Project Engineer

RPA • Missoula, MT

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Group in Missoula, MT. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful municipal projects, from early planning and design through construction administration. The Project Engineer will work alongside experienced engineers and project managers in a collaborative, supportive environment, playing a key role in delivering a diverse portfolio of water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution projects, as well as wastewater collection and treatment systems serving Montana communities. The position involves taking an active role in project production, working closely with Project Managers and Design Team Leaders across all phases of water and wastewater work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Professional Engineering (PE) license in Montana, or ability to obtain within six (6) months
• 4–10 years of progressive experience in water/wastewater engineering or municipal civil engineering
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater system design principles, hydraulic analysis, and regulatory compliance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving ability
• A collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams
• A positive attitude and commitment to be an active participant in our employee-owned culture and alignment with RPA’s Core Values

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering studies, perform calculations, and prepare plans, specifications, and contract documents for water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution systems, including wells, surface water intakes, pump stations, storage facilities, and water mains, as well as wastewater collection systems, lift stations, lagoons, and treatment plants for communities of varying sizes.
• Prepare construction documents including drawings, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with applicable codes, client standards, and state and federal regulations, for QA/QC review by the Project Manager.
• Apply engineering design standards to perform hydraulic analyses, feasibility assessments, and site evaluations to support sound design decisions; review plans and specifications for constructability.
• Prepare master plans, preliminary engineering reports (PERs), rate studies, and funding application materials for programs such as MCEP, CDBG, DNRC, Rural Development, and DEQ SRF, with a focus on cost-effective solutions for small and rural communities with limited resources.
• Ensure designs meet DEQ requirements, EPA standards, and applicable regulatory standards; support permitting efforts throughout project delivery.
• Attend project meetings and field reviews; keep the Project Manager informed on project progress, schedules, and any issues; coordinate with municipal clients and regulatory agencies.
• Conduct construction observation and contract administration, including verifying work conforms to contract documents, maintaining a detailed construction diary, reviewing submittits and RFIs, processing payment requests, preparing record drawings, and supporting project closeout.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Plan (RPA contributes, no match required, starting day one)
• 100% Employee Owned (Employee Stock Ownership Program - ESOP)
• Competitive Salary and Bonuses (competitive base salary and company-wide bonus program)
• Flexible Work Environment (excellent leave policies, flexible schedules, and paid time over 40 hours per week)
• Professional Growth (support and encouragement for professional development, involvement in civic/professional organizations, ample opportunity for career growth within RPA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level