Project Engineer III

American Water Works Association; Spring (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua Texas in Spring, Texas is seeking a Project Engineer III to lead capital improvement projects across wastewater, groundwater, and water distribution systems. You will oversee design, permitting, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and construction administration to deliver projects within regulatory and safety standards.

The role requires PE licensure or ability to obtain within 6 months, 6+ years in water/wastewater, and strong communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires a B.S. in civil/environmental engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum 6+ years in water and/or wastewater with project budgets >$1M.
• PM experience preferred; PMI certification a plus.
• Experience with field testing, data collection, and master planning for water systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital improvement projects from planning through commissioning.
• Provide engineering design oversight, permitting, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and construction administration.
• Develop and manage projects involving groundwater development, water treatment, SCADA, and distribution networks.
• Oversee wastewater rehab and greenfield projects using MBRs, MBBRs, and SBRs.
• Develop sludge handling, dewatering, and residuals management solutions.
• Prepare CIP plans, prioritize projects, and support long-range infrastructure planning.
• Prepare technical reports, bids, and permit applications; manage regulatory approvals.

Skills

Office software

Project management

Communication

Permitting knowledge

Water/wastewater standards

Team player

Pressure management

Multi-project management

Water modeling tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering

Tools

WaterGems / WaterCAD / EPAet

Job description

Description

This is a transformative time for public water and wastewater systems, and Aqua Texas is at the forefront! We are seeking a Project Engineer III to join our team in Spring, Texas. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering professional who is passionate about developing and implementing innovative solutions that improve water quality, system reliability, and operational efficiency for communities across Texas.
In this role, you will lead and support critical infrastructure and capital improvement projects focused on wastewater, groundwater resources, production efficiency, treatment technologies, and water distribution systems.
As part of a multi-year capital investment program exceeding $1 billion, you will collaborate with operations, engineering consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and leadership teams to plan, design, and deliver projects that ensure regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
Lead and manage capital improvement projects from planning through commissioning, including engineering design oversight, permitting, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, construction administration, and project closeout.
Lead and support water infrastructure projects involving groundwater development, production efficiency improvements, new well construction, water treatment facilities, SCADA systems, and transmission and distribution network improvements.
Manage projects related to emerging contaminant treatment technologies, including PFAS and radiological contaminant (RADs) treatment and mitigation.
Oversee wastewater rehabilitation and greenfield development projects utilizing conventional treatment systems, Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs), Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBRs), and Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs).
Develop and implement sludge handling, dewatering, beneficial reuse, and residuals management solutions to improve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Assist in the development and execution of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including project prioritization, budgeting, forecasting, and long-range infrastructure planning.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and testimony for regulatory agencies, review boards, and other stakeholders.
Develop contract bid documents, engineering plans, and technical specifications for capital projects, and manage the competitive bidding process.
Prepare and oversee permit applications and ensure all required regulatory approvals are obtained.
Provide engineering leadership and collaborate with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, operations personnel, and utility leadership to successfully deliver project objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, And Certifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental engineering or related engineering field required
• Professional Engineer’s License (PE) in the State of Texas or ability to achieve within 6 months of hire
• 6+ years of professional experience in Water and/or Wastewater and budget management of projects over $1M. Wastewater preferred
• Project Management Experience Preferred, PMI Certification a Plus.
• Experience conducting field testing, data collection programs, and master planning for water distribution systems and sewer collection systems.
• Current Driver’s License and ability to drive to project sites within the assigned region, for on-site meetings and inspections, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Examples below)

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Project Management Experience Preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely, and professionally) with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge/familiarity in permitting processes with local groundwater conservations districts, cities, counties, flood districts, TCEQ, PUC etc.
• Knowledge in public water supply and wastewater safety/design standards that include AWWA, TCEQ, OSHA, NEC, etc.
• A team player able to work effectively in a team-fashioned multi-tasking environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with modeling software platforms (WaterGems, WaterCAD, EPAet, InfoWorks / Infowater etc.) preferred but not required

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Perform sedentary work- exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force often or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting the majority of time.
See, hear, talk, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
Operate standard office equipment.
Working conditions will include travel to work sites of Aqua Texas, Essential Utilities, and/or other constituents, as needed.
Travel Requirements up to 20%, mostly local to the regional office
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.