Process Wastewater Engineer

Stellar; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

PTO 15 days

HSA/FSA

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability

401(k) – company match

Job summary

Stellar is seeking a Process Wastewater Engineer to lead design and implementation of wastewater solutions for diverse food and beverage facilities. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure compliant, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment systems.

The role requires expertise in DAF, biological treatment, nutrient removal, pH/chemical control, and startup/commissioning. Travel up to 20% is expected as projects span multiple sites.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or related field.
• 5-7 years of wastewater systems experience; certifications a plus.
• Food/beverage wastewater experience preferred; handles BOD/COD, TSS, pH, FOG.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of wastewater systems for industrial food processing plants.
• Model flow, sizing, and chemical dosing for wastewater treatments.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, specs, and system narratives for controls integration.
• Select equipment or coordinate with 3rd parties for equipment, based on specs.
• Coordinate instrumentation with controls to optimize processes.
• Integrate wastewater systems into plant layouts and utility infrastructure.
• Review vendor submittals and assess treatment technologies.
• Support environmental permitting and compliance with discharge regulations.
• Ensure designs meet regulations, codes, and standards.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and handover documentation.
• Travel for site visits and project meetings, up to 20%.

Skills

Leadership

Wastewater treatment

Startup & commissioning

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Creativity/innovation

Attention to detail

Regulatory knowledge

Flexibility travel

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Procore

Bluebeam

Power BI

BIM/ACC

Job description

The Process Wastewater Engineer is responsible for leading the design and implementation of wastewater treatment solutions that meet the needs of our diverse wastewater types. This role requires a deep understanding of wastewater treatment technologies, the design and delivery of systems for food and beverage manufacturing facilities, with an emphasis on wastewater handling, treatment, and compliance, as well as a commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The Process Wastewater Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, engineering, architects, manufacturing, project management, and field staff to ensure wastewater treatment solutions are innovative, functional, and fully developed for a successful operation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Development and design of wastewater systems for industrial food processing plants.
• Perform calculations and modeling for flow rates, equipment sizing, and chemical dosing related to wastewater treatment processes (e.g., screening, DAF, biological treatment, sludge management).
• Preparation of process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, equipment specifications, and system narratives for controls integration and operation of the system.
• The Process Wastewater Engineer is responsible for selecting wastewater equipment in the system, and/or coordinating with 3rd party wastewater companies for selecting based on equipment specifications.
• Coordinate with controls regarding selection of instrumentation to control and optimize the process.
• Coordinate with project team during design phases of the project to integrate wastewater systems into plant-wide process layouts and utility infrastructure.
• Review vendor submittals and assist in evaluating treatment technologies and equipment selections.
• Contribute to environmental permitting documentation and support compliance with discharge regulations and standards.
• Ensure wastewater system designs comply with relevant regulations, codes, and standards.
• Identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies that arise during the procurement, manufacturing, and installation process, working closely with the team to implement solutions.
• Assist in preparing comprehensive documentation of commissioning processes, test results, and system performance.
• Assist in wastewater system testing and commissioning activities, including functional testing, performance testing, and safety testing.
• Coordinate with clients and stakeholders for system handover, providing necessary documentation and training for operational staff.
• Ensure all permits are in place and regulations are adhered to before turnover phase.
• Maintain current knowledge of wastewater treatment trends, regulatory requirements, and food industry-specific wastewater considerations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Thorough understanding of wastewater treatment technologies such as DAF, biological treatment, nutrient removal, and pH/chemical control systems.
• Familiarity of startup and commissioning processes and procedures for wastewater treatment systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, capable of identifying and resolving issues.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including interpersonal skills.
• Innovative thinking and the ability to develop creative solutions.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of industry regulations, and standards including safety as relates to wastewater systems.
• Flexibility to work in different environments and adapt to changing project requirements.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in wastewater systems. Relevant professional certifications are a plus.
• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing wastewater treatment. Knowledge of food industry-specific wastewater challenges (e.g., BOD/COD loading, TSS, PH, FOG handling, sanitation impacts)
• Experience in calibration, startup and commissioning of wastewater systems is preferred.
• Exposer and / or skilled in relevant software; Microsoft Office Software, AutoCAD, Procore, Bluebeam, Adobe, Power BI, and BIM / ACC is preferred.
• Experience with wastewater design and engineering in a design-build or EPC setting.
• EIT certification or working toward PE licensure.
• Exposure to sustainability-focused initiatives such as water reuse, energy recovery, or nutrient capture.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel regularly for site visits, attend project meetings, corporate training, and events.
• Ability to travel internationally, obtain and maintain a valid passport.
• Travel expected to be at least 20%.
• Flexibility to travel on short notice for urgent business needs.
• Comfortable with various modes of transportation, including flights, trains, and rental cars.
• Ability to navigate and work effectively in diverse geographical locations and time zones.
• Ability to adapt to different cultures and customs while traveling.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance during business trips.
• Compliance with company travel policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to use a computer, phone, iPad, printer, scanner, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity for detailed work and computer use.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds of files, documents, and materials
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time, ability to climb flights of stairs and ladders.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as necessary.
• Manual dexterity for operating office equipment, measuring devices, quality & testing devices.
• Ability to work around machinery during installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Capability to handle occasional exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, wet environments, and extreme odors.

Stellar offers a comprehensive package which includes:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Time Off – accrue 15 days (120 hours) within first year of service
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) – company match with immediate vesting

Stellar, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, is a fully integrated firm focusing on design, construction, architecture, engineering, and mechanical services worldwide for over 30 years. Stellar combines a multitude of capabilities to create buildings and systems of exceptional long-term quality, value and efficiency. From food processing plants and healthcare facilities to refrigerated warehouses, automated production lines and beyond, we offer an integrated approach to meet all our clients’ needs.

Stellar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicants for employment based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by law.