Effluent Process Engineer

Job Title: Effluent Process Engineer

Job Description

The Effluent Process Engineer designs, optimizes, and supports effluent treatment systems from initial client inquiry through project completion. This role combines process and chemical engineering expertise with strong customer-facing skills to develop technical solutions, generate proposals and reports, and improve performance of effluent treatment plants. The engineer works closely with sales, applications, process, and product engineering teams to select appropriate technologies, perform detailed process and mass balances, and ensure high-quality, data-driven designs and implementations.

Responsibilities

• Proactively generate new project opportunities by visiting customers, presenting effluent treatment technologies and services, and maintaining a strong sales and technical support network.
• Lead the development of project proposals and technical reports, starting from initial client inquiries and incorporating client input, audits, and laboratory work into comprehensive engineering solutions.
• Design and size complete effluent treatment systems using equipment sizing tools, engineering software, and specialized programs to meet performance and regulatory requirements.
• Create Block Balance Templates and execute block balancing for project proposals and throughout the project life cycle to ensure accurate representation of process flows and system performance.
• Develop, establish, and execute detailed process balances using Excel and ExtendSIM for proposals and active projects, ensuring robust modeling of effluent treatment processes.
• Calculate mass flow balances for effluent treatment systems to support design decisions, equipment selection, and performance optimization.
• Select appropriate technologies, processes, equipment, and performance requirements in cooperation with Sales Applications and Process Engineering teams to deliver effective effluent treatment solutions.
• Gather and evaluate quotes from suppliers by applying Technological Product Design Guidelines in collaboration with the Product Engineering department for various system components.
• Interpret and generate Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and mass balance documentation to support design, commissioning, and optimization activities.
• Apply excellent process design skills to develop efficient, reliable, and maintainable effluent treatment systems, including aerobic, anaerobic, desulphurization, sand filtration, chemical handling systems, and blowers.
• Analyze operational data from effluent treatment plants to identify improvement opportunities, optimize performance, and support troubleshooting and continuous process improvement.
• Provide clear technical communication, presentations, and training to customers and internal teams on system design, operation, and optimization.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and sales teams to ensure alignment between customer requirements, technical solutions, and project deliverables.
• Maintain strong customer service and relationship-building practices while working with customers daily on technical questions, project updates, and system performance.
• Travel as required to customer sites, suppliers, and project locations to support audits, design reviews, commissioning, training, and ongoing optimization efforts.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, biology, or a closely related field.
• Process engineering experience with a focus on effluent treatment systems and process improvement.
• Strong chemical engineering knowledge, ideally with exposure to effluent or industrial wastewater applications.
• Experience in operating and optimizing effluent treatment plants is preferred, including aerobic and anaerobic processes, desulphurization, sand filtration, chemical handling systems, and blowers.
• Excellent process design skills for complex treatment systems and related equipment.
• Ability to generate and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and mass balances for process systems.
• Strong hands-on mentality with the ability to engage directly with equipment, systems, and field operations.
• Excellent data analysis skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of effluent chemical dosing programs and their application in treatment processes.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and training to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with MS Office / O365, particularly Excel for process modeling and data analysis.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills for daily interaction with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel up to approximately 35–50% on a short-term basis, with annual travel up to approximately 25–35%.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) credential is a plus.
• Experience in chemical or paper industry environments is beneficial.
• Experience using ExtendSIM or similar process simulation tools for effluent treatment modeling.
• Familiarity with Technological Product Design Guidelines and supplier engagement for technical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with sales, applications, process, and product engineering teams.
• Strong presentation and training capabilities for customer-facing and internal sessions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining high-quality technical output.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mixed office and field environment. In the office, the Effluent Process Engineer uses MS Office / O365, Excel, ExtendSIM, and other engineering software and equipment sizing tools to design and model effluent treatment systems, prepare proposals, and analyze data. The position involves regular collaboration with cross-functional engineering and sales teams, as well as frequent communication with customers. Field work includes visits to effluent treatment plants and industrial facilities to conduct audits, support commissioning, provide training, and optimize system performance. Travel is an integral part of the role, with short-term travel requirements up to approximately 35–50% and overall annual travel up to approximately 25–35%. The work environment values a hands-on approach, strong customer focus, and clear technical communication.

This is a Permanent position based out of Appleton, WI.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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This is a fully onsite position in Appleton,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.