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Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

BGE

Project Manager - Utility Management

Houston, TX · On-site

Direct responsibility for Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and utility coordination/ engineering projects for transportation projects. * Overseeing the preparation of existing SUE utility plans.

DCCM

Engineering Intern

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Interns gain exposure to a variety of civil engineering disciplines, including transportation, structural, water resources, roadway design, land development, and subsurface utility engineering.

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Spring, TX · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Spring, TX · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and ...

Universal Engineering Sciences

Utility Locator

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Utilize various geophysical equipment such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electromagnetic Induction (EM/EMI), Magnetics, as well as GNSS equipment to conduct Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE ...

McKim & Creed

Civil Project Engineer - SUE

Stafford, TX · Hybrid

$74K - $98K/yr

TxDOT Pre-Certification in 18.2.1 Subsurface Utility Engineering or the ability to acquire precertification quickly is required. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.

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Subsurface Utility Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$33.4K

$92.4K

$159.5K

How much do subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface utility engineer in Houston, TX is $92,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do subsurface utility engineers make?

Subsurface Utility Engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high infrastructure development activity.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most subsurface utility engineers earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, highly experienced professionals with advanced certifications, extensive project management responsibilities, or working in senior leadership roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such compensation is typically associated with senior-level positions in large firms or specialized consulting roles in the engineering industry.

What is a Subsurface Utility Engineer job?

A Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) is responsible for locating, mapping, and assessing underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. They use technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to identify buried infrastructure and prevent conflicts with construction projects. SUEs help reduce risks, improve project efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their work is essential in urban planning, civil engineering, and infrastructure development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Subsurface Utility Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering or surveying, a degree in a related field, and knowledge of underground utility location and mapping methods. Familiarity with geophysical surveying tools, GPS/GIS systems, utility designation standards, and certifications such as ASCE's UESI utility engineering credential are often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective verbal and written communication distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential to ensure accurate utility mapping, minimize project risks, and facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by Subsurface Utility Engineers in their daily work?

Subsurface Utility Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or outdated utility records, working in congested urban environments, and addressing unforeseen underground conditions during excavation or construction planning. They must closely collaborate with utility owners, municipal agencies, and construction teams to gather accurate data and resolve conflicts. This role often requires adaptability and quick problem-solving, as unexpected situations can affect project timelines and safety. Successfully navigating these challenges ensures smoother project delivery and minimizes costly utility conflicts or service disruptions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior subsurface utility engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in utility mapping, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, large project management, or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What does a subsurface utility engineer do?

A subsurface utility engineer (SUE) identifies, maps, and manages underground utility lines to prevent conflicts during construction projects. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility locating equipment, and often hold certifications such as the ASCE SUE certification. Their work involves detailed data analysis and coordination with construction teams to ensure safety and project efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? For Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings:
Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,422 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Project Engineer, Utility Coordination

Project Engineer, Utility Coordination

Lockwood Andrews & Newnam Inc

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 7 days ago

New

Job description

Description

The Utility Coordination Project Engineer will be a major contributor to LAN's Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) team by leading utility coordination efforts for roadway, bridge, utility, pipeline and other civil design projects.

Job Responsibilities and Qualifications

  • Represent LAN to utility owners, clients and other stakeholders to communicate project characteristics, identify conflicts with existing utilities and coordinate utility adjustments.
  • Conduct project plan set evaluations by interpreting proposed designs and subsurface utility engineer data to identify conflicts with utilities.
  • Understand construction methods and design parameters to suggest design changes to avoid potential conflicts.
  • Coordinate meetings with utility owners and stakeholders throughout the process or a project to communicate utility adjustments and relocations.
  • Via CADD software (Bentley and Autodesk) prepare exhibits and utility conflict matrices, analyze SUE and design drawing files and other related tasks.
  • Prepare reimbursable agreements.
  • Coordinate with other engineers and SUE field staff as it relates to schedules and project needs.
  • Knowledge of permitting processes on behalf of a utility owner.
  • Assist in project scoping and scheduling efforts.
  • Mentor and train junior staff.

Requirements

  • 4+ years' experience
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline
  • Professional Engineer License (PE)


Preferred Education & Experience

  • Strong knowledge of relevant codes and design standards. 
  • Strong command of core engineering principles with the ability to apply them to real-world, multidisciplinary projects. 
  • Proficient in problem-solving
  • Experienced with industry-standard software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit)
  • Competent in data interpretation and statistical analysis
  • Strong knowledge of project management fundamentals
  • Critical thinking and sound engineering judgement
  • Detail-oriented and quality focused
  • Effective communicator


Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, status, or local laws and to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any of these factors. Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability. Applicants with a physical or mental disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact the Human Resources Department at 713-266-6900 or by email using peopleoperations@leoadaly.com . For more information about your rights under the law, see: Know Your Rights 

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