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Drainage Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Petersburg, Florida (FL) office is seeking a Civil Engineer familiar with FDOT design criteria and ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Tampa office is seeking a Civil Engineer familiar with FDOT design criteria ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

Drainage Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

You will be part of a collaborative design team responsible for applying and continuing to develop your knowledge of drainage engineering principles, practices, and technical tools. This includes ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Tampa office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Tampa office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

You will be part of a collaborative design team responsible for applying and continuing to develop your knowledge of drainage engineering principles, practices, and technical tools. This includes ...

Kimley-Horn's Tampa office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

New

Overview Kimley-Horn's Tampa office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join ... Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway ...

New

Section Manager - Drainage

Miami, FL · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

In this role you will serve as Engineer-of-Record for drainage design on transportation projects, lead project coordination and document development, oversee quality control, mentor junior staff ...

Conduct drainage design activities, including the analysis of existing drainage systems, designing ... Professional Engineer (P.E.) License in Florida * Advanced knowledge of drainage design, H&H ...

In this role you will serve as Engineer-of-Record for drainage design on transportation projects, lead project coordination and document development, oversee quality control, mentor junior staff ...

Engineering design for numerous roadway drainage and design-build projects including collector ... streets, urban arterials, rural and urban expressways, interstates, and bridge replacements in ...

Drainage Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$98K - $124K/yr

Engineering design for numerous roadway drainage and design-build projects including collector ... streets, urban arterials, rural and urban expressways, interstates, and bridge replacements in ...

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Drainage Design Engineer information

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$52.5K

$96.9K

$130K

How much do drainage design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for drainage design engineer in the United States is $96,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drainage Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectDrainage Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, drainage certificationsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, often with broader licensure
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, urban planningConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, consulting firms
Industry UsageSpecializes in drainage systems, stormwater managementEncompasses all civil infrastructure including drainage

Drainage Design Engineers focus specifically on designing drainage and stormwater systems, requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, covering various infrastructure projects, including drainage. Both roles often work together but differ in specialization and project focus.

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

Drainage Design Engineers, a specialized civil engineering role, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, with top earners in senior positions or in high-cost areas potentially reaching higher incomes. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in lucrative consulting or infrastructure projects.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or executive positions within the industry.

What are some common challenges a Drainage Design Engineer faces when working on urban infrastructure projects?

Drainage Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited space for drainage systems, managing stormwater runoff in densely built environments, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and sustainability goals. They must also coordinate closely with other engineering disciplines, utilities, and municipal stakeholders to integrate drainage solutions without disrupting existing infrastructure. Balancing technical requirements with project budgets and timelines is a frequent aspect of the role.

What are Drainage Design Engineers?

Drainage Design Engineers are civil engineers who specialize in designing systems to manage surface and stormwater runoff, ensuring proper drainage for roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. They analyze rainfall patterns, soil types, and land slopes to create effective water management solutions that prevent flooding and erosion. Their work involves using computer modeling, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with other professionals to comply with environmental and safety regulations. Drainage Design Engineers play a crucial role in sustainable urban development and infrastructure resilience.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or management positions.

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

To thrive as a Drainage Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, hydrology, and stormwater management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE or EIT). Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroDrainage, and GIS systems is essential for creating accurate drainage plans. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design of drainage solutions that meet regulatory and environmental standards.

How much do drainage engineers make in the US?

Drainage engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and education. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn over $100,000 annually. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
More about Drainage Design Engineer jobs
Drainage Engineer

Drainage Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Saint Petersburg, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's St. Petersburg, Florida (FL) office is seeking a Civil Engineer familiar with FDOT design criteria and 4+ years of experience to join their Roadway Drainage team! This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities
  • This is an exciting opportunity to support our growing Roadway Drainage practice by working in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team environment for a variety of public and private clients. 
  • Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway design projects including turn lanes, intersection and safety improvements, roundabouts, roadway reconstruction, and limited access facilities. 
  • Specific tasks include analysis and design for preliminary engineering studies, flood studies, pond siting, base clearance, spread, storm sewer systems, floodplain compensation sites, pond sites, outfall structures, ditch conveyance, and bridge hydraulics.
  • Performing due diligence tasks including site visits and desktop research. 
  • Technical writing in the form of memorandums, studies, and drainage design documentation reports for client and regulatory submittals.  Includes development of supporting exhibits and compilation of calculations and documentation in support of the drainage design.
  • 3D drainage design and analysis utilizing ORD Drainage and Utilities, corridor modeling for ditches, and plans production.
  • Post design assistance including responding to contractor requests for additional information and design revisions.
  • Assist with marketing pursuits including due diligence and write-ups specific to the drainage characteristics and design approach for potential projects, and participation in interviews and presentations.
  • Assist with developing drainage design scopes of work and associated fee estimates, and participation in negotiations with clients.
  • You will flourish on both building meaningful internal and external professional relationships.
  • You will work closely and collaboratively with clients, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering design experience
  • Professional Engineering (P.E.) License
  • Experience with ORD, ArcGIS, StormWise (ICPR), SWMM, HEC-RAS, GeoHECRAS, and other related hydrologic/hydraulic analysis and design software.
  • Familiarity with FDOT design standards, criteria and guidance, local Water Management Districts, and relevant FDOT drainage design experience is preferred.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Positive attitude, self-motivated; sense of urgency to produce high quality work
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with the potential/desire to lead a practice and manage clients and a team
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967