Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer

GHD; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD in Irvine, CA is seeking a Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer to join our water treatment team. You will design, optimize and troubleshoot advanced membrane filtration systems for municipal and industrial applications, supporting West Region projects.

The hybrid work model combines in-office collaboration three days a week with flexible remote work. You will develop technical outputs, interact with clients and regulators, and grow professionally as part of a diverse, high‑performing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0–3 years of experience; EIT preferred with intent to pursue Professional Engineering license.
• Understanding of membrane filtration systems and water chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers on membrane water treatment projects.
• Assist design, optimization, and troubleshooting of RO/NF/UF systems.
• Produce technical outputs: reports, PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Interact with clients, suppliers, and regulators.

Skills

Membrane filtration design

Water chemistry

PFDs & P&IDs

Mass/energy balances

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering

Tools

WAVE

EVS

Job description

Job Description

The importance of water to the health of our world can’t be overstated. As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front. Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and drive change for your community. You’ll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to create positive water outcomes that respect nature and nurture communities.

Who are we looking for?

GHD is seeking a Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer to join our water treatment team based out of our Irvine, CA office, to participate in the design, optimization and troubleshooting of advanced membrane filtration systems (RO, NF, UF) for municipal and industrial applications, supporting work across GHD’s West Region. Our group focuses on water and wastewater treatment, asset management, operations support, and program management for public and private clients. You will use your experience and knowledge and be involved in exciting projects that will offer an opportunity to provide technical solutions. As a Process Engineer, you will undertake design of membrane water treatment projects and have the opportunity to develop your professional skills as a key member of the team responsible for the delivery of sophisticated and innovative projects.

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in‑office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

• Collaborate with fellow engineers on a wide range of projects.
• Participate in the planning, design and construction oversight of membrane water treatment related infrastructure projects.
• Develop technical engineering outputs including reports, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), mass/energy balance calculations, use design software (e.g. WAVE or EVS) to size membrane elements, pressure vessels, and high‑pressure pumps, interpret data to predict scaling, select appropriate pretreatment (e.g., coagulation, media filtration, antiscalant dosing), and define cleaning‑in‑place (CIP) protocols.
• Interact with clients, suppliers, and regulators to help create successful concepts.
• Maintaining open communication with project team members and project managers.

What You Will Bring To The Team

Education

• Understanding of design of advanced membrane filtration systems (such as Reverse Osmosis, Nanofiltration, Ultrafiltration, and Membrane Bioreactors) for municipal and industrial applications.
• Understanding of water chemistry, membrane fouling mechanisms, normalization software and producing mass/energy balances for membrane separation units.
• Understanding of membrane materials, module configurations, and pretreatment/post‑treatment processes to maximize recovery rates and energy efficiency.
• Effective time management, handling priorities, and working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to complete diverse assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0 to 3 years of experience.
• EIT preferred with intent to pursue Professional Engineering license.

Salary Range: $78,000 - $82,000 based on experience and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.