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Senior Civil Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Civil Design Engineer This Civil Design Engineer role focuses on a wide range of land development projects, including site planning, stormwater management design, utility design ...

Senior Civil Engineer #1057641 If you're looking for a career that will provide a challenging work ... Identify/scope the civil engineering design and construction scope necessary to complete the ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Clinton Township, MI · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Senior Civil Engineer will be responsible for civil engineering design, overseeing project planning, and managing and engineering team. The role includes collaboration with clients, ensuring ...

Engineer

Jackson, MI · Hybrid

$45 - $57/hr

The Senior Civil Engineer will be involved in several projects and to varying degrees of involvement. * Identify/scope the civil engineering design and construction scope necessary to complete the ...

Design Southeast Michigan's Future From a Pretty Cool Office MSG is growing, and we're looking for ... Permit submittals Assist senior engineers and project managers with: * Technical analysis * Project ...

Design Southeast Michigan's Future From a Pretty Cool Office MSG is growing, and we're looking for ... Permit submittals Assist senior engineers and project managers with: * Technical analysis * Project ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Civil Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$45.3K

$94.2K

$131.2K

How much do senior civil design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior civil design engineer in Michigan is $94,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as a Civil Engineer?

Senior Civil Design Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working on large-scale projects can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses or consulting roles. However, such high salaries are uncommon and typically require advanced certifications, leadership positions, or working in high-cost regions.

What is the role of a senior civil design engineer?

A senior civil design engineer is responsible for developing and reviewing civil engineering plans and designs for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and drainage systems. They oversee technical aspects, ensure compliance with codes and standards, and often coordinate with clients and construction teams using design software like AutoCAD or Civil 3D.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior civil design engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with leadership roles. Achieving this level often involves project management, complex infrastructure projects, and working for large firms or consulting agencies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil design engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in large-scale infrastructure projects can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, consulting positions, or working in regions with high living costs, and may include bonuses and profit sharing.

What is the difference between Senior Civil Design Engineer vs Civil Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Civil Design EngineerCivil Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; often with 5+ years experience; professional licensure preferredBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex design projects, mentoring junior staff, overseeing project complianceAssisting in design tasks, preparing drawings, supporting project execution
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting companies, construction projectsDesign firms, consulting firms, construction sites

The main difference between a Senior Civil Design Engineer and a Civil Design Engineer lies in experience, responsibility, and leadership. Senior engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while civil engineers focus on supporting design tasks. Both roles are essential in civil engineering projects, with senior roles requiring more experience and expertise.

What are the main challenges Senior Civil Design Engineers face when managing multidisciplinary project teams?

Senior Civil Design Engineers often oversee teams comprising professionals from various disciplines, such as structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineers. One of the main challenges is coordinating communication to ensure that design specifications and project timelines align across all groups. Balancing technical requirements with client expectations and regulatory standards can add complexity, especially on large infrastructure projects. Successful engineers leverage strong leadership and organizational skills to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and keep projects on track.

What does a Senior Civil Design Engineer do?

A Senior Civil Design Engineer is responsible for overseeing and managing the design and planning of civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They lead teams in preparing detailed drawings, specifications, and calculations, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Senior engineers also coordinate with clients, contractors, and other professionals to deliver effective and efficient engineering solutions. Their role often includes mentoring junior staff and managing project timelines and budgets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Civil Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Civil Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and professional licensure (such as PE or Chartered Engineer status). Expertise with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management tools, along with a strong understanding of industry codes and standards, is essential. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These abilities ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and compliant civil infrastructure projects from concept through construction.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Civil Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Civil Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Civil Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,209 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Civil Design Engineer

Actalent

Grand Rapids, MI • Hybrid

$32 - $39/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Job Title: Civil Design EngineerJob Description

This Civil Design Engineer role focuses on a wide range of land development projects, including site planning, stormwater management design, utility design, sustainable design, and overall site development. You will contribute to the design and permitting of development projects across the state of Michigan, including schools, commercial buildings, retail facilities, and institutional developments. This position offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in local civil development projects and to grow a long-term career in civil design and engineering.

Responsibilities
  • Plan and develop site plans, including grading, drainage, zoning, and utility layouts for land and site development projects.
  • Prepare detailed project drawings, engineering calculations, and technical specifications for civil design projects.
  • Create schematic designs, layouts, drafting, and complete construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Evaluate land use and zoning requirements, including interpretation of zoning ordinances and preparation of materials for site plan approval.
  • Prepare and submit permit applications, coordinate agency reviews, and obtain required approvals for development projects.
  • Design stormwater management systems, including drainage, pipe networks, and related site infrastructure.
  • Develop civil design production plans for land and site development, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards.
  • Coordinate civil site design elements for projects such as K–12 schools, commercial buildings, retail, and institutional facilities.
  • Conduct site visits during the construction phase to observe work, verify conformance with design documents, and support field-related questions.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure integrated, efficient, and compliant civil design solutions.
Essential Skills
  • Minimum 3+ years of civil design experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D for land development and site development projects.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for design plan production, including grading, drainage, utility design, and stormwater management systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in civil site development and civil land development projects.
  • Strong understanding of site planning, including site plans, zoning considerations, and site plan approval processes.
  • Experience preparing construction documents, including drawings, layouts, and specifications for civil design projects.
  • Knowledge of stormwater management design, drainage systems, and pipe network design.
  • Ability to evaluate and apply zoning ordinances and land use requirements to civil site design.
  • Background in civil engineering or closely related civil design disciplines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
  • EIT (Engineer-in-Training) or PE (Professional Engineer) license.
  • Experience in civil site design for K–12 education, school, or commercial projects.
  • Familiarity with sustainable design practices in land and site development.
  • Experience preparing permit applications and coordinating agency reviews and approvals.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, high-quality design documentation.
  • Effective communication skills for coordinating with project teams and stakeholders.
  • Motivation to develop a long-term career in civil design or civil engineering.
Work Environment

This position is based in Michigan, with offices located in Grand Rapids and Lansing. The typical schedule averages 40 hours per week and follows a hybrid model, with three days in the office and two days working remotely. You will work in a professional office environment using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other civil design tools to support land and site development projects across the state. The role involves a combination of desk-based design work and occasional site visits during the construction phase to observe field conditions and support project implementation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $39.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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