Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

GFT; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team with a hybrid work model. The role focuses on designing treatment plants, pumping stations, and advanced treatment processes, while ensuring regulatory compliance and project delivery.

The candidate should have a PE license (or ability to obtain) and 8+ years in water design, with strong CAD and hydraulic analysis skills to deliver safe, efficient water infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree required with PE licensure or ability to obtain within 6–12 months.
• 8+ years in water discipline, with design experience for treatment and pumping facilities.
• Expert knowledge of conventional and advanced water treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of water treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Prepare CAD drawings and equipment specifications for projects.
• Perform hydraulic analysis and pump selection to meet performance targets.
• Analyze lab data and field reports to improve treatment efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with municipal and industrial standards.
• Manage projects from feasibility through commissioning.

Skills

Water treatment design

Hydraulic analysis

CAD drafting

Process optimization

Pumping systems

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

PE License

MS preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Hydraulic modeling

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.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• 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 including granular media and membranes, 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: Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure that 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

Education | Experience:

• 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 (study, plans and specifications) water infrastructure (i.e. treatment and pumping station 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 preferred.
• Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects
• Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration as well as membrane filtration is preferred. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection would be preferred.
• Progressive experience in the 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.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to 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, access to 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.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location

Irvine, San Diego, Roseville, or Los Angeles, CA or Denver Colorado

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time