment plants or Master’s Degree and 1 year of experience
• Experience and exposure to civil design of land development water and wastewater facilities including sanitary lift stations, water plants and wastewater treatment plants or master’s degree.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Previous work experience in the engineering industry
• Experience with Bluebeam and Water Resources Software (HEC-RAS & HEC-HMS)
• Passed the FE Exam
• Team Mentality

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee‑owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.