Planning Engineer

American Water; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Planning Engineer to help assess long-term needs of our water and wastewater systems and develop project solutions ensuring reliable service for customers. You will perform hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset assessments, and planning recommendations while coordinating with engineers, technicians, and CAD operators.

The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, managing project budgets and scopes, and supporting consulting and construction partners through

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Engineering design

Project management

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Planning Engineer

Posting Start Date: 8/19/26

Job Description

The Engineer, Planning 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.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20 as required

Other

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

Competencies

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