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Drainage Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Drainage Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$160K - $183K/yr

Senior Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Senior Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for an experienced drainage ...

Prepare technical reports, drainage studies, engineering calculations, and design documentation. * Assist with permitting coordination and agency review processes. * Support the development of ...

This position will require you to perform civil engineering reviews and analyses to understand ... Support preparation and review of site layout, grading, and preliminary drainage designs * Prepare ...

Under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the Engineer I assists with the planning, design, review, and construction administration of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, transportation ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the Engineer I assists with the planning, design, review, and construction administration of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, transportation ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the Engineer I assists with the planning, design, review, and construction administration of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, transportation ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the Engineer I assists with the planning, design, review, and construction administration of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, transportation ...

Sr. Engineer - Civil & Structures

OR · Remote

$100K - $145K/yr

... drainage, hydrology, geotechnical coordination, and utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure. STEP INTO THE ROLE * Develop civil and structural engineering solutions supporting utility-scale ...

Civil Engineer (5-10 yrs exp) Position Description We are seeking a self-motivated mid-level Civil ... Broad civil background, including site development work, drainage design, utilities, and public ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drainage Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$55.5K

$102.4K

$137.4K

How much do drainage engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for drainage engineer in Oregon is $102,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $116,300.00 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 role of a drainage engineer?

A drainage engineer designs, plans, and manages systems that control surface and groundwater flow to prevent flooding and erosion. They analyze site conditions, develop drainage solutions, and often use tools like CAD software, requiring knowledge of hydrology and environmental regulations.

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.

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 certifications, a strong track record, and work in high-demand industries or companies.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced 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. Senior roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

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.

How much do drainage engineers get paid?

Drainage engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Senior or specialized drainage engineers can earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas, and the role often requires knowledge of drainage systems, CAD software, and relevant safety standards.
Infographic showing various Drainage Engineer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,445 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Drainage Engineer

STV

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

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 years of experience who is ready to expand technical design capabilities, contribute to complex infrastructure projects, and grow within a collaborative engineering team. This position offers flexibility to be based in one of our California offices, including Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, or Rancho Cucamonga, or Portland, OR, or Bellevue, WA.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful infrastructure projects supporting Caltrans, LA Metro, Metrolink, local counties, and municipal agencies while building hands-on experience in drainage, stormwater management, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and regulatory coordination.

Why STV
At STV, you will join a nationally recognized engineering and infrastructure firm known for technical excellence and collaboration. We invest in professional development, mentorship, and meaningful project work that strengthens communities.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Contribute to high-impact transportation infrastructure projects
  • Grow your technical skills in drainage, stormwater, and H&H design
  • Work alongside experienced engineers and project leaders
  • Gain exposure to public-sector clients and regulatory agencies
  • Build a long-term career path within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team

What You'll Do

  • Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements.
  • Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design, culvert calculations, hydraulic structure design, Best Management Practices (BMPs), Low Impact Development (LID) features, and erosion and sediment control plans under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Perform hydrology and hydraulic analyses to support design decisions, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist with stormwater permitting, erosion and sediment control approvals, and environmental regulatory coordination.
  • Prepare technical reports, drainage reports, stormwater documentation, design documentation, specifications, and engineer's cost estimates with attention to accuracy, organization, and quality.
  • Coordinate with roadway, structural, rail, and environmental teams to support integrated project delivery.
  • Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate feedback from senior technical staff.
  • Support quality reviews and QA/QC efforts by checking calculations, reports, plans, and permit documentation for completeness and consistency.
  • Attend project meetings with clients, subconsultants, and regulatory agencies as part of the project team.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6-12 years of experience in drainage design, preferably supporting transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington, Oregon, or California (preferred), or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
  • Working knowledge of hydrology and hydraulic analysis, stormwater management design, drainage systems, culvert design, erosion and sediment control, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies.
  • Demonstrated expertise in hydrology and hydraulic analysis using some of the following software packages: HEC-RAS, Hydrocalc, XPSWMM, StormCAD, WSPG, WNT-55, LAR04, and ORD Storm Module.
  • Experience with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D; OpenRoads Designer and ArcGIS experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical reports and support high-quality engineering deliverables in multidisciplinary teams.

#LI-Hybrid

#LIMS1

Compensation Range:

$114,345.69 - $130,680.78

STV offers the following benefits Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) Disability insurance Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment 401(k) Plan Retirement Counseling Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) Paid Holidays (9 days) Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) Continuing Education Program Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.