Environmental Engineer - Water Services - (2026 New Grads!)

CDM Smith is seeking an entry-level Environmental Engineer for their Water Services Group in Chicago, IL. This position is ideal for recent graduates to engage in sustainable water projects, focusing on design and implementation of water and wastewater systems. Responsibilities include site assessments, design adjustments, and technical reporting. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, and the role may involve some travel.
Why CDM Smith?
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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description
CDM Smith is looking for an entry-level Environmental, Water Resources, or Civil Engineer to join our Water Services Group. This position presents an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to apply their engineering skills to innovative and sustainable water projects and to grow within a dynamic team. In this role, you will support the design and implementation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, sewer systems, pipelines, and associated infrastructure. Operating under direct supervision, you will ensure designs meet client specifications and comply with federal, state, and local regulatory standards. Responsibilities include conducting site assessments, adjusting design parameters as needed, and conducting water quality analyses and modeling. You will also contribute to technical report preparation, documentation, and collaborate on presentations for client meetings and industry conferences. New team members will also assist in creating documents and presentations using tools like ArcGIS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, CADD, Excel, and other software. Additionally, there may be opportunities to participate in fieldwork supporting our construction management activities, providing a comprehensive project lifecycle experience.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline. 0 years. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

About the Company:
CDM Smith