1

Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee Jobs in Virginia

Pennoni is seeking a Graduate Civil Engineer to join our Leesburg, VA office and support a wide range of public and private land development projects throughout the region. This is an excellent ...

Pennoni is seeking a Graduate Civil Engineer to join our Leesburg, VA office and support a wide range of public and private land development projects throughout the region. This is an excellent ...

A Civil Engineer Graduate will be responsible for assisting in various aspects of the Civil engineering portion of a project while working under the close supervision and guidance of a licensed Civil ...

Civil Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$78K - $93K/yr

Graduate of an ABET-accredited 4-, 5-, or 6-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines: * Civil Engineering * Civil and Environmental Engineering * Civil, Environmental and ...

Civil Engineer II

Richmond, VA · On-site

$78K - $93K/yr

Graduate of an ABET-accredited 4-, 5-, or 6-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines: * Civil Engineering * Civil and Environmental Engineering * Civil, Environmental and ...

Civil Engineer II

Vienna, VA · On-site

$78K - $93K/yr

Graduate of an ABET-accredited 4-, 5-, or 6-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines: * Civil Engineering * Civil and Environmental Engineering * Civil, Environmental and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee information

What is a graduate civil engineer trainee?

A Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee is an entry-level role designed for recent civil engineering graduates to gain hands-on experience in the industry. Trainees work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with project design, planning, site inspections, and technical analysis. The role provides exposure to various civil engineering disciplines such as structural, transportation, and environmental engineering. It helps develop practical skills, knowledge of industry standards, and proficiency in software used for design and analysis. This position serves as a foundation for career growth towards becoming a licensed civil engineer.

What kinds of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as a graduate civil engineer trainee?

As a Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee, you may assist with tasks such as preparing technical drawings, conducting site inspections, supporting design calculations, and helping to ensure projects comply with relevant codes and regulations. You'll likely work closely with experienced engineers, participating in project meetings and contributing to real-world infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or buildings. This hands-on exposure is valuable for building technical skills and gaining an understanding of how civil engineering projects progress from design to completion. The role often provides opportunities to rotate through different project teams, giving you a broad base of experience early in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate civil engineer trainee?

To thrive as a Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee, you need a university degree in civil engineering or a related discipline, along with foundational knowledge of engineering principles and site practices. Familiarity with CAD software, structural analysis tools, and basic safety certifications are typically expected for this position. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills will help you stand out in a team-based environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring project accuracy, efficient collaboration, and successful development as you begin your engineering career.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Civil Engineer Trainee job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Graduate Civil Engineer

Pennoni

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Pennoni rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Pennoni is seeking a Graduate Civil Engineer to join our Leesburg, VA office and support a wide range of public and private land development projects throughout the region. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent or upcoming civil engineering graduate to gain hands-on experience with site layout, grading, utility design, stormwater management, permitting, construction documents, and engineering reports while working closely with experienced engineers and project managers. In this role, you will contribute to projects from early planning and conceptual design through detailed design, agency review, and construction documentation.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Perform site design work, including site layout, grading, water and sanitary sewer design, and public street design.
  • Evaluate sites for land development feasibility.
  • Support stormwater management design, including storm sewer systems, erosion and sediment control, retention/detention facilities, and Best Management Practices (BMPs), as needed.
  • Review local municipal ordinances, county requirements, and state regulations applicable to assigned projects.
  • Prepare civil engineering plans for permitting and construction in coordination with the project team.
  • Develop permit application materials for review and submittal to regulatory agencies.
  • Contribute to engineering reports by organizing technical information and documenting compliance with client and regulatory requirements.
  • Additional tasks may be assigned, as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, such as Construction Engineering or Environmental Engineering. Recent and upcoming graduates are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • FE exam completion, EIT certification, or intent to pursue professional licensure.
  • Internship, co-op, academic project, or prior work experience related to land development, site/civil design, stormwater management, or water resources.
  • Proficiency with basic office software applications, especially Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam Revu, and related engineering or project management tools.
  • Exposure to stormwater management design calculations and Hydrology and Hydraulics (H&H) modeling tools.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, collaborate with team members, and work effectively in a fast-paced project environment.

Why Pennoni?
Founded more than 50 years ago, Pennoni is a multi-disciplinary consulting engineering firm with a long-standing commitment to delivering practical solutions for public and private clients. In our Leesburg office, recent graduates can build hands-on experience in site layout, grading, utility design, stormwater management, permitting, and construction documentation while contributing to meaningful land development projects throughout the region. You will work closely with experienced engineers and project managers, gain exposure to local agency requirements and utility coordination, and receive support for FE/EIT development and long-term growth toward PE licensure. As your skills develop, you will have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility within a collaborative team environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

What Pennoni employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Pennoni logo

About Pennoni

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1966