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Drainage Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Regional Transportation Drainage Lead

Denver, CO · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to drainage managers, lead engineers ... engineers, and technicians. * Oversee the design and analysis of drainage systems for highways ...

Regional Transportation Drainage Lead

Denver, CO · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to drainage managers, lead engineers ... engineers, and technicians. * Oversee the design and analysis of drainage systems for highways ...

Regional Transportation Drainage Lead

Denver, CO · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to drainage managers, lead engineers ... engineers, and technicians. * Oversee the design and analysis of drainage systems for highways ...

Lead water resources tasks in transportation engineering, mining engineering, drainage engineering ... stream restoration design, and floodplain management work. * Convey results and findings by means ...

Project Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

Project Engineer Department ... Water Resources/Flood & Drainage Employment Type: Full Time Location: Denver, CO Compensation: $48 ...

Project Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

Wood Rodgers is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to join our Flood & Drainage team. This position is ideal for an engineer with 5 to 8 years of water resources experience who is passionate about ...

Project Engineer

Denver, CO

$48.25 - $59.25/hr

Wood Rodgers is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to join our Flood & Drainage team. This position is ideal for an engineer with 5 to 8 years of water resources experience who is passionate about ...

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Support floodplain management, transportation engineering, drainage engineering, construction, stormwater master planning, and stream restoration work * Potential to work on dam breech, sediment ...

Lead Surface Water Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

This role is intended for an engineer with strong local drainage and stormwater design experience who can also support project management across a diverse portfolio of transportation, municipal, and ...

Lead Surface Water Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

This role is intended for an engineer with strong local drainage and stormwater design experience who can also support project management across a diverse portfolio of transportation, municipal, and ...

Support floodplain management, transportation engineering, drainage engineering, construction, stormwater master planning, and stream restoration work * Potential to work on dam breech, sediment ...

We have exceptional expertise in roadway design, storm drainage modeling and facilities design, raw ... engineering. Opportunities for project management and client management are available to hard ...

Showing results 21-40

Drainage Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$55.2K

$101.9K

$136.7K

How much do drainage engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for drainage engineer in Colorado is $101,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $115,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Drainage Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Drainage Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drainage Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,886 per year, or $49 per hour.

Regional Transportation Drainage Lead

AECOM

Denver, CO • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate the regional transportation drainage team across multiple states.

  • Oversee the design, analysis, and quality control of drainage systems for transportation infrastructure projects.

  • Manage project delivery, including budgets, schedules, staffing, and resources, while supporting technical excellence and business development.


AECOM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Regional Transportation Drainage Lead to join our Rocky Mountain Region, supporting transportation infrastructure projects across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah. In this leadership role, you will provide regional direction for transportation drainage staff while supporting project delivery, technical excellence, business development, staffing, and strategic growth of the drainage discipline.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise in transportation drainage and experience delivering projects through both traditional bid/build and alternative delivery methods. You will work closely with project managers, technical leaders, and multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative, practical, and cost-effective drainage solutions while helping grow and strengthen AECOM's transportation drainage practice throughout the region. Periodic travel to offices and project locations within the region will be required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate the regional transportation drainage team across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and direction to drainage managers, lead engineers, engineers, and technicians.
  • Oversee the design and analysis of drainage systems for highways, roadways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Manage drainage discipline budgets, schedules, staffing, workload, and resources to support successful project delivery.
  • Coordinate workshare between offices and projects to optimize resources and technical capabilities across the region.
  • Provide technical oversight and quality control for hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage studies, and design deliverables.
  • Lead the development of innovative and cost-effective transportation drainage solutions that meet client needs and applicable standards.
  • Support projects delivered through traditional bid/build as well as alternative delivery methods, including design-build and other progressive delivery approaches.
  • Represent AECOM in client meetings, project meetings, interviews, and public presentations.
  • Support business development and client relationship activities, including identifying opportunities, developing technical approaches, and supporting proposals and pursuits.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements related to stormwater management, flood control, water resources, and transportation drainage.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including roadway, structures, environmental, geotechnical, traffic, and construction professionals.
  • Prepare, oversee, and review technical reports, drainage studies, design calculations, specifications, plans, and construction documents.
  • Support staffing and resource planning across the region, including identifying technical needs and developing staff capabilities.
  • Stay current with industry trends, design standards, best practices, modeling technologies, and emerging approaches in transportation drainage.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • BA/BS + 10 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership
  • Registered Professional Engineer in one of the Rocky Mountain States and ability to obtain other State Registrations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Project Management experience including budget control, client management, design delivery, staffing coordination and schedule maintenance.
  • Experience with Business Development/Client Relations.
  • Experience with design software including MicroStation/OpenRoads and Civil 3D.
  • Experience designing highway/roadway systems in Colorado, Arizona, or Utah.
  • Previous design experience on transportation projects including Schematic Development and Preparation of Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E).
  • Experience working with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software including HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, StormCAD, and Storm and Sanitary.
  • Experience with plan set production and design software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, InRoads, and OpenRoads.
  • Experience leading drainage design teams on large, complex transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Experience delivering transportation projects through alternative delivery methods, including design-build.
  • Strong understanding of state and federal transportation drainage standards, stormwater requirements, floodplain regulations, and permitting processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation agencies and other public-sector clients.
Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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