Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

Gannett Fleming; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off (PTO) accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team with a hybrid work model requiring regular office attendance. You will contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable water management, focusing on dams, levees, and advanced treatment technologies while collaborating across teams to protect public health.

In this role you will lead design, optimization, and management of systems that treat and transport drinking water, performing hydraulic analyses, selecting equipment,

Qualifications

• BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS preferred).
• Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or ability to obtain in 6–12 months.
• 8+ years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing studies, plans and specifications for water infrastructure projects.
• Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Experience with primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling.
• Demonstrated ability in leading water design and plant facilities projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water.
• Design water treatment plants and pumping stations with CAD drawings and equipment selection.
• Perform hydraulic analysis of plants and piping systems and evaluate performance of pumps.
• Analyze lab data and operator reports to resolve operational issues.
• Ensure treated water meets regulatory standards and safety requirements.
• Develop feasibility studies, cost projections, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology.

Skills

Water treatment design

Hydraulics

Process optimization

Testing & monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering

PE license or ability to obtain in 6–12 months

Job description

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices.

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life.

Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.

What you'll be challenged to do:

In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities:

• System Design: Designing water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing systems, including pre‑treatment, various filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment.
• Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new water treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.
• Testing and Monitoring: Analyzing lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensuring treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
• Project Management: Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology.
• Data Analysis: Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
• Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced water treatment.

Qualifications:

• BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred).
• Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6‑12 months.
• 8+ years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing studies, plans and specifications for water infrastructure projects.
• Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling.
• Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects.
• Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration and membrane filtration. Experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection is preferred.
• Progressive experience in evaluation, design, permitting and construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and water storage and distribution facilities.

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, including internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location:

Fairfax, Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach, VA; Raleigh, NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD

Core Business Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status:

Full‑Time