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Civil Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

The Civil Engineer will support the sustainment of mission critical facilities and infrastructure at Kirtland AFB to ensure our customer's continues mission success. This position prepares design ...

The Civil Engineer will support the sustainment of mission critical facilities and infrastructure at Kirtland AFB to ensure our customer's continues mission success. This position prepares design ...

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Civil Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$35.7K

$77.8K

$115.7K

How much do civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $77,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $92,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and design, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with technical tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and successful completion of infrastructure projects, meeting both technical standards and client needs.

What type of jobs do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, dams, and water supply systems. They analyze project requirements, create detailed plans, and oversee construction to ensure safety and compliance, often using tools like CAD software and adhering to engineering standards.

What Is a Civil Engineer?

Civil engineers design and plan massive infrastructure projects, including roadways and airports. Other large-scale construction projects that they may oversee, include buildings, tunnels, bridges, dams, and sewage treatment and water supply systems. They have to assess the feasibility of plans in regards to safety concerns and financial costs, and they often work directly with regional and urban planners. Ultimately, civil engineers are charged with managing the design and implementation of the infrastructure for a project. They lead construction managers, civil engineering technicians, surveyors, and other professionals to execute their plans and ensure that projects comply with regulations. As a subset of civil engineering, geotechnical engineers investigate and analyze what lies beneath the earth’s surface.

What is the difference between Civil Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectCivil EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often requiredBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, design offices, urban planningDesign offices, construction sites, specialized structural analysis
Industry UsageBroadly involved in infrastructure, transportation, water resourcesFocused on structural integrity of buildings, bridges, towers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers hold similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, Civil Engineers have a broader scope, handling various infrastructure projects. Structural Engineers specialize in analyzing and designing structural components to ensure safety and stability. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or consulting the appropriate professional for your project needs.

What do you actually do as a civil engineer?

A civil engineer designs, plans, and oversees the construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. They analyze survey reports, use design software, and ensure projects meet safety and environmental standards, often working with teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost regions.

What are the typical challenges civil engineers face when working on large infrastructure projects?

Civil engineers working on large infrastructure projects often navigate challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with complex regulatory requirements. They must also address unexpected site conditions or environmental concerns that can impact design and construction. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and delivering successful project outcomes.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Earning $500,000 as a civil engineer is uncommon and typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles in large projects. Most civil engineers earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, with higher salaries possible in senior positions or in certain industries and locations.

What do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems such as roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, dams, and water supply systems. They work in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that structures are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. Civil engineers also assess environmental impact, manage construction projects, and ensure compliance with regulations and codes.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in large projects or managerial positions. High salaries are often associated with consulting firms, infrastructure projects, or roles requiring advanced certifications and expertise in areas like project management or design.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Civil Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Civil Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,763 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Civil Engineer/Project Manager - Public Works

Civil Engineer/Project Manager - Public Works

HUITT-ZOLLARS

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

Civil Engineer/Project Manager - Public Works


Role Description: Huitt-Zollars, Inc has full-time opportunity for a Civil Engineer (Eng IV) with at least 5-10 years of experience and will be a registered Professional Engineer for our Rio Rancho office. This opportunity is for an experienced Public Works roadway/transportation Project Manager with 5 -10 years of experience, including utilizing AutoCAD and Civil 3D.


Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Employment Type: 40 FT Hours

Compensation Type: Salary

Registration(s): Registered Professional Engineer (PE License) Required

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE)


Duties:

  • Serve as Civil Engineer in the development of design schematics, construction plans, specifications and estimates.
  • Coordinate with EITs, designers and drafters.
  • Review shop drawings, perform field observations, and facilitate the construction administration.
  • Support project proposals, scopes, budgets, and manage execution and tracking of projects.
  • Complete projects within client specifications, budgets and schedules.
  • Coordinate online meetings, preparation of meeting agendas, and distribution of meeting.
  • Work collaboratively in a team environment providing leadership and Project Management (PM) duties for public works/roadway infrastructure.
  • Will support projects focusing on public works/transportation projects, with a focus on agency coordination and project development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and follows comprehensive Project Framework Instructions and proper work planning for a project. Ensures proper staff is assigned and utilized on their projects.
  • Reviews project reports and performance metrics to track project progress and budget. Leads successful projects (profit, on-schedule, quality, satisfied client).
  • Contributes to successful delivery and performance of projects.
  • Cultivates relationships with clients and holds strong relationships with clients.
  • Understands, follows, and enforces Huitt-Zollars' business process including weekly rhythm.
  • Takes active steps in the pursuit of winning new business or additional opportunities with existing clients and may be responsible for a stated portion of office sales goal. Assists and/or leads team in pursuit of new work (repeat work, SOQ and Proposals). Develops and/or executes project Win strategy.
  • Understands and follows HZ QMS and Quality initiatives. Ensures quality control measures are being adhered to on projects and daily operations.
  • Actively engages and participates in the training, coaching, and mentoring of junior staff.
  • Understands duties and responsibilities, possesses necessary job knowledge and technical skills, maintains job knowledge current.

Role Competencies:

  • Adaptable: Adjusting behaviors and plans to new circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Manages Time and Priorities: Maintaining focus on high priority work through thoughtful management of time and utilization of systems, tools and processes.
  • Organizes Resources: Fostering thoughtful utilization of human and material resources to optimize success.
  • Sharing Information: Conveying up-to-date information in the most efficient and useful manner to the appropriate stakeholders.
  • Plans Effectively: Making plans for work to be accomplished in a timely manner and utilizing resources sparingly.
  • Builds Relationships: Showing deep interest in others and intentionally developing rapport.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE).
  • Must be a licensed PE in New Mexico with a minimum of 5-10 years of experience.
  • 5+years of civil engineering design experience with AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Proficient in MicroStation, AutoCAD and Civil 3D a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
  • Ability to work independently in a team environment and to manage multiple projects with limited supervision.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills, communicating engineering information clearly and concisely.
  • Experience with producing accurate and complete construction plans and reports.
  • Must be able to work directly with clients and directing a staff with varied levels of experience and expertise.
  • Ability to train staff and review work for quality assurance.
  • Solid leadership and management skills, self-motivated, and possess a strong ability to meet deadlines, satisfy clients, and solve complex problems.

This position is also required to adhere to Huitt-Zollars’ Core Value and Leadership Competencies.


About Huitt-Zollars:

  • Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a privately held, 100% employee-owned leading Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firm since being established in 1975. Since then, our firm has been providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build services to our clients.
  • Located in more than 20 locations throughout 10 different US states, Huitt-Zollars holds a vision to improve the environment in which we live, work, and play. Employees/co-owners can expect to collaborate with their team, listen to client and community needs, and deliver world-class professional services. Learn more about a career with #teamHZ by viewing our LinkedIN Life page.

Benefits & Perks:

  • Health insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Dental insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Vision insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • MDLive Telehealth
  • Employer-Paid Short- & Long-Term disability
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Morale/Teambuilding events and activities
  • Paid Vacation/Annual Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Professional Societies and Registrations Fee Reimbursements
  • Term Life / AD&D insurance
  • Cancer and Specified Disease insurance
  • Two retirement plans: 401(k) and an ESOP

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
  • The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Huitt-Zollars in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Currently, Huitt-Zollars does not sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions.


Huitt-Zollars does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a previously signed third-party agreement. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to any Huitt-Zollars hiring manager or employee will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency submitting the unsolicited resume. Huitt-Zollars will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Human Resources team and without an active, fully executed service agreement.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Huitt-Zollars is a federal contractor and subcontractor and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Requirements: