Pipeline Engineer

Job ID: 9545Req ID: 536Location: 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 an experienced and proactive Pipeline Engineer for our California office to support water and wastewater pipeline projects. This role will play a key part in the evaluation, design, and construction of complex conveyance facilities for water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical resource on meaningful pipeline projects while supporting clients and multidisciplinary project teams. You’ll play a key role in advancing pipeline projects from planning through construction, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, supporting junior staff development, and contributing to strong client service. What You’ll Do As a Pipeline Engineer, you’ll contribute across key focus areas, including pipeline design and analysis, construction support, asset management, technical problem-solving, and client service. Support pipeline design and analysis: Perform hydraulic and pipe design calculations for small- to large-diameter water and wastewater pipelines. Develop detailed project deliverables: Prepare designs, specifications, and drawings for complex pipeline projects, including alignment studies, hydraulic analyses, condition assessments, rehabilitation, new pipeline design, and in-service commissioning. Apply industry standards: Use applicable industry standards, publications, codes, and regional regulatory requirements to guide pipeline design and installation. Provide construction-phase engineering support: Review materials submittals, respond to requests for information, and assist owners in confirming compliance with contract documents. Support asset management decisions: Evaluate existing pipeline systems, conduct condition assessments, and recommend rehabilitation or replacement approaches using various pipe materials and trenchless construction methods. Collaborate, support, and engage: Serve as a technical resource on multidisciplinary project teams, support junior staff development, contribute to client service, write technical reports, maintain project documentation, and support quality control processes. What Makes This Role Different High-impact infrastructure work: You’ll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that support communities, improve reliability, and address complex infrastructure challenges. Technical depth with practical application: This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you the opportunity to see your recommendations carry through from design to implementation. Team visibility and collaboration: You’ll have the opportunity to serve as a trusted technical resource for project teams, clients, and stakeholders while supporting knowledge-sharing across the team. What You Bring Applied pipeline engineering skills : Ability to apply pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, and construction support experience to practical project needs. Clear technical communication : Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, document project decisions, and explain engineering concepts clearly. Collaborative project mindset : Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with project stakeholders, and contributing to successful project delivery. Sound technical judgment : Ability to evaluate pipeline challenges, identify practical solutions, and support quality-focused deliverables. Proactive work style : Organized, responsive, and eager to contribute to project teams while continuing to grow technical expertise. Qualifications Education : Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering field; Master’s degree preferred. Experience : 10+ years of experience in pipeline engineering, including design, analysis, and construction support. Areas of Knowledge : Strong knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulations for water and wastewater infrastructure. Certifications or licenses : Professional Engineer license in California required or ability to obtain within six months of hire. Additional preferred qualifications : Experience with pipeline design software and hydraulic modeling tools preferred. 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 achieve their full potential. Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $106,000 to $198,000, 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.