Industrial Water Resource Engineer

empirical foods, inc.; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

empirical foods, inc. in Nebraska seeks an Industrial Water Resource Engineer to oversee water and wastewater systems across multiple sites, from design through deployment and ongoing improvement. Relocation and travel are required to support our manufacturing operations.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop operating practices, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive innovative, cost-effective water solutions for safe, efficient food production across all sites.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of engineering, supervisory, or leadership experience (food processing preferred).
• Hands-on experience with water treatment processes and/or system design, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, membrane filtration, biological treatment, and disinfection systems.
• Knowledge of industrial wastewater pretreatment and primary treatment methods.
• Experience with developing and documenting operating practices for water treatment systems.
• Microsoft Office Suite, and understanding of HMI/SCADA systems, proficiency in 2D & 3D Cad Software is a plus.
• Ability to read electrical schematics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive water resource management from potable water intake through wastewater discharge.
• Develop and maintain operating practices for water and wastewater systems across all sites.
• Oversee water quality specifications and implement preferred water technologies for manufacturing processes.
• Manage water conditioning, utility systems, and company wastewater treatment infrastructure.
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal water regulations; participate in permitting, audits, and sampling programs.
• Develop specifications, evaluate vendors, and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate water and glycol technologies; lead new process deployments.
• Design and implement water reuse projects from concept to commercialization; create P&ID, mass balances, and technical documentation.
• Perform technical assessments, design calculations, and data analysis; conduct bench testing and pilot programs.

Job description

Overview

Join our multidisciplinary engineering team as an Industrial Water Resource Engineer, where you'll play a critical role in ensuring sustainable water management across our multi-site operations. You'll oversee the complete lifecycle of water and wastewater systems—from initial design strategy through deployment and continuous improvement—while supporting our mission to produce high-quality food safely and efficiently.

Must be willing to relocate and travel

Responsibilities

Water Stewardship & Industrial Water System Management

• Lead comprehensive water resource management, covering potable water intake through wastewater discharge.
• Develop and maintain operating practices for water and wastewater systems across all sites.
• Oversee water quality specifications and implement preferred water technologies for manufacturing processes.
• Manage water conditioning, utility systems, and company wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal water regulations.
• Collaborate on permitting requirements, conduct audits, and oversee sampling programs.
• Maintain accurate data tracking and regulatory documentation.

Project Leadership & Technical Consultation

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate water and glycol technologies.
• Lead new process deployments and scale-up projects.
• Support construction and remodel projects to ensure water system compliance.
• Develop specifications, evaluate vendors, and make informed purchasing decisions.

Analysis & Innovation

• Perform technical assessments, design calculations, and data analysis.
• Design and implement water reuse projects from concept to commercialization.
• Create process flow diagrams, P&ID, mass balances, and technical documentation.
• Conduct bench testing and pilot development programs.

Additional

• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• 2+ years of engineering, supervisory, or leadership experience (food processing preferred).
• Hands-on experience with water treatment processes and/or system design, including: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, membrane filtration, biological treatment, and disinfection systems.
• Knowledge of industrial wastewater pretreatment and primary treatment methods.
• Experience with developing and documenting operating practices for water treatment systems.
• Microsoft Office Suite, and understanding of HMI/SCADA systems, proficiency in 2D & 3D Cad Software is a plus.
• Ability to read electrical schematics is a plus.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Strong people-centric leadership approach with ability to develop and mentor team members.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations in industrial settings.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Outstanding communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Commitment to continuous learning and team development.

Physical Requirements

• This role is based in a manufacturing environment and requires flexibility to work various hours, including weekends when needed. You'll be part of a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation. Position will travel to multiple empirical facilities as needed.

Experience: Seeking a candidate with 2+ years of progressive experience in water systems engineering, operations, or leadership roles, ideally within food processing or similar industrial manufacturing environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field preferred. Equivalent practical experience will be considered.Department: Engineering.

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