Principal Engineer I

About the role

Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, providing guidance, mentorship, and engineering expertise to support site operations, capital projects, and complex technical challenges.

What You'll Do

• Apply deep knowledge of effluent treatment systems to improve operational performance, project outcomes, and regulatory compliance, while driving the adoption of leading practices across the organization.
• Lead complex problem-solving initiatives by translating technical challenges into actionable solutions, leveraging advanced engineering principles, analytical tools, and innovative approaches to optimize effluent treatment processes and enhance overall business performance.
• Review and evaluate effluent treatment plant operations, engineering projects, and complex technical issues, providing actionable recommendations that improve performance, reliability, compliance, and business outcomes.
• Support the development and execution of long-term technical strategies by aligning engineering initiatives with organizational goals and operational priorities.
• Build strong partnerships with environmental, maintenance, laboratory, operational, and external stakeholders to influence decision-making and drive effective execution across treatment processes and unit operations.
• Provide advanced technical leadership for complex operational and engineering challenges, including performance monitoring, data analysis, risk identification, troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and the development of corrective actions and improvement plans.
• Maintain expertise in emerging technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory developments by actively participating in professional networks, industry forums, and training programs, recommending innovative solutions to enhance operations.
• Collaborate with site leadership and project teams to shape operational and project strategies, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful implementation of engineering standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by developing, implementing, and auditing operational standards, best practices, and system enhancements that drive safety, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Identify opportunities to optimize effluent treatment operations and provide technical input into strategic planning, capital investment, and budgeting processes across the organization.
• Mentor, coach, and develop technical and operational talent by sharing expertise, strengthening problem-solving capabilities, and promoting operating discipline and best practices in effluent treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and seven (7) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
• Master's degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and five (5) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
• PhD in Engineering or related engineering discipline and three (3) years of experience in related engineering field.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of effluent treatment plants.
• Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in commercial or industrial scale effluent treatment plants.
• Experience in multiple unit operations within effluent treatment plants including process stability, chemical dosing, solids handling, sludge management, reagent performance and understanding of discharge requirements.

Pay

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $112,000-$160,000. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance. Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for auto, home and pet
• Internal progression opportunities