Lead Design Engineer

LE002 Onterris Payroll, LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris in San Diego, CA is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to serve as Engineer in Responsible Charge on projects, lead multi-discipline design teams, and mentor junior engineers. Our Treatment Technologies group designs water treatment systems for PFAS and other contaminants, with comp and bonus commensurate with experience.

Projects range from standard equipment supply to complex design‑build; you will see designs fabricated, installed and running.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• Active PE license in any U.S. state or ability to obtain others.
• Typically 10+ years of engineering experience in water treatment design.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Design leadership and Engineer in Responsible Charge on projects.
• Lead conceptual and detailed design of water treatment systems for PFAS and contaminants.
• Coordinate sub-discipline leads and subcontractors across disciplines.
• Review codes, standards and regulations and ensure safety in design.
• Mentor engineers and support project proposals and client meetings.

Skills

Design leadership

Team mentoring

Communication

Project coordination

Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical, Industrial, Civil and Environmental, Chemical or Process Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

PipeFLO

Job description

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. “For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

We're looking for a Lead Design Engineer in our San Diego, CA office. You'll be the Engineer in Responsible Charge on your projects, lead multi-discipline design teams, and mentor junior engineers. Our Treatment Technologies group designs, builds and delivers proprietary water treatment systems for PFAS and other emerging contaminants, including foam fractionation and regenerable ion exchange. Projects range from standard equipment supply to complex design-build. Unlike a consulting role, you'll see your designs fabricated, installed and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly growing, top notch, cutting-edge team that’s looking to make a positive impact on the world. The compensation range for this role is $100,000 to $130,000, in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Responsibilities

• Design leadership Serve as Engineer in Responsible Charge, signing and sealing designs as required by state and national code. Lead conceptual and detailed design of water treatment systems for PFAS and other emerging contaminants: equipment sizing and selection, piping and pump systems, hydraulic calculations, layouts and specifications. Assign sub-discipline leads and subcontractors, and coordinate process, mechanical, electrical, controls and structural work into one design package. Set weekly design priorities and resources and own the design deliverable schedule. Work with the Project Manager to identify and manage risks to scope, schedule and budget. Review and apply codes, standards and regulations to each project.
• Safety and quality Be an integral part of our safety culture, approaching all work with a safety‑first attitude. Lead Safety‑in‑Design, PSM and HAZOP reviews, using internal and vendor resources as needed. Ensure procured equipment meets project requirements, including codes, specifications and material compatibility. Lead internal and client design reviews and complete the Design Review Checklist.
• Fabrication, construction and commissioning Respond to engineering RFIs and complete submittal reviews during fabrication and construction. Develop and give final approval of design changes (Engineering Directives) during construction, startup and commissioning. Support and sign off on factory and site acceptance tests, commissioning plans and flushing plans. Sign off that installations meet the intent of the design documents. Spend 10–25% of your time in the field at fabrication shops, vendor facilities and project sites.
• Clients and business Represent Onterris to clients and vendors, solving difficult technical problems on your projects. Lead the engineering portion of client meetings. Support proposals and responses to RFPs and RFQs. People and growth Mentor Design Engineers I–III with a focus on project leadership and communication Develop standard tools and templates, and contribute to continuous improvement programs. Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Expertise and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Civil and Environmental, Chemical or Process Engineering from an accredited university
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in any U.S. state, and willingness to obtain additional state registrations as projects require
• Typically 10+ years of engineering experience, including mechanical design of water or wastewater treatment systems
• Excellent organizational, communication and leadership skills, including a demonstrated ability to lead multi‑discipline teams and motivate others
• Experience serving as lead engineer on multi‑discipline design projects through construction and startup
• Hands‑on experience with fabrication, construction or commissioning of treatment equipment
• Working knowledge of process, electrical, instrumentation and controls, and structural disciplines
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam and Microsoft Office; experience with PipeFLO or similar hydraulic software
• Experience mentoring or directing the work of other engineers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including with clients and vendors
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%
• Preferred Experience with PFAS or emerging contaminant treatment, such as foam fractionation, ion exchange or adsorption Design experience with packaged, skid‑mounted or modular treatment systems
• Experience leading HAZOP, PSM or other formal hazard reviews 3D plant design experience (e.g., AutoCAD Plant 3D) Experience supervising engineering staff

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.

For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

At Onterris, we take on complex challenges with purpose and momentum, alongside teams that lead with integrity, deliver together, and invest in your growth.

“Working with inspiring coworkers and clients across the globe over the past five years has been incredibly rewarding. Their passion motivates me to improve our client experience and work that I deliver.” - Erin Peck, Emissions Services

“There are not many places where a toxicologist can be boots‑on‑the‑ground at an environmental emergency one day and deep in a human health risk assessment or litigation the next, but this company is one of them, and honestly, that breadth is what makes me love the work. We are a team of scientists with a broad range of talents and experiences who genuinely take the mission to heart, because protecting people and communities from chemical hazards is not abstract here; it is exactly why we show up every day. The culture reflects that shared commitment in the best way: collaborative, rigorous, and truly motivated by the impact we make together.” - Andre Richardson, Consulting

“I knew my position here would be more than just a job. Every day is a new, exciting challenge to solve, and I get to go home knowing that the work I am doing is having a positive impact on the world.” - J Esteves, R&D