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Highway Drainage Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drainage Engineer P.E.

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Drainage Engineer P.E. Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Charlotte ... Highway Drainage | DRMP Level up your career: Discover DRMP's pathways for advancement. Careers ...

Highway Drainage | DRMP Level up your career: Discover DRMP's pathways for advancement. Careers ... Participates in conducting engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined ...

Drainage Engineer P.E.

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Highway Drainage | DRMP Level up your career: Discover DRMP's pathways for advancement. Careers ... Participates in conducting engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined ...

Transportation Drainage Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location ... Working knowledge of DOT, AASHTO, and FHWA highway drainage design criteria and guidelines * Strong ...

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting roadway, highway, municipal, and transportation ... Lead and perform drainage engineering analyses and design for transportation, municipal, and land ...

Senior Drainage Engineer - Transportation Infrastructure This role leads drainage engineering ... Experience in roadway and highway design within multidisciplinary transportation project teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting roadway, highway, municipal, and transportation ... Lead and perform drainage engineering analyses and design for transportation, municipal, and land ...

Drainage Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$110 - $165/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting roadway, highway, municipal, and transportation ... Lead and perform drainage engineering analyses and design for transportation, municipal, and land ...

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting roadway, highway, municipal, and transportation ... Lead and perform drainage engineering analyses and design for transportation, municipal, and land ...

Senior Drainage Engineer

Reno, NV · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Senior Drainage Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Reno, NV ... DOT, AASHTO, and FHWA highway drainage design criteria and guidelines * Excellent written and oral ...

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Highway Drainage Engineer information

See salary details

$47.5K

$98K

$133.5K

How much do highway drainage engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway drainage engineer in the United States is $98,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a highway drainage engineer do?

A Highway Drainage Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and managing drainage systems along highways and roadways. Their work ensures that water is effectively diverted away from pavement surfaces, preventing flooding, erosion, and damage to the roadway. They collaborate with civil engineers, surveyors, and construction teams to develop drainage plans, select materials, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their expertise helps protect infrastructure and maintain safe travel conditions for motorists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway drainage engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Drainage Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, hydrology, and stormwater management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and, often, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, and GIS systems, as well as knowledge of relevant drainage codes and standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work collaboratively and solve complex drainage challenges. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing safe, compliant, and efficient highway drainage systems that protect infrastructure and the environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by highway drainage engineers during project design and implementation?

Highway drainage engineers often face challenges such as accommodating complex site topography, adapting to changing weather patterns, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including roadway designers, environmental specialists, and construction crews—can also present logistical challenges. Additionally, balancing cost constraints with the need for effective long-term drainage solutions is a common aspect of the role, requiring both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

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

AspectHighway Drainage EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialized in drainage systemsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, often with broader focus
Work EnvironmentDesigning and managing highway drainage projectsDesigning infrastructure including roads, bridges, and drainage
Industry UsageSpecific to transportation infrastructure and drainage systemsWide range including transportation, buildings, and water resources

Highway Drainage Engineers focus specifically on drainage systems for highways, ensuring proper water runoff and safety. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water management. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in specialization and project focus.

Are highway drainage engineers in demand?

Highway drainage engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for effective stormwater management. They typically require knowledge of civil engineering principles, drainage design software, and relevant certifications, making their skills valuable in transportation and public works sectors.
More about Highway Drainage Engineer jobs

What states have the most Highway Drainage Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Highway Drainage Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Highway Drainage Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,018 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Drainage Engineer P.E.

Trilon Group

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Drainage Engineer P.E.
Department: Transportation
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Charlotte, NC
Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 / year
Description
If you're looking to continue your stormwater focus as a Drainage Engineer, P.E. and wanting to push your career further, our Drainage Division in our Charlotte, NC office has a career opportunity waiting for you.
Curious about shaping the future? Discover the types of projects you could be involved in with this position. Highway Drainage | DRMP
Level up your career: Discover DRMP's pathways for advancement. Careers | DRMP
What You'll Do:
  • Production of drainage design drawings and carry out specific assignments in preparing and assembling specifications.
  • Participates in conducting engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including collection and analysis of data; perform drainage engineering calculations and participate in evaluating the feasibility of alternate solutions.
  • Prepare assigned sections of reports under close review of experienced professional. Work under the supervision of senior level Professional Engineers.
  • Assist engineers with a variety of urban stormwater and roadway projects.
  • Tasks include hydrology and hydraulics design, water quality analysis, writing technical memorandums and reports, and reviewing and summarizing related environmental regulations.
  • Preparation of engineering calculations and plans using MicroStation and Geopak, Excel, GIS and other engineering software.

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering.
  • Must have Professional Engineering Registration with the State.
  • 5+ years of relevant, progressive transportation design experience.
  • Drainage and stormwater engineering experience in transportation.
  • Proficiency in drainage design software such as ICPR, HEC-RAS, HY-8, GEOPAK Drainage, Civil 3D, or OpenRoads Drainage.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of DOT design standards and specifications.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment.
  • Valid driver's license with approved/acceptable driving history required.

DRMP Offers
  • Excellent compensation package
  • Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match
  • Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks)
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental Leave
  • Competitive health and dental insurance premiums
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options
  • Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More

DRMP is a Drug and Alcohol-Free workplace, an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and E-Verify employer.
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