Planning Engineer

American Water is seeking a Planning Engineer to support long-term planning for water and/or wastewater utility systems in Plainfield, NJ. In this onsite role, you will help assess system needs and translate planning studies into practical engineering solutions that support efficient, reliable service delivery.

The Planning Engineer participates in engineering planning efforts that may include hydraulic modeling, capacity evaluations, demand and asset-related assessments, and the development of planning recommendations. Work is primarily office-based, with occasional field time at water or wastewater facilities for site investigations and participation in on-site project kick-off or review meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations and analyze water source, treatment, pumping, collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests, or regional growth opportunities.
• Develop, calibrate, and analyze hydraulic models for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Support multiple small to medium size projects and complete varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design, or construction.
• Turn technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Develop project budgets and scope.
• Support the pre-qualification and selection of consulting and construction organizations for projects using negotiation or competitive selection processes.
• Support technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Primary Role

Own engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that help ensure efficient and reliable service delivery to customers. The role includes supporting teams with engineering activities such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Advanced degree preferred
• EIT or 2 to 4 years of experience in engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery, and/or project management
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• 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 with attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communications skills, including report writing, listening, and presentation
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, and ability to motivate others
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge
• Competencies: Plans & Aligns, Decision Making, Communicates Effectively, Builds Networks, Action Oriented

Work Environment and Travel

• Primarily in the office
• Occasional field work at water/wastewater facilities for site investigations and on-site project kick-off/review meetings
• Travel up to 20%, as required

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• Engineer in Training (EIT) preferred