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City Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CITY ENGINEER General Statement of Duties Performs difficult professional and administrative work regarding the infrastructure of the City, including engineering services; water distribution and ...

Senior Engineer

Durham, NC

$77.51K - $120.13K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Performs engineering design work, or provides technical engineering support for the planning ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a ...

Senior Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$77.51K - $120.13K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Performs engineering design work, or provides technical engineering support for the planning ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Oversees data collection and analysis; conducts engineering studies; creates work plans and ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Prepares, reviews, and analyzes engineering plans and bids, drawings, reports, contracts ...

Sr. Engineer - Design Services

Durham, NC · Hybrid

$77.51K - $120.13K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... This position will also be posted as a Principal Engineer (CE III). Only one position will be ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a ...

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$85.65K - $132.77K/yr

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a ...

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Types of civil engineering infrastructures include, but are not limited to, sanitary sewer lines ...

Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the ... Devoted to providing paraprofessional engineering support, inspection and professional civil ...

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Showing results 1-20

City Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$23.3K

$104.9K

$167.2K

How much do city engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for city engineer in Raleigh, NC is $104,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a City Engineer Do?

A city engineer works for a city government. They plan community land use, study environmental impact, design infrastructure, make zoning recommendations, research usage recommendations, and oversee project execution. Additional job duties involve exploring project viability, coordinating contractors, presenting progress reports, and managing the project budget. Though much of this job takes place in an office, a city engineer is required to enter the field on a regular basis. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a City Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, urban infrastructure design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and construction management platforms is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help City Engineers coordinate with public agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable urban development that meets regulatory standards and public needs.

What are some common challenges City Engineers face when managing urban infrastructure projects?

City Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need for high-quality infrastructure, coordinating with multiple government departments, and addressing public concerns during project planning and execution. Additionally, they must navigate regulatory requirements and unforeseen issues like weather delays or utility conflicts. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

What is a City Engineer?

A City Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure within a city, such as roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings. They ensure that city projects comply with safety and environmental regulations, manage budgets, and coordinate with other governmental departments and contractors. City Engineers play a crucial role in urban development and the quality of public services, helping to create safe and efficient communities.

Which engineers make 100,000?

Senior civil engineers, including city engineers, often earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and in high-cost-of-living areas. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and level of responsibility, with specialized skills and management roles typically commanding higher pay.

What is the difference between City Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCity EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentMunicipal government, urban planning projectsConstruction sites, consulting firms, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageCity governments, public sectorPrivate firms, engineering consulting, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a City Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in their work scope and environment. A City Engineer typically works within municipal government focusing on urban infrastructure and public projects, often requiring a PE license. Civil Engineers have a broader role in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure across various sectors, including private firms and consulting. While both roles require similar credentials, their work settings and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to City Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For City Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching City Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for City Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for City Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most City Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various City Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,942 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
City Engineer

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

CITY ENGINEER
General Statement of Duties
Performs difficult professional and administrative work regarding the infrastructure of the City, including engineering services; water distribution and sewer collection and wastewater treatment system construction, maintenance and operation; street and sidewalk construction and repair; storm water operations, and other infrastructure and design. Work is performed under general supervision of City Manager. Supervision is exercised over department/division personnel.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of municipal operations and services to insure that projects are completed in a safe effective and efficient manner by both municipal work crews and contract labor. The employee provides technical advice and assistance working closely with the City Manager, Public Works Director and other members of the Management Team. Work also includes contract management, handling citizen issues, and budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the City to a wide variety of citizens. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the City Manager and other City officials. The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments. The employee is also subject to various hazards such as working in close proximity to heavy equipment, loud noises, electrical current, oils, and working in narrow or enclosed spaces. The employee also may be subject to the final standards of the OSHA blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and is evaluated by review of reports, conference and acceptance of the community.
Essential Duties and Tasks
• Plans, organizes and directs all engineering services in the City; provides engineering services to other departments when requested; ensures coordination of activities with other departments
• Planning and directing engineering projects and infrastructure construction and maintenance projects; coordinating work with Public Works Director, City Manager, other agencies and other departments
• Provides engineering and design services for various city projects in the areas of water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, streets, storm water, traffic, and other areas as required
• Oversees and coordinates GIS Function for the City including the integration of GIS into other Departments
• Supervises the preparation of construction plans, bid packages, specifications and contract documents for construction projects
• Prepares requests for qualifications and requests for proposals; recommends selection of consultants and contractors and monitors the work of contractors and consultants
• Reviews plans and specifications submitted by contractors and serves as project administrator, monitoring all requests for payment
• Coordinates with NCDOT, public and private utilities on projects, as necessary
• Oversees the process of obtaining rights-of-way and dedicated easements
• Oversees manager of wastewater treatment plant insuring regulatory compliance and efficient operation
• Conducts storm water and sediment control plan review, carries out storm water control projects and handles citizen complaints related to storm water
• Reviews and approves plans for proposed subdivisions and planned unit developments and rezoning requests to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances, codes, regulations and standards
• Prepares and reviews departmental operating budget; monitors and approves expenditures; participates in preparation of capital improvement budget
• Recruits, trains and evaluates staff
• Ensures that all relevant safety rules and programs are followed by crews and enforces the same
• Participates in the long range planning for infrastructure and service needs of the City for public works and utilities; works with the City Manager on regional utilities issues; conducts or supervises various studies and advises City Manager and Board on related issues; writes, reviews, interprets and administers policies for the department
• Researches and recommends operational changes to the City Manager to increase departmental effectiveness and enhance customer service
• Engages in considerable personal contact with citizens concerning service request and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions; coordinates projects with other departments; attends City Council meetings to represent the department
• Monitors and insures compliance with changes in regulations regarding water, wastewater, storm water, safety and other related issues
• Performs other/related duties and/or tasks as required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering, public works, utilities, planning and construction
• Thorough knowledge of related public works, storm water, utilities, NCDOT regulations, municipal policies, state and federal laws and regulations
• Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines, and streets and other public infrastructure
• Considerable knowledge of related engineering principles and practices
• Considerable knowledge of engineering design principles and ability to apply them to designated projects
• Considerable knowledge of governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices and related City policies and procedures, and public personnel laws and regulations
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices, laws and regulations relating to supervised functions
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the engineering department and the coordination of such technology across departments including GIS, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools
• Ability to supervise subordinate supervisors including effective leadership, communications, motivations, staffing, conflict resolution, and coaching
• Ability to prepare complex and detailed records and reports and present ideas effectively in oral and written form
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, consultants, contractors and the general public
• Ability to perform difficult engineering computations and to make comprehensive recommendations on engineering problems and planning
Physical Requirements
• Must be able to perform the physical life functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or constantly
• Must possess visual acuity to produce and review written reports and records including mathematical calculations, analyze data, and to read maps, schematic drawings and plans
Required Education, Experience and Credentials
• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in civil or engineering or related field, and at least 5-7 years of experience providing engineering services in a municipal/governmental environment
• North Carolina License to practice Civil Engineering
• Valid North Carolina Drivers License
• Management experience preferred but not required