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Professional Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

County Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$135K - $159K/yr

Manages and administers consulting engineering contracts and related professional services performed by consultants. * Manages County road improvement projects funded by various sources. * Reviews ...

The selective placement factor is Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), if applying for the Professional Engineering (0801) series, OR as a Registered Architect (RA), if applying for ...

Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred * Proven experience in civil engineering design and ... construction * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Excellent communication and teamwork ...

Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred * Proven experience in civil engineering design and ... construction * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Excellent communication and teamwork ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$43.5K

$90.8K

$127.7K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Charleston, SC is $90,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $102,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC?

For Professional Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,834 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Design Professional Engineer - Solid Waste Facilities (Site Civil, Structural or Mechanical experien

Charleston, SC • On-site


Tetra Tech, Inc.
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training


$77K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding a Professional Engineer for solid waste facilities to our Solid Waste/Environmental team based in Charleston, SC.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Tetra Techis a leader in solid waste. We seek to find talent that can helpexpand our capabilities and contribute to our culturewith a focus onclient satisfaction. Here atTetra Tech,we have the skill, breadth, and depth of resources, and technical talent to optimize management ofour clients'waste resources.
Position Summary:
Responsibilities of this position will include interpretation of federal, state, and local agency regulations. Other responsibilities include analysis, oversight, and review of project work products, including site specific technical data, calculations, technical reports, construction plans, cost estimates, environmental permit applications, and permit terms and conditions. These responsibilities will be applied to the development and construction of solid waste facilities, including transfer stations, recycling centers, and material recovery facilities. The position will also involve business development, client relations, and working closely with peers and junior staff.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. For the ideal candidate, this position will combine business development and project work. You will also expand your skill set to effectively and efficiently perform the following:
• Independently perform engineering calculations, direct CADD in the formation of ideas into design drawings, write reports, and make project decisions with the oversight of senior client managers.
• Work in all phases of a project from feasibility studies to construction/startup, including preparation of drawings, plans, specifications, reports, bid documents, and certifications.
o Analyze reports, maps, drawings, environmental data, and aerial photographs.
o Prepare construction cost estimations.
o Prepare design reports.
o Stamp/certify designs.
• Oversee construction projects to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering plans, specifications, and construction and safety standards.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and help direct work for multiple projects and clients.
• Help support business development initiatives for continued work with key clients and business sectors.
• Maintain the quality control on projects and on administrative tasks.
• Manage multiple smaller company priorities and projects.
• Prepare proposals for mid to large-size projects, including the development of technical plans, schedules, and cost estimates.
• Periodic travel to project site and conferences (2 to 3 hotel nights per month).
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree or above in engineering or related environmental field
• Professional Engineer or ability to obtain license within 6 months
• Experience - 3-5 years minimum in at least one of these related fields:
o Solid waste management
o Facility development
• Project management experience, including budgets, schedules, and invoicing
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Self-disciplined/motivated individual who works well from home and in a team environment
• Located in the southern U.S., with a preference for South Carolina
• Proficiency with computer usage for document preparation, including Word, Excel, and engineering software
• Working knowledge of computer-aided design software; 3D preferred
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and developing leadership skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and regularly with project manager/team
• Strong analytical/technical skills
• Established client relationships are required
Preferred Qualifications:
• Regulatory experience is a plus, but not required
Physical Requirements:
• Regularly required to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; occasional standing and walking within the office environment.
• Occasionally required to lift/move up to 10 lbs., with infrequent lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Requires use of hands for typing, handling materials, and operating office equipment; vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally travel to field sites (approximately 10-30% of the time), which can involve walking on uneven terrain and slopes up to 2:1 or 3:1 grade.
• When in the field, must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator if required, and may need to meet medical clearance standards based on assignment.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Office-based work typically involves low hazard exposure, though noise levels may vary depending on nearby activities or equipment.
• Outdoor conditions may involve exposure to physical and chemical hazards, heat and cold stress, uneven terrain, and other adverse environmental factors; PPE-including hearing protection and respirators-may be required.
• Noise levels differ by assignment, and appropriate hearing protection may be necessary; reasonable accommodations are available to support employees with disabilities.
• Travel between sites or offices may be required, with employees expected to operate vehicles safely under varying weather, traffic, and environmental conditions.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Tetra Tech logo

About Tetra Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 450 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Industry

Civil engineering construction and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pasadena, CA, US


What Tetra Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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