A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field.
Engineering Intern certification, or the ability to obtain it within six months.
Zero to four years of experience in water/wastewater, civil engineering, or a related field.
A positive attitude and commitment to active participation in the employee-owned culture and alignment with RPA’s core values.
Responsibilities
Apply engineering design standards to help prepare construction plans, specifications, and contract documents for water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution systems, as well as wastewater collection systems, lift stations, lagoons, and treatment plants.
Identify and perform engineering calculations and analyses based on studies and design standards; prepare written summaries of findings, including design reports and submittals.
Assist in the preparation of master plans, preliminary engineering reports, and funding application materials for programs such as MCEP, CDBG, DNRC, Rural Development, and DEQ SRF.
Attend project meetings and prepare meeting summaries as required; alert the project team of anticipated delays or issues that may affect the project schedule.
Assist with construction observation and contract administration, including verifying work conforms to contract documents, maintaining a construction diary, processing payment requests, preparing record drawings, and supporting project closeout.
Help ensure designs meet DEQ requirements and applicable state and federal regulations.
Engineering Designer
Robert Peccia & Associates · Missoula, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-14
Salary: USD 65,000–80,000
Workplace: on_site
Department: Water / Wastewater
Description
Engineering Designer – Water/Wastewater
Water / Wastewater Group
Missoula, MT
$65,000 - $80,000 (base salary)
Regular Full-Time
Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Engineering Designer to join our Water/Wastewater Group in Missoula. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to build technical skills while working alongside experienced project engineers and managers on meaningful municipal water and wastewater projects. You will contribute to a variety of projects serving Montana communities, gaining hands-on experience across planning, design, and construction.
As an Engineering Designer, you will assist and coordinate with Project Managers, Design Team Leaders, and Project Engineers across all phases of water and wastewater projects. Your responsibilities will include:
Design Support: Apply engineering design standards to help prepare construction plans, specifications, and contract documents for water supply, treatment, storage, and distribution systems, as well as wastewater collection systems, lift stations, lagoons, and treatment plants.
Technical Analysis: Identify and perform engineering calculations and analyses based on studies and design standards; prepare written summaries of findings, including design reports and submittals.
Reports and Funding Support: Assist in the preparation of master plans, preliminary engineering reports (PERs), and funding application materials for programs such as MCEP, CDBG, DNRC, Rural Development, and DEQ SRF.
Project Coordination: Attend project meetings and prepare meeting summaries as required; alert the project team of any anticipated delays or issues that may affect the project schedule.
Construction Support: Assist with construction observation and contract administration, including verifying work conforms to contract documents, maintaining a construction diary, processing payment requests, preparing record drawings, and supporting project closeout.
Regulatory Compliance: Help ensure designs meet DEQ requirements and applicable state and federal regulations.
Requirements
We welcome applicants at all experience levels, with a focus on those who demonstrate strong technical knowledge and a willingness to learn. Key qualifications include:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field.
Certification: Engineering Intern (EI) certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
Experience: 0–4 years in water/wastewater, civil engineering, or a related field.
Attributes: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, collaborative, able to meet deadlines, and eager to grow professionally.
Commitment: A positive attitude and commitment to be an active participant in our employee-owned culture and alignment with RPA’s Core Values.
Benefits
About RPA
Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is a distinguished, 100% employee-owned civil engineering, planning, and land surveying firm headquartered in Montana. Established in 1978, we are renowned for our personalized service and commitment to designing practical and sustainable solutions for our clients.
We champion an open leadership style based on mutual trust, empowering our team members to influence the future of RPA. Our commitment to a collaborative culture has fostered consistent growth and one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry. At RPA, our core values—listening, respect, integrity, empowerment, teamwork, and social responsibility—drive our success and shape our dynamic work environment.
Company Culture and Benefits
At RPA, our employee-owners are the cornerstone of our success. That is why we invest in you, your professional development, your community, and your future, celebrating both your work achievements and personal milestones. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Generous Retirement Plan: RPA contributes to your retirement future, with no match required, starting on day one.
100% Employee Owned: Our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) provides you with direct ownership in the company, aligning your success with ours.
Competitive Salary and Bonuses: Enjoy a rewarding compensation structure including competitive base salary and company-wide bonus program.
Flexible Work Environment: We support work-life balance with excellent leave policies, flexible schedules, and paid time over 40 hours per week.
Professional Growth: We support and encourage professional development and involvement in civic/professional organizations and provide ample opportunity for career growth within RPA.
Additional details about our benefits can be found on our RPA Advantage Page.