Water Treatment Process Engineer

GFT; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in Richmond, VA is seeking a Water Treatment Process Engineer for a hybrid role. The successful candidate will lead the design and support evaluation of water treatment processes, including conducting site visits and analyzing water quality data to provide recommendations. A BS in Engineering and 4+ years of experience in water treatment are required, with a strong understanding of water treatment chemistry. The salary ranges from $80,000 to $180,000, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in water treatment discipline, preferably as a water engineer.
• Professional Engineer Licensed (PE) or ability to obtain in 6–12 months.
• Strong knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of potable water treatment processes and systems.
• Conduct site visits and analyze water quality to recommend improvements.
• Prepare reports and support permitting efforts for projects.

Skills

Water treatment chemistry

Process design

Hydraulics

Project management

Education

BS in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering

MS in Engineering (preferred)

Job description

What You Will Do

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

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

In this role you will lead and support design of water treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new facilities; permitting; and construction administration. Responsibilities will include conducting site visits, completing treatment studies and developing treatment process recommendations, preparing reports and design documents, and supporting permitting efforts.

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

• System Design: Lead and support the planning and process evaluation of potable water treatment processes, including intakes and raw water pump stations, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, disinfection, filtration, iron and manganese removal, PFAS treatment, chemical systems, and process wastewater and residuals handling.
• Process Optimization: Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze water quality, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.
• Studies and Evaluation: Plan and execute bench, pilot, and full-scale studies to meet project goals; assess test results and facility operating data to develop process recommendations; and prepare required reports.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
• Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or ability to obtain in 6–12 months
• 4+ years of experience in water treatment discipline, particularly as a water engineer involved with planning and/or process evaluation for potable water treatment facilities
• Knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Strong understanding of water treatment chemistry and processes such as oxidation, coagulation, clarification, filtration, disinfection, adsorption, and pH adjustment; experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, and water treatment technology
• Experience in planning and execution of projects, including project approach and resource needs, options analysis, process and equipment design, and engineering document development through the project delivery phases of plan, design, procure, construct, and commissioning
• Occasional travel for meetings, field work, site investigation and inspection

What We Prefer

• Experience working directly with Environmental Regulators (e.g., NJDEP, PADEP, MDE, NYDOH)

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $180,000, depending on experience and geographic location.

Featured 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
• Professional development opportunities 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 of GFT.

GFT requires a successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Locations: Fairfax, NewPort News, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, VA; Raleigh, NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD. Core business hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Employment status: Full‑time.