Wastewater Process Engineer

SUMMARY: The Wastewater Process Engineer is responsible for overseeing the operation, optimization, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the companys wastewater treatment system. This role is critical to ensuring environmental compliance, operational reliability, and process stability within a highly automated biological wastewater treatment environment.

The Wastewater Process Engineer will provide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and ongoing operation of the wastewater treatment plant. The role will establish process control strategies, develop operating procedures, analyze process performance, and lead troubleshooting activities to ensure all discharge requirements and environmental standards are consistently achieved.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related technical field required

Experience

5+ years of experience in industrial wastewater treatment, water treatment, environmental process engineering, or related manufacturing environment

Experience with biological wastewater treatment systems strongly preferred

Experience in food manufacturing, beverage, dairy, or industrial processing environments preferred

Experience with startup and commissioning of treatment systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of biological wastewater treatment processes and microbial process control

Knowledge of environmental regulations, discharge permits, and compliance requirements

Experience with SCADA systems, process controls, instrumentation, and automation systems

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills

Ability to interpret laboratory data and process trends

Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Ability to respond effectively during operational upsets or emergency situations

Working Relationships

Reports directly to the Plant Manager

This position works closely with Utilities Technicians, Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and regulatory agencies to maintain stable and compliant plant operations

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing and wastewater treatment environment

Ability to walk, climb stairs and ladders, and access elevated platforms and confined process areas

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during plant inspections and troubleshooting activities

Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds

Ability to work around chemicals, wastewater systems, odors, noise, heat, humidity, and varying outdoor weather conditions

Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and protective footwear

Ability to respond to operational issues outside normal business hours, including occasional nights, weekends, or emergency call-ins as needed

Ability to safely work near moving mechanical equipment, pumps, piping systems, tanks, and automated process equipment

Must possess visual acuity sufficient to read instrumentation, gauges, monitors, and process control systems

Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through written documentation in a fast-paced operational environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Oversee and optimize wastewater treatment processes to ensure compliance with discharge permits and environmental regulations

Monitor biological treatment system health and maintain stable operating conditions for microbial populations

Define, implement, and maintain process monitoring and control strategies

Analyze process trends, laboratory results, and operational data to proactively identify and resolve issues

Develop corrective actions and process improvements to minimize operational risk and improve system efficiency

Manage and optimize multiple chemical injection systems, ensuring proper dosing and inventory management

Prevent overdosing, underdosing, and process instability through effective control measures

Ensure wastewater treatment equipment and instrumentation operate within required parameters

Lead troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis for process deviations, alarms, or operational upsets

Coordinate with Maintenance and Operations teams to ensure equipment reliability and process continuity

Support reliability initiatives and preventive maintenance planning for wastewater systems

Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and environmental performance improvement

Support commissioning, startup, validation, and stabilization of the wastewater treatment plant

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), response protocols, and training documentation

Train Utilities Technicians and operators on system monitoring, alarms, process control, and emergency response procedures

Interface with regulatory agencies and support environmental reporting and compliance activities

Maintain accurate operational records and documentation

All other duties as assigned

Faribault Foods' Benefits and Compensation:
-Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and paid End of Year Shut Down
-Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision) - after 60 days
-Employee Assistance Program
-401(k) Retirement Plan & Employer Match
-Tuition Reimbursement
-Perfect Attendance Incentives
-Life Insurance - Company paid
-Short-Term & Long-Term Disability - Company paid
-Job Progression Program - Earn as You Learn
-Employee of the Month Recognition Program
-Wellness Program - Up to $150 in rewards
-On-campus gym; free weights, elliptical, treadmill, etc.
-Employee referral bonus $200, for the employee
-Provided uniform shirts twice a year - Company paid
-Reimburse up to $150 for steel toe boots every 12 months

FFI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. FFI does not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, creed, tribal affiliation, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, socio-economic status, as well as any other class protected by law.