Process Engineer – Project Manager
About the role
The Process Engineer – Project Manager will oversee planning, design, and delivery of advanced water and wastewater treatment projects. This position requires strong technical insight, client management experience, and proven ability to lead complex programs from concept through construction. You’ll collaborate with senior leadership to expand client relationships, mentor engineers, and shape the growth of Tetra Tech’s water treatment practice across Southern California.
Essential Job Functions
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in the design and implementation of PFAS treatment (GAC, IX, RO) and conventional water/wastewater process systems.
- Manage large-scale design-build and design-bid-build projects for municipal water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities.
- Oversee development of project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
- Collaborate directly with public agencies and utilities to guide decision-making and facilitate project progress.
- Prepare and deliver engineering reports, design packages, technical memoranda, and construction documentation.
- Provide business development support, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and interview participation.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, identifying new opportunities for growth within the municipal market.
- Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical development and professional advancement.
- Support recruitment and team growth by identifying and developing emerging talent.
- Ensure all project work meets quality, safety, and compliance standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required (California PE preferred, or ability to obtain within six months).
- 10+ years of experience in water and/or wastewater treatment system design and project delivery.
- Demonstrated expertise in PFAS, advanced treatment technologies, or large-scale municipal treatment facilities.
- Proven project management skills, including cost control, scheduling, and team coordination.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and Bluebeam.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and client relationship-building skills.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel (~10%).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering.
- Experience managing projects under design-build delivery methods.
- Knowledge of California regulatory frameworks and permitting requirements.
- Experience in proposal development and public sector client engagement.
- Familiarity with process modeling software or advanced design tools.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods working at a computer and performing design-related tasks in an office environment.
- Occasional walking, standing, bending, or lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.
- Fieldwork may include exposure to outdoor environments and active construction sites.
Benefits
CA Salary: $126,000-$180,000 dependent on experience
Life at Tetra Tech:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tetra Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
Apply Now
We invite applications from all interested parties. Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
- LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
- X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs