Principal Membrane Bioreactor Process Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Requisition Number: PRINC006582
Full-Time
Remote / Virtual
Job Details
Description
Brown and Caldwell (BC) is seeking a Principal Membrane Bioreactor Process Engineer to serve as technical leader in Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and advanced membrane treatment systems for our municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, and reuse technical practices. The successful candidate will serve as a Subject Matter Specialist in MBR process engineering, providing strategic technical leadership, driving innovation solutions, developing talent, and supporting business growth across BC.
Who You Are
A recognized expert in membrane system engineering, with deep technical expertise in MBR design, optimization, and operations, along with familiarity in RO/NF/UF/MF membrane technologies.
A strong collaborative leader who consistently provides technical strategy, cross-functional teaming, coaching, and communication.
A strategic thinker with experience in business development, problem solving, innovation, and talent development.
Equally comfortable guiding internal teams and advising external clients with confidence, humility, and pragmatic solutions.
Someone who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, client engagement, and strategic practice leadership.
What You Will Do
Technical Leadership – MBR & Membrane Systems
Serve as BC national technical leader for MBR systems, leading development and governance of MBR process and design standards, modeling approaches, and best practices.
Provide deep technical guidance on MBR configurations, including membrane selection, biological process integration, pretreatment strategies, system troubleshooting, and lifecycle optimization.
Lead technical reviews and risk assessments on complex MBR and membrane projects, driving high‑quality outcomes and consistent technical practices across project teams.
Support multidisciplinary teams with MBR expertise across concept development, process design, pilot testing, startup/commissioning, performance troubleshooting, and optimization.
Project Delivery Quality & Efficiency
Support development and evolution of national membrane technical tools, design guidelines, and model scopes to improve delivery efficiency.
Provide hands-on involvement in strategic and complex projects across all phases—concept, design, execution, commissioning, and operations support.
Client Development & Sales
Partner with Client Service Teams to serve as client‑facing technical leader for strategic municipal and industrial client opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry partners; identify needs and translate them into winning technical solutions.
Support competitive positioning by understanding market trends, competitor strengths, and existing and emerging technologies in membrane systems.
Contribute to proposal development, strategic pursuits, and thought leadership that differentiate BC’s membrane capabilities.
Knowledge Management & Standards
Lead creation, refinement, and rollout of technical standards for MBR and membrane process engineering.
Collaborate with National Specialty Leaders to ensure robust SMS governance, competency standards, and performance expectations.
Champion quality fundamentals across the practice.
Talent Development
Mentor and develop next-generation membrane and biological process engineers through project engagement, coaching, and formal training.
Support recruitment efforts and help identify skill gaps and hiring needs across the practice.
Contribute to training programs for membrane and process engineering.
BC Brand & Industry Leadership
Elevate BC’s visibility as an industry leader in MBR and membrane treatment through publications, conference participation, strategic messaging, and professional society engagement.
Support development of strategic conference plans and technical participation across geographies.
Desired Skills & Experience
B.S. degree in Chemical, Civil, Environmental Engineering, or related field required; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
Minimum 20 years of progressively responsible experience in MBR and membrane treatment system planning, modeling, design, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Proven leadership in delivering complex water/wastewater projects, preferably with municipal and industrial clients.
Demonstrated experience developing technical standards, coaching staff, and influencing cross-regional technical practices.
Strong communication skills, including technical writing and public presentation abilities.
PE license (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
Demonstrated success in client engagement, business development, and strategic positioning of technical capabilities.
Salary Range: The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee’s primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education. These ranges may be modified in the future.
Location A: $170,000 - $200,000
Location B: $185,000 - $215,000
Location C: $200,000 - $230,000