Planning Engineer

Water Otter Job Board; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 59,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Disability, life insurance, and paid时间

Voluntary benefits and wellness

Job summary

The Planning Engineer at American Water develops long-term planning for water and wastewater systems, performing hydraulic modeling, demand projections, and asset assessments to ensure reliable service.

You will lead engineering tasks, supervise consulting engineers and CAD operators, and help establish budgets and project scopes for regional growth initiatives, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• EIT or 2–4 years’ experience in engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water system and wastewater hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with strategic water and wastewater system planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations and analyses of water sources, treatment, pumping, and distribution.
• Develop hydraulic models for water distribution and wastewater systems.
• Support multiple small to medium projects and varied engineering assignments.
• Translate technical information into feasible engineering approaches.
• Establish project budgets and scope.
• Support pre-qualification and selection of consulting and construction firms.

Skills

Engineering design theory

Project management

Water treatment trends

Regulatory awareness

Business acumen

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Planning Engineer

Posting Start Date: 10/9/26

Job Description:

Position Information

Salary Range: $59,280 - $ 99,060

The listed salary range reflects the expected compensation for this position. This role is eligible for annual incentive pay and offers potential for continued salary growth. Your final base salary at American Water will be determined based on factors such as market conditions, location, skills, education, and experience. We are committed to pay equity and ensure competitive and fair compensation.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• 401(k) and Defined Contribution Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability, life insurance, and paid time off
• Voluntary benefits and health & wellness programs
• And much more!

Career Growth & Development

At American Water, we are committed to fostering professional growth. You'll have access to learning opportunities and work experiences that will help you advance in your career.

Primary Role

The Planning Engineer 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 with 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.
• 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.
• Establish project budgets and scope.
• Support the pre‑qualification and selection of consulting and construction organizations for projects using negotiation or competitive selection processes

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.
• Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred
• EIT or 2 - 4 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.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• Engineer in Training (EIT) preferred

Work Environment

• 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

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20%, as required

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented