Wastewater Process Engineer

Job ID: 9352Req ID: 521Location: Santa Clara, CA, USAPosted: 2026-09-23Job Family: Technical Professional - EngineersPay Type: Salary Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions. Kennedy Jenks is seeking a motivated Wastewater Process Engineer to join our growing Wastewater Infrastructure team in California. This role supports municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects locally and nationally, including planning, process design, facility upgrades, optimization, and regulatory compliance. Candidates who are ready to take on increasing technical responsibility, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to practical solutions for municipal clients are encouraged to apply. What You’ll Do As a Wastewater Process Engineer, you’ll support the planning, design, and delivery of municipal wastewater treatment and infrastructure solutions. Support project planning and delivery: Contribute to feasibility studies, facility planning, treatment plant upgrades, expansions, pump stations, collection system improvements, and related municipal wastewater infrastructure projects. Perform process design and evaluations: Develop and evaluate physical, chemical, and biological treatment systems, including capacity, performance, regulatory, and alternatives analyses. Prepare technical deliverables: Develop calculations, drawings, specifications, design reports, technical memoranda, and compliance-related documentation. Coordinate with project stakeholders: Work with project managers, process leads, multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to support technical discussions, permitting, and compliance needs. Assist with project management: Help develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and coordinated work plans. Mentor and continue learning: Provide guidance to junior staff where appropriate and stay current on wastewater industry standards, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements. What Makes This Role Different Work with purpose: Help deliver wastewater solutions that protect public health, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen community infrastructure. Create practical client value: Shape solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and long-term system performance. Influence strong project outcomes: Apply process insight that helps teams make informed technical decisions and produce high-quality outcomes. What You Bring Sound engineering judgment : A thoughtful, analytical approach to evaluating challenges, comparing alternatives, and recommending practical next steps. Client-focused collaboration : A service-oriented approach to working with clients, project teams, regulators, and stakeholders. Clear communication : The ability to present technical information in a clear, organized, and audience-appropriate way. Reliable follow-through : Attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to producing quality work. Qualifications Education : Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or a related engineering field. Experience : 5+ years of relevant experience in municipal wastewater treatment engineering, wastewater process engineering, or related wastewater infrastructure projects. Technical knowledge : Familiarity with wastewater treatment processes, regulations, technologies, system design, optimization, technical reporting, and compliance documentation. Certifications or licenses : Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license in California preferred or ability to obtain. Travel : Willingness to travel as needed for project sites, client meetings, and collaboration with Kennedy Jenks offices. Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work. Salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $97,000 and $194,000 , and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location. Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth. #LI-Hybrid Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.