Wastewater Project Engineer

Job Title: Wastewater Project Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on delivering water and wastewater treatment projects, including pumping stations and combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities, primarily for municipal clients across southeast Michigan and potentially in regions such as Lansing, Grand Rapids, and northern Michigan. The Wastewater Project Engineer develops and manages engineering designs, leads project execution from concept through construction, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide reliable, cost-effective infrastructure solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage engineering designs, drawings, and technical specifications for water and wastewater treatment and industrial development projects.

• Work in a collaborative, team-based environment on complex urban infrastructure projects, including storm and sanitary systems, pump stations, wastewater treatment plants, headworks, and related facilities.

• Use a range of software tools, including MS Office, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, and Civil 3D, to produce detailed engineering designs and documentation.

• Resolve design and construction problems by analyzing issues, identifying practical solutions, and coordinating with project stakeholders.

• Manage project budgets and resources to ensure effective use of time, materials, and personnel.

• Develop cost estimates and project schedules, and monitor progress to keep projects on time and within budget.

• Ensure projects run smoothly through all phases and are completed on schedule and in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in contract bidding and construction administration, including reviewing bids, responding to contractor questions, and supporting construction oversight.

• Conduct and participate in field investigations to diagnose system issues, gather site data, and verify existing conditions.

• Develop technical reports, preliminary engineering concepts, and feasibility evaluations for water and wastewater projects.

• Prepare construction plans, cost estimates, specifications, and bid documents for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Collaborate with team members while also taking initiative to work independently when required.

• Adapt to changing project needs and priorities, and seek out varied project experiences across municipal and industrial treatment systems.

• Apply knowledge of pumping systems, biological treatment, sludge handling, clarification, and disinfection processes to project designs.

• Support or lead aspects of project management, including coordination with clients, subconsultants, and internal disciplines when applicable.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• At least 5 years of water and/or wastewater project experience, preferably with municipal infrastructure.

• Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Experience with pumping systems, biological treatment processes, sludge handling, clarification, and/or disinfection systems.

• Experience preparing construction plans, cost estimates, technical specifications, and bid documents for water and wastewater projects.

• Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools and workflows.

• Working knowledge of MS Office for reports, calculations, and project documentation.

• Experience using AutoCAD and/or MicroStation for design and drafting tasks.

• Familiarity with Civil 3D for civil infrastructure design.

• Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.

• Strong problem-solving skills for resolving design and construction issues.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment as well as independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and coordinating with project stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, if not already required, is considered a strong asset.

• Experience or knowledge in related disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, piping, plumbing, architectural, instrumentation and control, and structural engineering.

• Advanced Civil 3D skills for complex civil and site design.

• Demonstrated project management skills, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and client communication.

• Experience with municipal wastewater and municipal treatment systems.

• Experience with industrial treatment systems and water and wastewater process design.

• Interest in gaining varied project experience and exposure to different types of treatment and pumping facilities.

• Ability to adapt well to change and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment.

Work Environment

The role follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically 4045 hours per week, with a mix of office and field work. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with four days in the office and one day remote per week. The engineer may work from either a Bloomfield Hills or Detroit office, supporting projects across Michigan, including southeast Michigan, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and northern regions. The environment is team- and family-oriented, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, mentoring, and professional growth. The organization offers advancement opportunities, a formal mentoring program, and participation in community-based events. Employees can take part in extracurricular activities such as a softball team, golf league, and social events, and benefit from an Employee Appreciation Committee and company-branded gear. Compensation includes an hourly structure with overtime at time-and-a-half, a 401(k) plan, mileage reimbursement, and employer-sponsored continuing education. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off available from day one, and paid holidays. Contractors working through a staffing arrangement receive eight paid observed holidays and 23 weeks of vacation depending on years of experience. The work involves use of standard office software and design tools such as MS Office, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Civil 3D, as well as field visits to active project sites, treatment facilities, and pumping stations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bloomfield Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Bloomfield Hills,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.