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Drainage Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trilon Group

Drainage Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Drainage Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Fredericksburg, VA Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000 / year Description Rinker Design Associates (RDA) is seeking a ...

STV

Drainage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

STV

Drainage Engineer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

STV Incorporated

Drainage Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

STV

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

STV

Drainage Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

Basis Partners

Drainage Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

STV

Drainage Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

Trilon Group

Drainage Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Drainage Engineer Department: Community Infrastructure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Albuquerque, NM Compensation: $105,000 - $125,000 / year Description At Horrocks, we believe the best work ...

GREENMAN-PEDERSEN INC.

Drainage Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

GPI is seeking a Drainage Engineer for our Buffalo, NY, offices. This position's key components include coordination with the various discipline areas, including scope, budget, and time schedules ...

STV

Drainage Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

Trilon Group

Drainage Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Drainage Engineer Department: Community Infrastructure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Las Cruces, NM Compensation: $105,000 - $125,000 / year Description At Horrocks, we believe the best work ...

Trilon Group

Drainage Engineer

Meridian, ID · On-site

Drainage Engineer Department: Community Infrastructure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Meridian, ID Description At Horrocks, we believe the best work comes from companies with values, that our ...

GREENMAN-PEDERSEN INC.

Drainage Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

GPI is seeking a Drainage Engineer for our Rochester, NY, offices. This position's key components include coordination with the various discipline areas, including scope, budget, and time schedules ...

Trilon Group

Drainage Engineer

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Drainage Engineer Department: Community Infrastructure Employment Type: Full Time Location: Idaho Falls, ID Compensation: $105,000 - $125,000 / year Description At Horrocks, we believe the best work ...

Basis Partners

Drainage Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

Basis Partners

Drainage Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

Basis Partners

Drainage Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

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Drainage Engineer information

See salary details

$52.5K

$96.9K

$130K

How much do drainage engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for drainage 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drainage engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drainage Engineer, you generally need a degree in civil or environmental engineering, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of hydrology and stormwater management. Familiarity with design and modeling software such as AutoCAD, MicroDrainage, or Civil 3D, as well as relevant engineering certifications, is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring project accuracy. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing effective drainage systems that meet regulatory standards and address environmental and public safety concerns.

What is the difference between Drainage Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectDrainage EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, often specialized in hydraulics or water resourcesEngineering degree, often with civil or structural specialization
Work EnvironmentDesigning drainage systems, flood management, site drainageBroader projects including roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure
Industry UsageFocused on water management and drainage solutionsWide range of infrastructure projects, including drainage

Drainage Engineers specialize in designing and managing drainage and water systems, while Civil Engineers work on a broader range of infrastructure projects, including drainage. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Drainage Engineers focus more on water-related systems, making them more specific within the civil engineering field.

What is a drainage engineer?

A drainage engineer is a type of civil engineer responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining drainage facilities, including wastewater or stormwater management projects or transportation projects. Drainage engineers research climate and environmental factors for the project site, such as flood risks and land erosion, then they design a drainage facility that meets the budget, usage, and aesthetic goals of the municipality. As a drainage engineer, you may also remodel the region’s landscape or improve roadways to create more efficient water flow when it rains; proper systems prevent flooding, conserve water resources, and keep water sources from becoming contaminated. State, county, and local governments typically hire drainage engineers for projects, but you also find drainage engineers in private consulting firms and nonprofit environmental agencies.

What are some common challenges faced by drainage engineers when working on urban infrastructure projects?

Drainage Engineers working on urban infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as managing limited space for new drainage systems, navigating existing utility networks, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Collaborating closely with city planners, utility companies, and construction teams is essential to address these complexities. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate changing stormwater patterns and mitigating flood risks in densely populated areas are key responsibilities that require innovative problem-solving.

Are drainage engineers in demand?

Drainage engineers are in demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and the need for water management solutions. The role often requires knowledge of hydraulic modeling, environmental regulations, and specialized tools, making it a stable career choice in the engineering field.

What does a drainage engineer do?

A Drainage Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and managing systems that control water runoff and prevent flooding. They work on projects such as stormwater management, sewage systems, and land drainage to ensure water is safely and efficiently diverted away from roads, buildings, and other infrastructures. Their role is crucial in both urban and rural development, helping to protect the environment and maintain public safety.
More about Drainage Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Drainage Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Drainage Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drainage Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drainage Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Drainage Engineer jobs? The top employers for Drainage Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Drainage Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Drainage Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drainage Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drainage Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Drainage Engineer jobs? For Drainage Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Drainage Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drainage Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,894 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Drainage Engineer

Trilon Group

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Drainage Engineer
Department: Transportation
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000 / year
Description
Rinker Design Associates (RDA) is seeking a motivated Drainage Engineer with 2+ years of experience to join our Transportation team. In this role, you'll support the planning, analysis, and design of stormwater and drainage systems for roadway and infrastructure projects. Working alongside experienced engineers and project managers, you'll contribute to projects that enhance safety, sustainability, and community connectivity.
If you enjoy solving complex water resource challenges and want to grow your career with a collaborative team, we'd love to hear from you.
$10,000 Sign-On Bonus
What You'll Do:
  • Assist in the hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design of stormwater management and drainage systems for transportation projects.
  • Prepare drainage reports, calculations, and supporting documentation.
  • Develop storm sewer layouts, culvert designs, ditch grading, and erosion and sediment control plans.
  • Utilize engineering software such as Flowmaster (OpenFlows), Ensoft MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer.
  • Support floodplain and watershed analyses in accordance with VDOT, DEQ, FEMA, and local requirements.
  • Coordinate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies to support project delivery.
  • Participate in field investigations and site visits as needed.
  • Assist with preparing permit applications and technical reports.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality transportation projects.

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in drainage, stormwater, or water resources engineering.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred or ability to obtain.
  • Familiarity with VDOT Drainage Manual, DEQ regulations, FEMA requirements, and AASHTO standards preferred.
  • Experience with Ensoft, Flowmaster, MicroStation, and/or OpenRoads Designer is preferred.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively within a team environment.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Why Join RDA?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
  • Generous PTO and 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
  • Parental leave
  • Supportive team culture

RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.

Apply