Wastewater Treatment Process Engineer

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Process Engineer to join our Water team. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead and support the design of wastewater treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new facilities; permitting; and construction administration. Key responsibilities include:

• System Design: Lead and support the planning and process evaluation of wastewater processes, including biological nutrient removal, sludge handling, and filtration processes.
• Process Optimization: Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze influent wastewater characteristics, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.
• Studies and Evaluation: Plan and execute bench, pilot, and full-scale studies to meet project goals; assess test results and facility operating data to develop process recommendations; and prepare required reports.
• Technical: Function as a technical specialist in conventional and advanced wastewater treatment, using processes such as physical/chemical primary treatment, conventional activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, fixed-film processes, membrane bio-reactors (MBR), sidestream treatment, tertiary filtration, auxiliary wet-weather treatment, and disinfection.

Requirements

• BS in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering (MS preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required or the ability to obtain it within 6-12 months.
• 4+ years of experience in the wastewater treatment discipline, particularly in planning and/or process evaluation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• EPC project experience preferred; design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities, including three or more years leading process design of wastewater projects with full responsibility for budget, schedule, contractual obligations, client service, and quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in preliminary treatment, primary treatment, biological treatment (including BNR), disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling.
• Successful track record leading wastewater process and plant facilities projects and willingness to take on new challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with biological modeling software such as BioWin, GPS-X, and Sumo.
• Experience working directly with Environmental Regulators (e.g., NJDEP, PADEP, MDE, NYDOH).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $180,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Schedule

Core business hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Full-time employment status.

Location

Fairfax, Newport News, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, VA; Raleigh, NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.