Planning Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Planning Engineer

Posting Start Date: 6/23/25

Job Description:

Primary Role

This position can be located in either McMurray, PA or Mechanicsburg, PA American Water offices.

This position is responsible for strategic long-term water and wastewater system planning and recommending projects or approaches to address needs related to source of supply, treatment, storage, pumping and transmission of water as well as collection, equalization, and treatment of wastewater. The analysis and recommended solutions will affect the performance and operational integrity of water and wastewater systems within American Water. This position is also responsible for conducting or reviewing water and wastewater system capacity and service evaluations associated with water or sewer service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities. Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering the cost, timing, prioritization, operational need and risk, strategic investment fit and other pertinent factors surrounding individual projects or investment programs.

Key Accountabilities

- Coordination and preparation of strategic water and wastewater system planning studies (comprehensive or targeted, issue-based studies as appropriate) as assigned.

- Preparation and maintenance of asset investment plans and strategic capital expenditure plans as assigned. Plans to accurately address operational needs, operational efficiencies, asset management and strategic investment goals set by the Corporation based upon prioritization models.

- System capacity evaluations, analysis of source, production, distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.

- Ability to serve as a competent technical resource on Water and Wastewater System Planning matters including capital planning, source water safe yield analysis, demand/inflow projections, treatment adequacy, transmission and distribution adequacy, collection adequacy, inflow and infiltration, computerized hydraulic modeling and analysis, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects as needed to support operational and business needs. Present results of engineering analysis to interested parties within and outside of the company, including expert testimony, presentations to Regulatory agencies and Senior Company Management.

- Contribute to effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback; supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment; cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleague across the business

Knowledge/Skills

- Strong process, project, and program management skills.

- Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).

- Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).

- Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).

- Ability to influence across the organization to drive operational work and resource planning activities.

- Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.

- Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.

- Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

- Demonstrated competency in asset planning, water/wastewater system comprehensive master planning, distribution system hydraulic modeling or equivalent water/wastewater system design experience.

- Broad knowledge of Engineering (planning, design, construction) related to water/wastewater facilities.

- Working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality, treatment, and Engineering economics.

- Applicable knowledge of water resources industry, business, and environmental regulatory field.

- Knowledge of Company Operations.

Experience/Education

- Bachelor’s Degree in engineering (Environmental or Civil preferred)

- 4+ years’ experience in water resources engineering and/or planning.

Certifications/Licenses

- Professional Engineer (PE) required

- Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

Primarily office environment with occasional local / overnight work in the field.

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel with overnight stays as required; generally, less than 20% of total time is anticipated away from office.

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates