Wastewater Process Engineer – Cottage Grove, MN

About the role

The Wastewater Process Engineer will oversee traditional wastewater treatment operations at 3M’s facility in Cottage Grove. You will work with cross‑functional teams to improve treatment efficiency, ensure compliance with discharge permits, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Optimize treatment effectiveness to meet internal goals and regulatory discharge permits.
• Conduct process modeling, data analysis, and technical evaluations to improve treatment and cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain standard work and process control procedures for wastewater operations.
• Lead investigation teams for root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Provide engineering support to operations, including troubleshooting and after‑hours issue resolution.
• Participate in project planning, suggest process changes, and drive sustainability programs.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (Environmental or Chemical Engineering preferred).
• Class A or B wastewater operator license.
• Experience with wastewater treatment processes and NPDES permit compliance.
• Previous environmental work in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in teams.

Required skills

• Process modeling and data analysis.
• Microsoft Excel, Access, and SharePoint.
• NPDES permit compliance knowledge.
• Wastewater treatment process expertise.
• Project management.

What we offer

• Compensation range $98,964 – $120,957 per year, including variable incentive pay.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, HSAs, FSAs, disability, life insurance, paid absences, retirement plans).