Career

Civil Engineer

Technology & Design

Designs the grading, drainage, and utility systems that make a site buildable before anyone can pour a foundation, the single biggest missing career on a site full of concepts that assume this role exists.

What is a Civil Engineer?

A Civil Engineer designs the site-level systems a building depends on before construction can start: grading and earthwork, storm and sanitary drainage, water and utility service, and paving. On a typical project, civil engineering work happens early, during design and permitting, producing the site plans and utility drawings that a Site Superintendent, Surveyor, and Heavy Civil Estimator all work from once construction begins. Unlike most careers on this site, civil engineering is a licensed profession: stamping site design drawings legally requires a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

What they do

Design grading and drainage plans that route stormwater safely off a site
Design water, sanitary sewer, and storm utility systems and their connections to public infrastructure
Prepare site plans and civil drawings for permitting and construction
Perform hydrology and hydraulic calculations to size drainage and detention systems
Coordinate with geotechnical engineers, surveyors, and architects on site constraints
Review RFIs and field conditions during construction that affect the civil design

A typical day

8:00 AMReview a geotechnical report to confirm site soil assumptions for a grading design
9:30 AMRun hydraulic calculations to size a stormwater detention pond for a new site plan
11:30 AMCoordinate with a surveyor on updated topographic data for an active design
1:30 PMRespond to an RFI from the field about an unexpected utility conflict
3:00 PMReview permit comments from the local jurisdiction and revise the site plan accordingly

Skills

Site grading and drainage designHydrology and hydraulic calculationsReading and producing civil construction drawingsUnderstanding of local permitting and utility standardsCoordination across design and construction teams

Software

Computer-aided design and civil engineering software (e.g. AutoCAD Civil 3D)

Education

Required:: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer in Training, then typically four years of progressive experience under a licensed PE before sitting for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. A PE license is legally required to stamp civil design drawings submitted for permit.
Not necessary:: A background in construction trades; most civil engineers come directly from an engineering degree program

Career progression

1.Engineer in Training (EIT)
2.Civil Engineer
3.Senior Civil Engineer or Project Engineer (design firm side)
4.Principal Engineer or Engineering Manager

Who hires for this role

Civil Engineering and Design FirmsGeneral Contractors (some larger firms keep in-house civil engineers)Developers and Owners (for site feasibility work)