Test Engineer

About the Role:

This position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of an operating wastewater treatment plant and the advancement of new technology in the wastewater industry. A primary role of this position is testing innovative treatment technologies and participating in applied research projects. Overall, this position is responsible for evaluating the applicability of new technologies to King County wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, which includes monitoring trends in the wastewater industry. This position supports innovation and helps ensure that WTD has a well-thought-out approach to support emerging regulations and new developments in research and technology.

The position includes a very diverse body of work ranging from participating in wastewater research projects to pilot testing new technologies in the treatment plant. Projects frequently require a working knowledge of equipment, instrumentation, and controls typically found in a wastewater treatment plant. To manage these challenges, the person in this position needs to be action-oriented, take initiative, develop effective verbal and written communication skills, and be willing to learn new technical skills. The person in this role will gain technical expertise, have an opportunity to attend and present at local and national technical conferences, collaborate with external researchers, and learn about - and shape - cutting-edge research. This position is a Wastewater Engineer at the Journey level.

What You Will Be Doing:   

• Testing of innovative treatment technologies, writing test plans, procuring pilot equipment, designing pilot installations, operating pilot systems, evaluating data, writing test reports
• Participation in applied research projects in collaboration with academic institutions and industry organizations (ex. Water Research Foundation).
• Support treatment plant process groups with troubleshooting and optimization of treatment plant unit processes.
• Support planning and capital program projects with alternative evaluation, design review, and commissioning.
• Technology proposal review and disposition.

Qualifications You Bring:   

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, civil, environmental, or chemical engineering 
• Minimum four years of engineering work experience commensurate with an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) registration
• Experience demonstrating knowledge of engineering analysis and design
• Experience in technology pilot testing and drafting test plans
• Working knowledge of technical wastewater treatment processes
• Experience in analyzing and presenting scientific data
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including with external partners (ex. consultants, other public utilities, academic institutions, and national research organizations).
  

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Possession of an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification

It Would Also Be Great If You Bring: 

• A professional engineer’s license in the State of Washington is desirable
• Possession of a Washington State Driver’s License is desirable
• Experience in wastewater, applied research and/or academic research, project management, and science communication.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including biosolids, recycled water, energy, sustainability, nutrient management, and contaminants of emerging concern in the wastewater context.
• Demonstrated success working both independently and as an engaged member of a project team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively interpret technical information for non-technical audiences simply, clearly, and concisely.