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Professional Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Staff Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Proficient engineering professional responsible for managing and executing small projects of minimal complexity. * Assist in developing the scope of work for routine projects. * Assist in the ...

Freese and Nichols

Traffic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) license * 4+ years of traffic engineering experience Preferred * Experience with traffic analysis software * Exposure to DOT or public-sector transportation projects

Freese and Nichols

Senior Traffic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) license * 6+ years of traffic engineering experience Preferred * Experience supporting DOT or public-sector transportation projects * Background in multimodal or corridor ...

Relevante, Inc.

Senior Civil Structural Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) License * Active Civil or Structural PE required * Experience * 5 to 10 years experience * Transmission & Substation Structural Experience * Electric Utility / Power ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Professional Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$45.2K

$94.3K

$132.7K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Raleigh, NC is $94,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $106,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Professional Engineers?

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 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.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Professional engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in high-demand industries such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and employer, with senior-level positions and specialized skills commanding higher compensation.

What Do Professional Engineers 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 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve working in specialized industries, managing large projects, or overseeing teams in high-demand sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology companies.

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 can you do as a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and evaluates systems, structures, or processes within their engineering discipline. They often hold a license that allows them to approve projects, sign off on plans, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Professional engineers work in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology, using technical skills and tools like CAD software and engineering principles.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-demand industries.
More about Professional Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Professional Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Engineer job openings:
Professional Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,348 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Staff Professional / Engineer

Staff Professional / Engineer

ESP Associates

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

ESP is currently seeking a Staff Professional/Engineer with experience in Geotechnical Engineering and/or Construction Materials Testing/Special Inspection oversight for our Raleigh, North Carolina operations. The Project Manager will provide engineering and consulting services for a wide variety of projects and clients.

Responsibilities:

  • The Staff Professional/Engineer will be involved in all phases of a project including proposal preparation, managing leading and/or performing field engineering and testing, engineering analysis, report writing, consultation, invoice preparation, client contact and correspondence.
  • Technical analysis and reporting
  • Review of deliverables for technical accuracy and compliance with loss prevention policies and company standards
  • Providing oversight and mentorship to field staff
  • Client management duties
  • Review project plans, specifications and construction to verify compliance with project documents
  • Develop scope, prepare proposals and cost estimates, track and evaluate project progress/budgets, and recommend changes
  • Providing consultation/evaluation for field related concerns
  • Performing engineering field evaluations and inspections

Position expectations include technical abilities in some or all the following:

  • Shallow and deep foundation analysis
  • Pavement design and analysis
  • Slope stability analysis
  • Interpretation of laboratory test data
  • Construction materials testing procedures
  • Special Inspection procedures and requirements

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related discipline
  • EIT is preferred
  • 0-5 years of experience
  • Strong written/verbal communication skills
  • Candidate must be able to pass a drug screen, background check, and have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the company’s driving (MVR) policy.


Corporate Information:

ESP is a multi-discipline engineering design and consulting firm providing our clients with civil engineering, surveying, planning/landscape architecture, geosciences, environmental, subsurface utility engineering, and construction engineering inspection.

Through years of dedicated service to our clients, ESP has received a designation of 189 on the 2026 ENR Top 500 Design Firm rankings. For the firm's primary territory, the ENR Texas & Southeast Top Design Firms, ESP received a 2026 ranking of 53.


ESP offers an excellent employee benefits package including:

  • Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews and discretionary annual bonuses
  • 401(k) (Traditional & Roth plans) with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% (eligibility after 60 days)
  • PTO (Paid Time Off) & 10 Paid Holidays
  • VTO (Volunteer Time Off) of 4 hours each year (prorated during first year based on hire date)
  • Tiered Health, Vision & Dental Insurance Options (eligibility after 30 days)
  • Behavioral Medicine through Teladoc
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance (Employer paid)
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Education Reimbursement Opportunities
  • Flexible and Dependent Benefits Plan
  • Referral Bonuses