Senior Process Mechanical Engineer

Title: Senior Process Mechanical EngineerReports To: Director of EngineeringStatus: ExemptLocation: Fountain Valley, CASenior Process Mechanical Engineer – Wastewater TreatmentOverviewThis is a job description for a Senior Process Mechanical Engineer specializing in wastewater treatment and advanced water reclamation systems. This role is responsible for leading the development of process designs from concept through detailed engineering, including simulation, hydraulic analysis, and full facility design.The engineer in this position shall be capable of transforming process simulations into practical, constructible treatment plant designs, including development of hydraulic profiles, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment selection, and facility layouts. This position requires deep expertise in biological treatment systems, including activated sludge, MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor), and SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) technologies, as well as advanced membrane systems such as microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO).The Senior Process Mechanical Engineer will coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams and support both project execution and business development efforts, including technical input for proposals and client engagements and any other tasks assigned by the Director of Engineering.Key Responsibilities1. Process Engineering and Design Development· Lead process design development for wastewater and advanced water treatment facilities from conceptual design through Issued for Construction (IFC) deliverables.· Develop and execute process simulations using industry-standard software such as BioWin or equivalent.· Model and design conventional activated processes with biological nutrient removal (BNR) treatment processes including:o Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR)o Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)o Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)o Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS)o Bardenphoo Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE)o Oxidation Ditch· Translate process models into detailed engineering designs, including:o Hydraulic Profileso Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)o Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)· Perform process calculations, mass balances, and system performance evaluations.2. Advanced Treatment Systems DesignDesign and integrate advanced treatment systems including:Microfiltration (MF)Nanofiltration (NF)Reverse Osmosis (RO)Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP)Develop process configurations for water reuse and advanced water reclamation facilities.Perform membrane system sizing, recovery analysis, and fouling considerations.Integrate biological and membrane processes into optimized treatment trains.3. Equipment Sizing and Facility DesignLead development of equipment sizing and selection, including:PumpsBlowers and aeration systemsReactors and basinsMembrane systemsChemical dosing systemsDevelop and review treatment plant layouts, ensuring efficient process flow and maintainability.Prepare and review:General Arrangement (GA) drawingsEquipment layoutsProcess system configurationsIntegrate standard technical drawing details into design packages.4. Project Delivery and Design MilestonesLead process engineering deliverables through all project phases:Conceptual Design30% Design60% Design90% DesignIssued for Construction (IFC)Ensure process design deliverables meet project schedule, budget, and quality requirements.Participate in and lead design reviews to validate process performance, constructability, and operational efficiency.Support commissioning and startup activities as needed, including troubleshooting and performance optimization.5. Multidisciplinary CoordinationCoordinate process design with:Mechanical EngineersCivil EngineersStructural EngineersInstrumentation & Electrical EngineersCAD DesignersProvide process design input for instrumentation, controls philosophy, and system automation.Ensure proper integration of process systems with electrical and control systems.Resolve interdisciplinary design conflicts and ensure coordinated engineering deliverables.6. Technical Leadership and MentorshipProvide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers.Review and validate engineering calculations, reports, and design deliverables.Contribute to the development of engineering standards, specifications, and best practices.Serve as a subject matter expert in wastewater treatment and advanced water reuse systems.7. Business Development and Proposal SupportProvide technical support to the sales and business development teams during project pursuits.Support preparation of:Technical proposalsProcess design narrativesPreliminary sizing and cost inputs including chemical and powerParticipate in client presentations and technical discussions.Assist in evaluating project feasibility and technical risks during bid/proposal development.QualificationsRequired Skills and ExperienceMinimum 10–15 years of experience in wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility design.Demonstrated experience in process modeling and simulation, preferably using BioWin.Extensive expertise and experience in designing activated sludge process (ASP) and biological nutrient removal (BNR) treatment including solids processing. Specific types of systems include:MBR, MBBR, SBR, and IFASModified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE)Oxidation DitchBardenphoExperience with advanced treatment systems:MF / UF, NF, RO, AOPProven ability to develop:PFDsPreliminary Design ReportsP&IDsHydraulic profilesProcess calculationsExperience delivering projects from concept through IFC.Strong understanding of applicable standards including:AWWAASMEANSIWEF guidelinesExperience coordinating multidisciplinary teams.Education and CertificationsBachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering.Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred in California, Arizona, Florida, or Colorado.Advanced training or certification in process modeling software is an advantage.Work Conditions and Physical RequirementsUp to 20–25% travel may be required for site visits, client meetings, and project support activities.Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally during site inspections or field verification.Work may involve both office and field environments requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Compensation & BenefitsPERC Water offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and retirement benefits.Equal Opportunity EmployerPERC Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.Salary Range: $125,000–$150,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications.