Senior Engineer – Process in Hillsboro, Oregon - #70873 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 70873

Senior Process Engineer
Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Process Engineer to lead advanced evaluations of treatment systems and drive enhancements that strengthen overall plant performance. This role serves as a key technical resource, guiding process optimization efforts, engineering analyses, and the development of best practices across complex wastewater treatment operations.

This role is onsite in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Senior Process Engineer Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of sophisticated process issues, ensuring system modifications and operational changes improve facility performance.
• Provide advanced technical design support, including data evaluation, process modeling, pilot testing, system analysis, and review of engineering and contract documents.
• Offer subject-matter expertise on physical, biological, and chemical treatment processes to maximize efficiency and support compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Analyze laboratory and operational data to diagnose non-routine events, identify root causes, and recommend process control adjustments impacting effluent quality, biosolids, and resource recovery.
• Participate in long-range facility planning efforts and guide process design work from concept through implementation, startup, optimization, and subsequent improvements.
• Review process control activities across multiple treatment facilities, support operational targets, and provide training, mentorship, and technical guidance to plant staff.
• Assist in developing and implementing best practices for secondary and tertiary treatment, digestion, nutrient and energy recovery, industrial pretreatment, and advanced laboratory protocols.
• Serve as a technical advisor during system startups, commissioning activities, and operator training sessions.
• Supervise assigned technical and professional staff, including workload management, performance evaluations, coaching, and development planning.
• Promote a safe, collaborative, and inclusive workplace while supporting organizational values related to communication, teamwork, and equity.
• Operate a vehicle for work-related travel as needed.

Senior Process Engineer Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, engineering design principles, and their application to wastewater treatment systems, conveyance, and pumping.
• Deep understanding of project development, engineering management, and advanced research methods including data analysis and statistical evaluation.
• Experience conducting pilot studies, interpreting laboratory results, and applying findings to treatment process optimization.
• Familiarity with nutrient and energy recovery systems, industrial pretreatment practices, and current treatment technologies.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering plans, specifications, codes, permits, and regulatory requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Skilled in computer modeling, data management, and using technical software for analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and manage performance in a technical environment.
• Ability to coordinate multiple engineering projects, manage deadlines and budgets, and collaborate effectively across departments and external partners.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience within wastewater treatment operations.
• At least 3 years of project management or supervisory experience in engineering environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, wastewater treatment technology, chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, process engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Oregon, or PE license in another state with the ability to obtain Oregon registration within six months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Salary: $110K-$151K/year. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

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