Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs in California
Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in municipal utilities, water districts, and environmental consulting firms, with openings at every level from entry-level process engineer through senior project engineer and principal. The heaviest hiring is in the Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco Bay Area metros, where large employers like AECOM, Black & Veatch, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power maintain sustained operations. The most in-demand specialties include nutrient removal process design, recycled water facility engineering, and regulatory compliance under California's Title 22 water reuse standards. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Engineer to join our Northern California team and contribute to municipal wastewater treatment projects locally and nationally. This role offers the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects, apply your engineering expertise, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates who are ready to take on increasing technical responsibility, grow in their career, and contribute to complex solutions are encouraged to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Contribute to the design and delivery of wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects, including feasibility studies, facility planning, and treatment plant upgrades.
- Perform process design for physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment systems, with guidance and increasing independence.
- Prepare technical deliverables, including calculations, drawings, specifications, and design reports.
- Collaborate with project teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to support project objectives, technical discussions, and compliance requirements.
- Assist with developing project scopes, budgets, and schedules.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff where appropriate, and learn from senior engineers and project leads.
- Stay current on industry standards, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering, or related degree
- 5+ years of experience in municipal wastewater treatment engineering
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license; PE preferred or ability to obtain
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients
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.
COMPENSATION
- Salary range for this position is expected to be between $120,000 and $210,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.
- This position is eligible for performance and incentive compensation.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Kennedy Jenks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.
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.
See All 10 Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsWastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Wastewater Treatment Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kennedy/Jenks Consultants6

- GFT2

- Woodard & Curran2

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services10
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in wastewater treatment engineer jobs across California.
- Active California Professional Engineer license or eligibility to obtain one
- Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering from an accredited program
- Experience with wastewater treatment process design, operations, or facility planning
- Familiarity with California State Water Resources Control Board regulations and NPDES permitting
- Proficiency with engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or process modeling tools
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports and regulatory agency correspondence
Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a wastewater treatment engineer in California?
You need a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The path runs from the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to the Professional Engineer exam after gaining qualifying experience. Many California water agencies and consulting firms also value familiarity with State Water Resources Control Board permitting requirements, which you can build through junior engineering or associate engineer roles at municipal utilities.
How much do wastewater treatment engineers make in California?
Wastewater treatment engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire wastewater treatment engineers in California?
Employers hiring wastewater treatment engineers in California right now include Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, GFT, and Woodard & Curran, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's extensive network of municipal water agencies, regional sanitation districts, and environmental engineering consultancies means consistent hiring activity across both the public and private sectors.
Which California cities have the most wastewater treatment engineer jobs?
Victorville, Irvine, and Monterey post the most wastewater treatment engineer openings in California, driven by the scale of their municipal utility systems, the concentration of environmental engineering consulting firms, and ongoing capital improvement programs at regional sanitation districts serving large metropolitan populations.
Are there remote wastewater treatment engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 80% of wastewater treatment engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles. The portions most likely to allow remote work are planning studies, hydraulic modeling, and report writing phases of larger infrastructure projects.
How can I get hired as a wastewater treatment engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate engineer or junior engineer role at a California municipal water or sanitation agency, where structured programs at employers like the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District bring in new graduates under supervising professional engineers. Internships with large environmental consulting firms are also a strong foothold. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before you graduate gives you a concrete credential that distinguishes you immediately in California applications.
Where can I find and apply to wastewater treatment engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to wastewater treatment engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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