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Highway Drainage Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Nevada, IA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

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 ...

Drainage Engineer

Jacksonville, 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 ...

Drainage Engineer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

Drainage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

... highway, roadway, interchange, and bridge projects. In this senior water resources engineering role you will own hydraulic analysis, drainage design, floodplain and stormwater modeling, pond siting ...

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 ...

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, P.E., Tampa, FL Transportation Drainage & Stormwater / Water Resources ... visible highway, roadway, interchange, and bridge projects. In this senior water resources ...

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

Senior Drainage Engineer

Tampa, FL · Hybrid

$185K - $210K/yr

... highway, roadway, interchange, and bridge projects. In this senior water resources engineering role you will own hydraulic analysis, drainage design, floodplain and stormwater modeling, pond siting ...

Drainage Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline "or equivalent" * 3+ years of progressive experience in roadway/highway drainage design, hydrology, and hydraulics for ...

Senior Drainage Engineer

Tampa, FL · Hybrid

$185K - $210K/yr

Senior Drainage Engineer, P.E., Tampa, FL Transportation Drainage & Stormwater / Water Resources ... visible highway, roadway, interchange, and bridge projects. In this senior water resources ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline "or equivalent" * 5+ years of progressive experience in roadway/highway drainage design, hydrology, and hydraulics for ...

Drainage Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

Drainage Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Transportation Drainage Engineer

Mannik Smith Group

Riverdale, UT • On-site

$96 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Mannik & Smith Group rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Transportation Drainage Engineer

Department: Transportation

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Riverdale, UT

Compensation: $96,000 - $125,000 / year

Description

Unmatched Comp Time Policy: Hours worked over 40 in a week are paid at the usual hourly rate or can be banked as additional PTO.

At Horrocks, we believe the best work comes from companies with values, that our people are our greatest resource, and that we have a responsibility to the communities where we live and work. As a Professional Engineer for Drainage, you will have the opportunity to be involved in large, multi-discipline projects while developing diverse skill sets.

What are the core responsibilities for the role?
  • Perform and direct a variety of hydrology and hydraulic design work for DOT projects (i.e., bridges, roadways, highways, freeways, etc.)
  • Prepare studies, reports, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for a variety of transportation projects
  • Work within a team of project managers, design engineers, technicians, and support staff to successfully complete a variety of projects
  • Interface with clients including state and local agencies
  • Coordinate and conduct meetings with project stakeholders
  • Coordinate with office management and other project managers to share resources
  • Assist in proposal preparation including oral presentations.
  • Prepare the scope, schedule, and budget for new projects
  • Ability to meet project deadlines
Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited program in civil engineering
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) required
  • 4-7 years of hydraulics design experience including:
    • Design of roadway drainage and flood control facilities
    • Design of erosion control and stormwater treatment facilities
  • Experience and relationships with transportation and flood control agencies are preferred
  • Experience with MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (ORD)
  • Expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic software, including ORD Drainage and Utilities, StormCAD, PondPack, HEC-HMS HEC-RAS, etc.
  • Working knowledge of DOT, AASHTO, and FHWA highway drainage design criteria and guidelines
  • Strong verbal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to interact with clients and multi-discipline team members
  • Willingness to work on projects locally or workshare with other offices
  • History of meeting project deadlines and budgets
  • Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Experience in managing technical staff and project teams is desirable
  • Ability to manage concurrent projects
Why would a candidate want this job?

At Horrocks, you can expect a competitive base salary and award-winning benefits. Including, but not limited to:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401(k): 50% match of contribution up to 6%
  • Professional development opportunities including in-house training
  • Paid professional organization membership and professional licensure

For more information, visit our website at www.horrocks.com

Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and protected veteran status

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