Project Engineer (Hybrid)

Aqua America, Inc.; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 81,975 - 108,412; Full time

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer to support water and wastewater services in Illinois. The role involves leading diverse projects, managing financials, and collaborating across departments.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, have two or more years of experience in water and wastewater, and possess excellent communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $81,975.36 to $108,412.41 and may require occasional travel within Illinois.

Qualifications

• Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois or ability to obtain within three years of hire.
• Two or more years in water and wastewater preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design water and sewer improvement projects.
• Collaborate with hydraulic modeling team to evaluate and mitigate challenges.
• Submit permits and approvals, ensuring documentation is received.
• Coordinate and manage construction projects, including bidding and scheduling.
• Negotiate property easements and oversee legal documentation.
• Manage project financials: work orders, purchase orders, invoicing.
• Collaborate with various departments statewide.
• Perform due diligence for potential new acquisitions.
• Assist with additional tasks or projects as assigned.

Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Excellent written and verbal communication

Strong customer service skills

Ability to work under pressure

Adaptability to changing priorities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is seeking a Project Engineer to support water and wastewater services in Illinois. You will report to the Engineering Manager and lead diverse projects across our service territory.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design water and sewer improvement projects (tanks, boosters, lift stations, WTP, WWTP, regulating vaults, etc.).
• Collaborate with hydraulic modeling team to evaluate and mitigate system‑wide challenges.
• Submit permits and approvals, ensuring all required documentation is received.
• Coordinate and manage construction projects, including bidding, scheduling, cost estimating, and construction administration.
• Negotiate property easements and oversee legal documentation (descriptions, surveys, recording).
• Manage project financials: work orders, purchase orders, invoicing.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, accounting, and customer service departments statewide.
• Perform due diligence for potential new acquisitions.
• Assist with additional tasks or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
• License: Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois or ability to obtain within three years of hire.
• Experience: Two or more years in water and wastewater preferred.
• Technical skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; strong customer service skills.
• Other skills: Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple simultaneous projects, adapt to changing priorities, and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Working Conditions

Primarily sedentary work with occasional lifting up to 20 pounds. Work may require travel to sites within Illinois.

Compensation

Salary range: $81,975.36 – $108,412.41.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Aqua is an Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).