Senior Process Design Engineer (Technical Lead)

Kennedy Jenks; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Senior Process Design Engineer (Technical Lead) to manage innovative water and wastewater projects. You will lead engineering teams and develop sustainable solutions for various industries including mining, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, 10 years of related experience, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. The role offers a hybrid work model with a focus on collaboration and employee growth.

Qualifications

• 10 years of engineering experience in design, construction, and commissioning.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Strong background in industrial water/wastewater processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex industrial engineering projects as Project Technical Lead.
• Develop process flow diagrams and oversee water/mass balances.
• Manage project delivery from planning through design and construction.

Skills

Industrial water/wastewater expertise

Process design engineering

Project management

Mechanical infrastructure knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

AutoCAD

BlueBeam

REVIT

Job description

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award‑winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on‑time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry‑leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks (KJ) is hiring a Senior Process Design Engineer (Technical Lead) to drive the growth and delivery of innovative industrial water and wastewater projects across diverse market sectors. In this role you will lead complex process design efforts, guide multidisciplinary teams, and shape solutions that advance sustainability and efficiency for our clients. As an employee‑owned firm, KJ offers you the opportunity to make an impact on our projects, our clients, and the future of our company.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Technical Lead on complex industrial engineering projects, including wastewater, facilities engineering, and metals finishing.
• Establish overall process design and develop process flow diagrams.
• Oversee development of detailed water and mass balances for projects.
• Support and direct bench and pilot testing of complex industrial water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Prepare options/alternatives analyses, perform detailed process design engineering, and coordinate multi‑disciplinary design delivery.
• Manage project delivery from planning and options analysis through design, construction, commissioning, and startup.
• Provide project development oversight including scope, schedule, fee preparation, negotiation, and staffing.
• Coordinate activities across planning, design, and construction phases.
• Collaborate and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams in a supportive, collegial environment.
• Travel to client and project sites as needed for client visits, meetings, and collaboration with other KJ offices.
• Leverage existing client relationships to expand services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering field.
• 10 years of engineering experience in investigation, planning, design, construction, and commissioning with relevant consulting experience.
• Strong background in industrial water/wastewater, mechanical infrastructure, system controls, process automation, or process design.
• Experience across a wide range of market sectors (mining & metals, pulp & paper, food & beverage, data centers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc.).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Proven project management experience including scope, schedule, and budget oversight.
• Technical expertise in industrial water/wastewater processes.
• Familiarity with computer‑aided drafting and design tools (AutoCAD, BlueBeam, REVIT, etc.) preferred.

Work Environment & Locations

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work‑life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential.

Primary Locations: Portland, OR; Federal Way, WA; Sacramento, CA; Denver, CO.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000 – $200,000 depending on education, experience, qualifications, licensure, and location.
• Eligible for performance and incentive compensation.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.