Lead Planning Engineer (Water Resources)

Job Description

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Job Title: Lead Planning Engineer (Water Resources)

Posting Start Date: 8/4/26

Job Description:

Job Information

Salary Range: $108,000 - $120,000

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Lead, Planning Engineer is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers. This role will assist their respective teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. This position is also responsible for conducting or reviewing water and wastewater system capacity and service evaluations associated with water or sewer service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities. Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate and prepare strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering the cost, timing, prioritization, operational need and risk, strategic investment fit and other pertinent factors surrounding individual projects or investment programs.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping and collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
• Ability to serve as a competent technical resource on Water and Wastewater System Planning matters including capital planning, source water safe yield analysis, demand/inflow projections, treatment adequacy, transmission and distribution adequacy, collection adequacy, inflow and infiltration, computerized hydraulic modeling and analysis, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects as needed to support operational and business needs.
• Hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Establish project budgets and scope.
• Support the pre-qualification and selection of consulting and construction organizations for projects using negotiation or competitive selection processes.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
• Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements, and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years' experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus

Certifications & Licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE) required
• Valid Driver's License

Travel Requirements

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on-site project kick-off/review meetings

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%, as required

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