Project Engineer I

Essential Utilities, Inc.•Lower Merion Township, PA

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team! About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. As a Project Engineer I, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing a variety of capital improvement projects for Aqua Pennsylvania’s water distribution systems. This includes both pipeline and water treatment projects, ranging from rehabilitation of existing facilities to the development of new infrastructure. You will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and improvement of water systems across Pennsylvania.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
1–3 years of design experience, ideally with a focus on water projects.
Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.
Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to operate Company vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in CAD software, WaterGEMS, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to articulate technical issues clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating effectively with internal teams, regulatory agencies, local officials, and the public.
A team-oriented attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong problem solving, decision making, organizational, and time management skills.
Ability to interpret and understand technical drawings and construction plans.

Responsibilities

Manage a range of capital projects including water main replacements, water storage tanks, booster stations, valve vaults, water treatment plant improvements and more. This involves both internal teams and external consultants, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
Prepare studies and reports to guide company management in planning for future system needs and improvements.
Assist in the development and implementation of annual capital improvement plans for water infrastructure, including identifying and prioritizing projects and estimating associated costs.
Prepare and manage permit applications for projects, securing necessary approvals at the local, state, and federal levels. This involves working with local officials, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
Prepare bid documents, conduct the bidding process, and oversee contract requirements throughout the duration of the project.
Work closely with department heads, design drafters, consultants, construction managers and contractors to ensure projects are designed and implemented according to company standards and regulatory guidelines.
Track project budgets, progress, and timelines using Aqua Pennsylvania’s financial systems, ensuring that projects stay within budget and are properly authorized.
Stay informed about industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes by attending seminars and professional development courses.
Provide technical due diligence for potential company acquisitions, evaluating existing infrastructure and estimating necessary improvements for both water and wastewater systems.
Ensure that system maps, hydraulic models, specifications, and other records are properly maintained and updated.