Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

What You Will Do

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

As part of the water resources team, you will help create innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure, including dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission projects.

• System Design: Design water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings, equipment selection, and upgrades such as pre‑treatment, filtration (granular media and membranes), chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment.
• Process Optimization: Analyze and enhance treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• System Hydraulics: Perform hydraulic analysis of existing and new facilities, select pumps, and evaluate pump performance.
• Testing and Monitoring: Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
• Project Management: Conduct feasibility studies, upgrade infrastructure, and manage projects from design to completion, including cost projections, feasibility studies, construction supervision, and commissioning.
• Data Analysis: Monitor operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
• Technical Specialist: Serve as a technical expert in conventional and advanced water treatment.

• BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS preferred).
• Professional Engineer licensed (PE) requirement or ability to obtain a license within 6–12 months.
• 8+ years of experience in water discipline, particularly water infrastructure design (study, plans, and specifications).
• Expert knowledge of standard engineering practices.
• Demonstrated experience in primary treatment, filtration, chemical storage and feed, advanced treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, solids processing, and handling.
• Track record leading water design and plant facility projects.
• Experience with conventional and membrane filtration, hydraulics, chemical feed systems, and alternative disinfection preferred.
• Progressive experience in design, permitting, construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and distribution infrastructure.

Salary Range: $90,000 – $200,000 (dependent on experience and location).

Benefits include: hybrid work environment, comprehensive wellness and medical coverage, parental leave, pet insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, access to training programs, and incentive compensation where applicable.

Chicago or Schaumburg, IL – core business hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Full‑time position.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status, or any other characteristics protected by law.