Staff Engineer Water Resources

Souder, Miller & Associates; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range

Benefits package

PTO & wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Souder, Miller & Associates is recruiting for a Staff Engineer I-II in the Water/Wastewater Tech Sector. The position is located in our Farmington, NM office.

Staff Engineer I-II assists with projects by performing duties related to completing and delivering a project, including planning, design, and construction administration and observation of water distribution systems, wells, pump stations, wastewater collection systems, lift stations, and simple treatment systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering or science field.
• Minimum 1–6 years of experience post-graduation preferred.
• In-training certificate or similar, as appropriate.
• Should actively pursue professional registration and/or certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply foundational engineering skills using established procedures, criteria, and technical standards.
• Collect data, perform standard computations and analysis, and prepare drawings, visual aids, and technical documentation.
• Support preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, permits, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates.
• Assist with client communication, project coordination, meetings, and field investigations, including occasional overnight travel.
• Provide construction observation and onsite project representation for assigned water/wastewater project.
• Coordinate fieldwork with staff and subcontractors and provide directions to technicians or project support personnel as needed.
• Complete assigned quality system tasks, follow document review requirements, and help manage technical risk and potential liabilities.
• Demonstrate increasing independence, critical thinking, sound professional judgment, ethical responsibility, and the ability to seek guidance when needed.

Skills

Written communication

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Self-directed learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Job description

Growing, Succeeding and Designing Our Future Together

We are looking for future team members who are excited to make an impact. As an employee-owned company, we are dedicated to the betterment of our clients, our communities, and our employees. Your contribution is key to the quality of service SMA delivers. Throughout your career with SMA, you will have opportunities to develop the skills you need to achieve your professional goals. We encourage you to explore innovative ways to develop solutions and collaborate with team members inside and outside the organization, providing a framework to help you succeed.

We don't just talk about being client-focused; the engineers, scientists, surveyors, technicians, and other professionals at SMA live and breathe it. After all, we are members of the communities we help.

Why Join Us?

• Ownership & Impact: Experience the unique advantage of employee ownership, where your contributions directly shape our company's future.
• Community Focus: We're deeply committed to the communities we serve. Our engineers, scientists, surveyors, and professionals are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that make a real difference.
• Growth & Development: We invest in your professional growth, providing opportunities to expand your skills and collaborate with a dynamic team.
• Proven Excellence: With a legacy dating back to 1985, SMA is a leading engineering firm in New Mexico, renowned for our commitment to infrastructure, water safety, environmental remediation, and more.

SUMMARY

Souder, Miller & Associates is recruiting for a Staff Engineer I-III for our Water/Wastewater Tech Sector. The position is located in our Farmington, NM office. Staff Engineer I-III assists with projects by performing the duties related to completing and delivering a project. Projects will include planning, design, and construction administration and observation of water distribution systems, wells, pump stations, wastewater collection systems, lift stations, and simple treatment systems. Assignments typically include field and office duties, working on teams and independently. New and varied assignments may be made frequently, requiring flexibility in travel, self-directed learning skills, and heightened social interaction. Field assignments can be frequent, and duration can extend beyond one week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and apply foundational engineering skills using established procedures, criteria, and technical standards.
• Collect data, perform standard computations and analysis, and prepare drawings, visual aids, and technical documentation.
• Support preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, permits, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates.
• Assist with client communication, project coordination, meetings, and field investigations, including occasional overnight travel.
• Provide construction observation and onsite project representation for assigned water/wastewater project.
• Coordinate fieldwork with staff and subcontractors and provide directions to technicians or project support personnel as needed.
• Complete assigned quality system tasks, follow document review requirements, and help manage technical risk and potential liabilities.
• Demonstrate increasing independence, critical thinking, sound professional judgment, ethical responsibility, and the ability to seek guidance when needed.

TRAVEL: up to 25%.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering or science.
• Minimum 1-6 years of experience post-graduation preferred.
• In-training certificate or similar, as appropriate.
• Should actively pursue professional registration and/or certification.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass drug tests.

Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

At SMA, we reward talent with competitive salaries and benefits that reflect your experience and contributions.

• Salary Range: $66,000 to $82,000 per year.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Retirement Plan, Employee Stock Options (ESOP), Life/ADD Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care, and more.
• Paid Time Off & Wellness Programs: Generous PTO, flexible work schedules, wellness initiatives, and more.
• Professional Growth: Tuition/Student Loan reimbursement program, professional dues, and opportunities for advancement within the company.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able and willing to frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential func

tions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why SMA? Since 1985, Souder, Miller & Associates has been a leader in providing engineering, survey, and environmental solutions across New Mexico. As the third-largest engineering firm in the state, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges, from designing public infrastructure to environmental remediation. Our employee-driven culture fosters a sense of ownership and community where everyone’s contribution is recognized and valued.

At SMA, you’re not just a team member – you’re an integral part of our journey to success, a mentor to the next generation of engineers, and a leader who shapes the future of the communities we serve.