Water Utility Engineer I

Baxter & Woodman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare: medical, dental, vision

401k with advisory services

Employee Stock Ownership plan

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

Flexible work arrangements

Work from home option

Job summary

Baxter & Woodman is seeking a Water Utility Engineer I to design drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across multiple Illinois offices including Chicago (O'Hare), Crystal Lake, Naperville, and Mokena. The role offers growth in technical design, project management, and potential leadership tracks.

The position supports planning, hydraulic modeling, field investigations, and regulatory coordination, with opportunities to advance through varied project types within the Infrastructure

Qualifications

• Leadership in project design and execution
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Ability to work in teams with engineers and contractors
• Proactive in planning, budgeting, and scheduling

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and design of municipal water distribution and sanitary sewer systems.
• Prepare engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Model hydraulic systems for design optimization.
• Support CIP planning, budgeting, and infrastructure replacement.
• Conduct field investigations and permit applications coordination.
• Assist with rate studies, funding applications, GIS mapping, and large projects

Skills

Civil Engineering

Project management

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Tools

Trenchless Technologies

Job description

Your future position:

Water Utility Engineer I

Location:

Chicago (O'Hare), Crystal Lake, Naperville, or Mokena, IL

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About The Role, Your Impact

Baxter & Woodman has a rewarding opportunity for a Water Utility Engineer I in our Infrastructure Department. The Water Utility Engineer I will be responsible for the design of drinking water, wastewater and other infrastructure projects for design-build in our Chicago (O'Hare), Crystal Lake, Naperville, or Mokena, IL office. A successful candidate will benefit from a unique opportunity to advance their career path tailored to their interest of technical design, project management, team management, or business development.

What Your Day-to-day Will Look Like

• Assist in the planning and design of municipal water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems improvements, including pipelines, pumping stations, valves, meters, manholes, and related infrastructure.
• Prepare engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for utility infrastructure improvement projects.
• Design underground infrastructure improvements using Trenchless Technologies, such as horizontal directional drilling, jack and bore, or lining.
• Support development and implementation of utility Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) through project evaluation, prioritization, budgeting, and infrastructure replacement planning.
• Perform hydraulic analyses and modeling of water distribution systems to support improvement design, capacity evaluations, and master planning efforts.
• Conduct field investigations such as sanitary sewer evaluation surveys (SSES), fire flow testing, condition assessments, and construction observations to support design and planning activities.
• Prepare permit applications and coordinate with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure project compliance.
• Assist with Rate Studies, Funding Applications, GIS mapping, and large multidisciplinary projects (wastewater treatment plant, stormwater, and transportation projects).

Education/Certification Requirements

• B.S. in Civil Engineering

Must-haves, What You Will Bring

• Ability to lead themselves through project design.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Strong written, verbal, computer, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment for both engineering design and contractors.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $76,000-$90,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits -

At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home and/or work a flexible schedule on eligible positions. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer