Water Systems Engineer

Classification: Engineer 

Work Hours: 40+ hours / week; M-F

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 501,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role: This position provides comprehensive engineering support and project management for water and wastewater systems, including distribution and collection, treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines, and related infrastructure. Responsibilities include planning, design, construction, and closeout of capital improvement and maintenance projects; preparing and reviewing construction plans, specifications, bid documents, and cost estimates; and managing all phases of project execution in alignment with capital and operating budgets. The role supports operational improvements by assessing process performance, recommending new equipment, implementing safety enhancements, and responding to emergencies such as pipeline failures and dig-ins. It also involves coordinating with internal departments, construction crews, permitting agencies, contractors, and customers; overseeing consulting and construction contracts; and developing or updating technical standards and specifications. Projects span multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, civil, and structural work. This position also supports training of personnel and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Biosystems, Chemical, Mechanical, or engineering degree in another discipline, from a four-year ABET-accredited college or university
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to communicate policies, procedures, and objectives effectively
• General knowledge of or ability to learn Microsoft Office suite Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, ESRI ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro, and computer-aided drafting programs such as AutoCAD
• Engineering in Training certification (EIT), or ability to obtain certification in one year
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Requirements: 

• Over 4 years of experience in planning, design, project management, operations, and construction of water/wastewater distribution systems, treatment plants, and remote facilities
• Proven ability to analyze system performance data, recommend operational improvements, and provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams
• Strong knowledge of engineering principles, standards, and practices related to water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee within one year; holds an advanced degree (MS or MBA)
• Proficient in Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, and GIS, with experience in developing engineering specifications, cost estimates, and managing procurement processes

Selection Process

About the Selection Process:

Phase 1 – Apply online

Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 – Background Investigation

Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

* KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance. 

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer