Water Systems Engineer

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA); Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoxville Utilities Board in Knoxville is seeking an Engineer to lead design and oversight of capital improvement projects for water distribution and wastewater systems. You will work with engineers, inspectors, and project coordinators to plan, design, review plans, and manage cost estimates, ensuring safety, reliability, and future readiness of infrastructure.

The role emphasizes collaboration, coordination with contractors and permitting agencies, and updating KUB standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Civil, Environmental, Biosystems, Mechanical, Chemical, or related field from ABET-accredited college or university.
• 1–3 years of demonstrated experience in related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to convey policies, procedures, and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Design capital improvement projects; preparing and reviewing construction plans, bid documents, and cost estimates; coordinating with construction crews, customers, contractors, permitting agencies, and KUB departments; developing and updating KUB standards and specifications; and providing technical training and support to KUB employees as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (Civil/Environmental/Biosystems/Mechanical/Chemical or related)

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Job description

Classification

Engineer

Work Hours

40+ hours / week: M - F

About KUB

KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role

Join a team of engineers, project coordinators, and inspectors shaping the future of KUB’s Water and Wastewater infrastructure. This position plays a key role in planning, designing, and overseeing critical capital improvement projects that keep KUB’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems safe, reliable, and built for the future.

Responsibilities

Designing capital improvement projects; preparing and reviewing construction plans, bid documents, and cost estimates; coordinating with construction crews, customers, contractors, permitting agencies, and KUB departments; developing and updating KUB standards and specifications; and providing technical training and support to KUB employees as needed.

Why This Role?

If you’re looking for an opportunity to combine engineering expertise, project leadership, and collaboration while making a direct impact on essential community infrastructure, this role offers the chance to help build what keeps KUB—and the community—moving forward.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

Works primarily in an office setting, but field visits and field activities may be required. These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times. Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/or exceed those demands described above.

Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Civil, Environmental, Biosystems, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering field from a four-year ABET-accredited college or university
• One (1) to three (3) years of demonstrated experience in related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to communicate policies, procedures, and objectives effectively
• General knowledge of or ability to learn AutoCAD and ArcGIS
• Have and maintain a valid driver's license

Preferred Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in design, planning, project management, operations, and/or construction in the utility industry
• Professional Engineering (PE) License or ability to obtain within 1 year
• Advanced Engineering degree

Selection Process

Selection Process

About The Selection Process

Phase 1 – Apply online at www.kub.org

Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 – Background Investigation

Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

• KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer