Senior Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

About the role

Under limited direction, the Senior Engineer leads complex engineering work related to water distribution and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, reuse water distribution, and utility-focused Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). This role oversees projects from conceptual design through bidding, permitting, and construction. The Senior Engineer will also serve as a technical resource advising and assisting other engineering staff, internal Public Works department groups, and external groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and management of major water and wastewater utility projects, including treatment plant improvements, pipeline replacements, lift stations, pump stations, and other CIP-related infrastructure.
• Review and develop complex engineering plans for water and wastewater systems; recommend alternative designs to optimize safety, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term system reliability.
• Manage project progress through all phases: design, permitting, bidding, construction, and closeout.
• Review technical studies such as master plans, wastewater capacity analyses, hydraulic modeling, flood studies, and water system evaluations.
• Coordinate with engineers, surveyors, plant operators, contractors, and multidisciplinary consultants to resolve design issues and ensure project success.
• Provide technical guidance to internal departments, external agencies, and consultants regarding water/wastewater code requirements, design standards, and regulatory interpretations.
• Oversee construction contracts and permits; authorize contractor payments; ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, environmental requirements, and operational constraints.
• Conduct site visits for water and wastewater projects to monitor progress, verify design implementation, and provide engineering oversight.
• Respond to questions and concerns from citizens, businesses, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders regarding water and wastewater engineering and construction issues; research and recommend solutions.
• Participate in committees and technical meetings, providing expert-level insight into water and wastewater system planning, design, and regulatory compliance.
• Review engineering plans, incorporate comments from internal utility staff, and ensure designs support operational needs and system resiliency.
• Perform in-house design of water and wastewater CIP projects; direct staff in completing technical plans and details.
• Contribute to updating, interpreting, and implementing ordinances and policies related to utility infrastructure, public safety, and evolving water/wastewater industry standards.
• Provide technical support to boards and commissions related to water and wastewater utilities.
• Implement approved process improvements to enhance efficiency within the Utilities Engineering division.
• Supervise Associate Engineers, Staff Engineers, and Project Managers, including performance evaluation, training, hiring recommendations, and timekeeping review.
• Maintain project documentation, cost estimates, status reports, and budget tracking.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least five years of professional engineering experience.
• A master's degree in an engineering-related field may substitute for two years of experience.

Certificates and Licenses

• Professional Engineer licensed in Texas, or licensed in another state with ability to obtain Texas PE licensure within six months of hire.
• Valid Texas Driver's License or ability to obtain one before employment.

Posted range reflects the starting salary; final offer depends on experience.