How to hire a water systems engineer

How to hire a water systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step water systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a water systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new water systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a water systems engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A water systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, water systems engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of water systems engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Water Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Water Systems Engineer	Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.	$26-70
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62
   Facility Engineer	A facilities engineer specializes in managing and maintaining equipment and machinery in manufacturing plants or similar settings. Duties will revolve around conducting research and analysis through extensive data and blueprints, evaluating systems using various reports, handling issues, providing corrective measures, and performing regular inspections and maintenance... Show more	$30-60

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Water Systems
   • Cost Estimates
   • Engineering Support
   • Water Projects
   • Construction Projects
   • Construction Sites

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and/or participate in a variety of water and wastewater assist company principles as engineering consultants for numerous municipal clients.
   • Analyze and repair any problems with computer hardware including peripherals, routers, switches, and modems.
   • Perform UNIX system administration to remote customers.
   • Contribute to successful investments in water and energy-from-waste projects in the UK by conducting in-depth project analysis and regulatory due diligence.
   • Create and manage comprehensive database of groundwater production assets.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your water systems engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A water systems engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, water systems engineers' average salary in missouri is 44% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level water systems engineers 62% less than senior-level water systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A water systems engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a water systems engineer's salary.

   Average water systems engineer salary

   $91,746yearly

   $44.11 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level water systems engineer salary

   $56,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

4. Writing a water systems engineer job description

   A water systems engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a water systems engineer job description:

   Water systems engineer job description example

   At Trane TechnologiesTM and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King®, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what's possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.
   This Domestic Hot Water Systems Development Engineer is a senior engineer role that performs the engineering and analysis required to design and commercialize domestic hot water systems. This includes both the development of independent domestic hot water systems and those integrated with the HVAC hydronic heating system. It involves specifying key equipment and control capabilities for innovative sustainable solutions delivering industry leading reliability and performance. This position will be the group expert in domestic hot water heating system design and control. Developing expertise in HVAC chilled and heating water system design and control will be part of the role. Common activities will include concept design, system analysis including modeling, evaluation of available equipment and controls for system applications, piping schematics, mode tables and creation of commercial documentation and tools for system market introduction. This position requires engineering analysis, design documentation and some project management activity. Serving and supporting field sales offices and participation in key industry associations is a part of this role.
   
   Core Job Responsibilities (others may be added):
   Build knowledge and understanding of hot water heating and HVAC equipment operation and limitations and apply this knowledge with a critical eye to system design, analysis, control and operation. Develop commercial domestic hot water systems using Trane equipment and controls including project scoping, concept development, engineering analysis, creation of commercialization content and tools, and system validation. Identify and evaluate engineering issues working independently and with others with some supervision. Collaborate with and influence product teams to achieve common objectives. Provide routine technical guidance to less experienced professionals or technicians assigned to working on large projects. Provide subject matter expertise in commercial domestic hot water heating systems for all commercial applications while growing broad HVAC systems and product knowledge. Analyze system issues using appropriate modeling tools and techniques. Where needed, collaborate with modeling and simulation specialists to developing new tools. Develop and document domestic hot water heating system level modes, sequence of operations, and other system level control requirements. Perform field validation through digital and jobsite fulfillment and analysis activity. Provide key technical support in pursuit of Trane business, including participation on strategic job acquisition teams. Develop and deliver technical presentations for customers and industry association events. Serve on industry association committees such as ASPE and ASHRAE in the development of codes and standards. Overnight travel 5 - 15% depending on assigned projects, some international.
   
   Minimum Qualifications:
   Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and at least 5 years of engineering work experience is required. Professional Engineering License is beneficial but is not required.
   
   Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
   Plumbing engineering background, particularly with heat pump systems is desired. Strong thermal/fluid energy and/or controls background is a plus. Knowledge of plumbing products, codes, components and systems with strength in commercial domestic hot water heating systems. HVAC engineering background in chilled and heating water systems is a plus. Strong technical skills with a natural curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills. Technically creative yet grounded in real world feasibility. Able to perform thorough and objective analysis. Able to collaborate with and influence others. Self-motivated and disciplined. Works well as a team member including groups around the globe. Willing and able to transfer knowledge to other groups. Good stand-up skills in front of customers and the field sales force. Polished and professional, particularly with customers and in professional societies. Good writer and oral communicator that can effectively identify key ideas and develop organized content to share those ideas. Able to effectively use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
   
   Annual Compensation Range is $75,000 to $140,000 annually. Disclaimer: This salary range is based on US national averages. Actual pay is a result of seniority/experience level, merit and geographic location where the actual work is performed.
   
   We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.
   
   SHPE22ENG

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right water systems engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your water systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit water systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting water systems engineers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new water systems engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the water systems engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new water systems engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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