Project Development Engineer- Civil, Technical Development

Position Summary:

The Project Development Engineer - Civil/Structural develops the civil and structural engineering basis for projects during the early stages of project development by translating client requirements into well-defined engineering deliverables that support estimating, procurement, and project execution. Working closely with Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Procurement, and Project Management, this role develops conceptual civil and structural engineering solutions, identifies technical risks, and establishes clear project scope to improve estimate accuracy and prepare projects for successful execution.

This position focuses on front-end project development, providing the civil and structural engineering expertise necessary to define site development requirements, establish preliminary structural concepts, evaluate constructability, and support successful project execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop the civil and structural engineering basis of design, engineering assumptions, scope boundaries, exclusions, and design criteria for project development efforts.
• Prepare conceptual engineering deliverables including site layouts, grading concepts, foundation concepts, structural framing layouts, underground utility concepts, equipment support structures, and preliminary civil/structural design packages.
• Develop quantity takeoffs and preliminary cost inputs for earthwork, concrete, reinforcing steel, structural steel, foundations, underground utilities, paving, fencing, stormwater infrastructure, and related site improvements.
• Support estimating activities by developing labor assumptions, material quantities, equipment requirements, and technical clarifications for civil and structural construction.
• Evaluate client requirements, surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental constraints, existing site conditions, structural loading requirements, and permitting considerations to identify technical risks, constructability concerns, and scope gaps.
• Develop conceptual foundation systems for electrical equipment, steel support structures, control buildings, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, surveying, and procurement teams to develop complete and estimate-ready project definitions.
• Apply approved engineering standards, templates, and governance requirements throughout project development.
• Participate in technical reviews and interdisciplinary coordination meetings supporting proposal development.
• Document engineering assumptions, lessons learned, and continuous improvement opportunities to strengthen future project development efforts.
• Support the transition of projects into detailed engineering by providing complete and well-documented civil and structural engineering project development packages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution with an emphasis in Structural Engineering preferred.
• Typically 3+ years of progressively responsible engineering experience supporting project development, conceptual engineering, estimating, proposal development, FEL/FEED, or EPC project execution.
• Experience developing conceptual civil and structural engineering solutions with limited supervision.
• Working knowledge of reinforced concrete, structural steel, foundations, site development, grading, drainage, and applicable engineering design principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering and project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting substations, utility infrastructure, industrial facilities, renewable energy, or heavy industrial projects.
• Experience developing preliminary foundation designs, structural framing concepts, equipment support structures, retaining structures, or related civil/structural engineering deliverables.
• Experience supporting estimating, proposal development, project development, or front-end engineering activities.
• Experience with Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD, STAAD.Pro, RISA, RAM Structural System, Mathcad, or comparable engineering software.
• Familiarity with AISC, ACI, ASCE 7, IBC, and other applicable structural design standards.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.

Safety is a Core Value with our organization. We work SAFELY or not at all.

Benefits:

We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Learn more about our Total Rewards Plan here.