Process Engineer II - (26-PE-812000-080)

DC Water; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Water is seeking a Process Engineer II to support the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. You will evaluate treatment processes, and develop and implement procedures to control plant performance, covering operations, process controls, maintenance and asset management.

The role involves building process control strategies using PLC and HMI software, reviewing designs, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Chemical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Must possess and maintain a Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or acquire within 24 months of employment.
• DC Professional Engineering (PE) license required at time of hire or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Recommend policies, procedures, methods, and practices to meet permit requirements and improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop process control strategies using PLC systems and HMI software.
• Review complex design drawings for proposed changes; assess functionality, cost-efficiency, and compliance.
• Design new systems or modify existing systems.
• Coordinate with vendors/contractors to direct, inspect, and modify contract work.
• Provide troubleshooting support for digital control software and equipment.
• Analyze laboratory and process data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Monitor sampling strategies and propose protocols.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings at conferences or journals.
• Plan work activities, schedules, and training for subordinates.

Skills

Troubleshooting & problem-solving

Environmental engineering concepts

Communication skills

Time & project management

Electrical/Mechanical knowledge

MS Office Suite proficiency

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Environmental/Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Process Engineer II

Division: Operations – Department: Process Engineering-Central Administration

Reports to: Manager, Process Engineering

Role Description

The Process Engineer II provides engineering support for the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant; evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of all treatment processes and develops and implements procedures and methods to control plant performance. Responsible for Operations, Process Controls, Maintenance and Asset Management for the WWT Plant. Conducts process studies and evaluates new products, processes, and techniques used in wastewater treatment processes. Develops feasibility proposals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Recommend policies, procedures, methods, and practices to ensure the plant meets or exceeds NPDES permit requirements and enhances safety, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.
• Develop strategies to meet process objectives and implement process control strategies using the Process Control and Computer System, PLC systems, and HMI software.
• Review and interpret complex design drawings, plans, and specifications for proposed changes and new facilities; evaluate designs for functionality, cost‑effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance, and perform detailed analysis to identify inadequacies and potential problems.
• Design new systems or modify existing systems.
• Identify type and scope of work, develop work specifications, and interface with vendors, contractors, and consultants to direct, coordinate, inspect, and accept work; resolve problems associated with contract work and recommend modifications to contract scope or enforcement.
• Provide engineering support and guidance in troubleshooting complex process problems, including digital control software and equipment.
• Analyze laboratory reports and process efficiency data; identify causes of non‑routine events and recommend process control strategies and adjustments to process variables.
• Monitor process sampling strategies and recommend sampling protocols.
• Write regular and special technical reports; present and publish technical papers at conferences and in journals.
• Plan work activities, develop schedules, and assign work to subordinates; identify training needs and serve as a resource in teaching others.
• Establish and enforce high standards for safety, quality, and productivity; inspect work quality and report hazards to supervisors.
• May also serve as Regulations Compliance Engineer, performing duties such as managing the industrial pre‑treatment program and ensuring compliance with industrial storm water, Clean Air Act, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Key Working Relationships

Interacts with co‑workers throughout the Authority, other government and private agencies, vendors, and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience

• Knowledge of general wastewater treatment plant practices, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations, such as EPA and OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of conventional methods and techniques used in engineering, chemical, and biological applications.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience related to wastewater treatment processes.

Minimum Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental, Chemical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.

Required Skills

• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Mastery of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental engineering.
• Excellent human relations and communication skills.
• Ability to control wastewater treatment processes using digital systems.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule, and follow up on work activities within time and budget constraints.
• Knowledge of related engineering fields such as electrical and/or mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or acquire within 24 months of employment.
• DC Professional Engineering (PE) license required at time of hire or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Required Languages

English

Physical Requirements

• May be subject to indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions including extreme temperatures.
• May be exposed to fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation requiring protective equipment.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and carry hoses and other equipment not exceeding 50 lbs around plant and up steps.
• Must be able to wear full and half face respirators, climb vertical ladders, meet confined space entry requirements, and work around chemicals.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.” If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email [e-mail].