Senior Professional Engineer, Water/Wastewater

About the role

Tkda is a 100 percent employee-owned engineering firm with 115 years of proven expertise, and we are currently seeking a Senior Professional Water/Wastewater Engineer to join our team at our new Wauwatosa office. The successful candidate will lead complex public and private water and wastewater projects while actively helping to grow Tkda's footprint in the Milwaukee market. You will design a wide range of facilities, from municipal treatment plants to private development systems, delivering solutions that span the entire project lifecycle. This position offers the opportunity to work on projects both locally in Wisconsin and for our established Minnesota clients, ensuring your expertise has broad regional impact. You will shape project strategy from initial concept through to construction, providing technical leadership that guides each phase of execution. The role places you at the center of business development in a growing market, representing our employee-owned company and helping build Tkda's reputation in Milwaukee. You will have the backing of a multi-disciplined team and the stability that comes from over a century of engineering excellence. The position operates within a hybrid work environment, requiring presence in the office from Tuesday through Thursday, with Monday and Friday as work-from-home days.

Key facts

What you'll do

Provide senior-level engineering leadership for complex water and wastewater projects, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with client objectives.

Develop innovative design solutions for municipal treatment facilities, pump stations, and private development systems, applying creative thinking to meet regulatory and performance goals.

Lead project strategy from concept development through detailed design and into construction support, guiding decision-making across all project phases.

Perform comprehensive analyses and calculations to size equipment, evaluate process alternatives, and validate system performance under varying conditions.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including planners, scientists, and technical specialists, to integrate diverse expertise into cohesive project deliverables.

Develop and maintain strong client relationships by clearly communicating technical information, project status, and design rationale to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Support business development activities in the Milwaukee market by preparing proposals, technical responses, and client-facing documentation that showcase Tkda's capabilities.

Represent Tkda's employee-owned culture and long-standing engineering reputation through professional interactions with clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies.

Leverage expertise in water and wastewater systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and environmental regulations throughout project delivery.

Contribute to the growth of Tkda's presence in Wisconsin by understanding local market needs and aligning project outcomes with regional priorities.

Apply advanced engineering principles to address challenges related to treatment processes, hydraulics, and system integration on demanding projects.

Utilize current engineering software and modeling tools to analyze designs, simulate system behavior, and produce accurate construction documentation.

Support junior team members by providing mentorship, design reviews, and technical guidance that enhances overall team capability.

Ensure that all project deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the high standards expected by Tkda and its clients.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field, with a strong focus on water and wastewater systems.

You must have a Professional Engineer license in at least one U.S. state, with the ability to obtain additional licenses as project needs require.

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater engineering is required, demonstrating a track record of independent project leadership.

You should have substantial experience designing municipal treatment facilities, including clarification, disinfection, biological treatment, and sludge handling processes.

Proven ability to develop pump station and force main systems, including hydraulic analysis and equipment selection, is essential.

Experience with regulatory interactions and permitting processes for water and wastewater projects is mandatory, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

You must be proficient in using engineering design software and calculation tools to develop robust, defensible designs that stand up to scrutiny.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Nice to have

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working on projects in Minnesota, supporting Tkda's established client base in that region.

Demonstrated success in business development or client-facing roles within the water sector is highly valued and aligns with growth expectations.

Experience with emerging treatment technologies and sustainable design practices is encouraged as Tkda continues to innovate in water solutions.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position with standard working hours, and the hybrid schedule requires office attendance from Tuesday to Thursday, with remote work allowed on Monday and Friday.

Travel may be required between Wisconsin and Minnesota to support project needs as assigned.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, as the role does not include visa sponsorship at this time.