Process Systems Engineer

Las Vegas Valley Water; United States; On-site; USD 118,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Las Vegas Valley Water is seeking a Process Systems Engineer at the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility in Henderson, NV. The role involves advanced engineering work in water quality, treatment process design, and data-driven optimization.

A registered Professional Engineer is preferred and a background in chemistry and environmental engineering is essential. The candidate will conduct bench, pilot and full-scale evaluations, integrate new methods with SCADA, and contribute to SOPs and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water treatment processes, chemistry and data analysis methods.
• Ability to design and evaluate bench- and pilot-scale treatment studies.
• Experience interpreting test results and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and safety practices in water utilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering research related to treatment processes and testing programs.
• Develop and evaluate modeling approaches including hydraulic and empirical models.
• Design testing protocols for new treatment schemas and technologies.
• Prepare technical memos, reports and presentations of findings.

Skills

Complex calculations

Statistical analysis

Data modeling

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical/environmental engineering or related field

Master’s degree desirable

Tools

Specialized software to model processes

Job description

Process Systems Engineer

Open Date: 09/30/26 Close Date: 11/19/26 Salary: $131,428.00 per year Job Type: Regular

Location: River Mountains Water Treatment Facility, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson

Hours of Work: Monday-Thursday 7:00a.m.- 5:30p.m.

FILING DEADLINE: The first 75 applications submitted ON or BEFORE 11:59pm, Wednesday, November 18th, 2026. WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

For any questions regarding this announcement, please contact LVVWD Recruitment at [e-mail].

We are committed to providing our people with an enriching and rewarding environment.

For questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at [phone], Monday - Thursday, 7am - 6pm.

Introduction

Human Resources will screen applications and supplemental questionnaires. Candidates possessing the strongest skills and experience for this position will be forwarded to the hiring department for further evaluation and to determine who will be invited to the formal interview process. The candidate hired will be required to pass a drug screening, background check and may be required to pass a job‑related physical evaluation.

General Purpose

Under direction, performs complex professional engineering work in the research, planning, design, operation and control of water quality and treatment processes; evaluates, interprets and reports of the significance of testing programs and protocols and identifies methods for process optimization; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Process Systems Engineers perform complex professional engineering assignments in the research, planning and design of schemas and technologies for physical, chemical and biological processes used in the treatment of drinking water to meet environmental and regulatory requirements. Work involves application of the principles of chemistry, data analysis methods and techniques and conventional and advanced water treatment methods and processes. Duties require judgment and initiative in developing solutions to complex problems and the ability to communicate study results effectively to other researchers, managers, engineers and technical or trades personnel. Process Systems Engineer P.E. differs from Process Systems Engineer in that incumbents in the former class are registered Professional Engineers. Incumbents in the Process Systems Engineer class may advance to Process Systems Engineer P.E. upon obtaining State of Nevada registration as a Professional Engineer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Performs engineering research, including literature reviews, relevant to treatment processes, analytical methods, emerging water quality concerns and related matters; investigates strategies, methodologies and instrumentation in use by other water utilities; develops and evaluates modeling approaches including hydraulic models and empirical models; integrates new methodologies into ongoing research projects; performs statistical analysis of data.

Designs testing programs and protocols to investigate alternative treatment schemas and new technologies and their effectiveness in meeting desired water quality and treatment results; conducts bench-, pilot- or full-scale evaluations as required; analyzes study progress and researches causes for failure or sub‑optimal outcomes; identifies additional research needs and incorporates them into the testing program; makes efforts to continuously improve bench and pilot plant operations.

Designs new pilot‑scale treatment processes; prepares process and instrumentation diagrams and flow schematics; designs chemical feed systems in support of projects; performs chemical dosing calculations and verifies dosages; coordinates the integration of chemical feed systems into SCADA for automated dose control; designs and implements safety guidelines and precautions to minimize chemical hazards associated with chemical feed systems and treatment processes.

Monitors the progress of studies and testing for projects; analyzes and interprets data and communicates study results through the preparation of technical memos, comprehensive reports and scientific journal articles; prepares presentations summarizing research findings and results for a variety of audiences.

Prepares capital and operating budget requests for new process equipment and upgrades; works with manufacturers to design equipment needed for new processes and methodologies; submits and tracks purchase requisitions for equipment, materials, chemicals and other supplies.

Assists in writing research proposals for grant funding and in writing periodic progress reports to funding agencies; participates in project meetings and conference calls.

Develops and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); trains others on new processes and procedures.

Follows process safety guidelines and department policies and procedures during process testing; takes and ensures others follow safety precautions when working in dangerous situations; makes all required notifications.

Other Duties

Assists consulting personnel to coordinate projects and conduct experiments; conducts pilot plant tours for consultants, engineers and others. Stays abreast of industry trends, new developments, best practices and changes in regulatory requirements in the drinking water industry and in wastewater and water reuse treatment processes.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Theory, principles, methods, practices, techniques and equipment used in the physical, chemical and biological treatment of potable water; principles of chemistry, microbiology and mathematics applicable to environmental engineering; bench-, pilot- and full-scale treatment methodologies; laboratory procedures for water analysis; theory and principles of material balances, fluid dynamics and mass transport; statistical analysis methods and applicable formulae; federal, state and local law and regulations pertaining to the production and treatment of potable water, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and relevant EPA and U.S. Public Health regulations; modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding assigned areas of engineering responsibility; principles and practices of process safety management as applied to chemical handling and exposure and laboratory analysis; principles, practices, methods and tools of project management; principles and practices of sound business communications and communication of highly technical, scientific information to both technical and non‑technical audiences; general safety policies and practices applicable to the work.
• Ability to: Make complex engineering and statistical computations; perform difficult technical research and analyze complex engineering and mathematical problems and proposals, evaluating alternatives and recommending or adopting effective courses of action; plan, implement, monitor and evaluate bench and pilot treatment plant studies designed to simulate full-scale treatment processes; analyze physical, chemical and biological treatment processes to determine the impact of modified techniques to improve overall process effectiveness; understand, interpret, explain and apply complex federal, state and local law and regulations applicable to the work; diagnose and resolve difficult and unusual problems where guides and precedents are inadequate or unavailable; exercise initiative and sound judgment in carrying work responsibilities within District standards and guidelines; use a computer and specialized software to model processes; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, articles, manuals, documentation, notes and other written materials; establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with other divisions and departments, consultants, contractors, managers, staff and others encountered in the course of work.
• Training and Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four‑year college or university with a degree in chemical, biochemical or environmental engineering, materials science, chemistry, microbiology or another closely related field; and at least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in process design, implementation and/or evaluation, preferably in a water utility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable. Upon registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Nevada, a Process Systems Engineer will advance to Process Systems Engineer P.E.
• Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of Nevada is required for appointment to Process Systems Engineer P.E. A valid Nevada driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Physical and Mental Demands: The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; and climb, reach and balance in high precarious places. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret highly complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work; observe and interpret conditions and situations; and interact with consulting engineers, contractors, representatives of other agencies and others encountered in the course of work.