Water Infrastructure Planning Associate Engineer

American Water; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks an entry-level Water Infrastructure Planning Associate Engineer to support long-range planning for water and wastewater systems. You will assist with hydraulic modeling, demand projections and asset assessments, contributing to reliable service delivery for customers.

The role emphasizes collaboration, learning, and guided supervision over engineers and CAD operators, with opportunities to grow within a large national utility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years' experience in engineering design, planning or project delivery.
• Knowledge of hydraulic modeling and water/wastewater systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in strategic planning studies for water and wastewater systems.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations and analyze sources, treatment, pumping and distribution.
• Help develop hydraulic models for distribution and collection systems.
• Support multiple small to medium projects across planning, design or construction.
• Translate technical information into feasible engineering approaches.
• Support supervision of consulting engineers and CAD operators.

Skills

Engineering theory

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Hydraulic modeling

Job description

Job Description Header: Requisition ID: 110223

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued. People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals. We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! For more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on , , and .

Job Description

Job Title: Water Infrastructure Planning Associate Engineer

Posting Start Date: 8/4/26

Job Information Salary Range: $70,000 - $78,000. The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

Primary Role

The Associate Planning Engineer is an entry level position in the Engineering function that is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers. This role will assist their respective teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist the preparation of strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping and collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
• Assist in the hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Any other special projects and tasks assigned by their team leads or managers.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
• Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements, and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
• Experience/Education Bachelor's degree in related field of Engineering 0 - 2 years' experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management. Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%, as required

Certifications & Licenses

Valid Driver's License

Work Environment

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on-site project kick-off/review meetings

Job Description Footer

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing. American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.