Lead Municipal Wastewater Treatment Engineer

Kennedy Jenks; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k)

Bonus opportunities

Tuition reimbursement

Professional registration support

Competitive PTO and holiday plan

Job summary

Kennedy Jenks, located in Irvine, California, seeks a Lead Municipal Wastewater Treatment Engineer to guide wastewater projects in Southern California. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovative solutions, and represent the firm in client settings.

The position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, a California PE license, and over 7 years of experience in the field. Kennedy Jenks promotes a hybrid work model for better work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in wastewater treatment engineering.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience in preparing reports, calculations, and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the technical lead for process design.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to colleagues.

Skills

Wastewater treatment engineering

Client service

Technical design

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering

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 and environmental consulting services today, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using new advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, and award‑winning water reuse projects. We are known for our dedication to industry‑leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a strategic and collaborative Lead Municipal Wastewater Treatment Engineer to play a central role in guiding the technical direction of wastewater treatment projects in Southern California. In this leadership position, you will serve as a subject matter expert, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive the delivery of innovative, high‑quality solutions for municipal clients. You will have the opportunity to shape project outcomes, mentor staff, and represent Kennedy Jenks in client‑facing settings and industry forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects, including feasibility studies, facility planning, and treatment plant upgrades.
• Serve as the technical lead for process design involving physical, chemical, and biological systems.
• Oversee the development of technical deliverables including calculations, drawings, and specifications for complex treatment projects.
• Collaborate with client service managers to support proposals, client meetings, and interviews—bringing process innovations and technical insights.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules aligned with client needs and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to colleagues engaged in wastewater treatment work.
• Represent Kennedy Jenks in both internal and external meetings, including industry forums and technical discussions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in wastewater treatment engineering.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience in municipal wastewater treatment with strong technical knowledge, including preparing calculations, design reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent client service and collaborate positively with clients.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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.

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $150,000 to $250,000, and may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits Summary

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k)
• Bonus opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional registration support
• Competitive PTO and holiday plan
• Other benefits and programs

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.