Planning Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and Defined Contribution Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, prescription, dental, and vis

Disability, life insurance, and paid休

Voluntary benefits and health &%26;-w

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Planning Engineer to assess long‑term needs of water and wastewater systems, develop project solutions, and ensure reliable service to customers. You will support hydraulic modeling, demand projections, and asset performance assessments, with supervision of consultants and CAD operators as needed.

The role emphasizes collaboration with project teams, budget management, and delivering planning recommendations to guide growth and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• EIT or 2–4 years’ experience in engineering design, planning, construction or project management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with strategic water/wastewater planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations and identify deficiencies.
• Develop hydraulic models for water distribution and wastewater systems.
• Support multiple projects from planning through construction.
• Prepare technical information and feasible engineering approaches.
• Establish project budgets and scope; assist in selecting consultants.

Skills

Engineering design

Project management

Water/wastewater

Financial analysis

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

EIT

Job description

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

In addition to your salary, we offer a robust benefits package, which includes:

• 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.

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

In addition to your salary, we offer a robust benefits package, which includes:

• 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