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Subsurface Utility Engineering Jobs in Houston, TX

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

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.

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.

Civil Project Engineer - SUE

Stafford, TX

$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.

Utility Investigation - Coordinate and / or assist with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations performed by HDR and / or subconsultants. * Utility Conflict Resolution - Identify utility ...

Utility Investigation - Coordinate and / or assist with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations performed by HDR and / or subconsultants. * Utility Conflict Resolution - Identify utility ...

... Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations, schedule, and submittals. * Perform utility records research, obtaining project utility company contacts, existing maps and plans, preparing ...

... Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations, schedule, and submittals. * Perform utility records research, obtaining project utility company contacts, existing maps and plans, preparing ...

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Subsurface Utility Engineering information

See Houston, TX salary details

$33.4K

$92.4K

$159.5K

How much do subsurface utility engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface utility engineering 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.

What is subsurface utility engineering?

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on the identification, mapping, and management of underground utilities such as water, gas, electric, and telecommunications. SUE professionals use a combination of surveying, geophysical methods, and records research to locate and document these utilities before construction or excavation projects begin. This process helps prevent costly damages, improves safety, and ensures more efficient project planning by reducing the risk of unexpected utility conflicts. SUE is increasingly important for urban development and infrastructure maintenance.

What are common challenges faced by subsurface utility engineers when coordinating with construction and design teams?

SUE professionals often encounter challenges in ensuring accurate and up-to-date utility data is communicated to construction and design teams. Discrepancies between existing records and actual field conditions can lead to design changes, project delays, or safety risks. Effective coordination requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex utility maps and geophysical data. Regular meetings and clear documentation help bridge gaps between SUE findings and project requirements, supporting safer and more efficient project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a subsurface utility engineer?

To excel in Subsurface Utility Engineering, a strong background in civil engineering, surveying, and utility mapping—often with a relevant engineering degree and licensure—is essential. Familiarity with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating devices, CAD software, and GIS systems is typically required, along with certifications like ASCE 38 or NULCA. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, risk mitigation, and the successful integration of utility data into infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Subsurface Utility Engineering vs Utility Locator?

AspectSubsurface Utility EngineeringUtility Locator
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like SUE Level I-IVTraining in utility detection, often no formal engineering degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and coordination for construction projectsFieldwork, locating underground utilities on-site
Industry UsageUsed in civil engineering, construction, infrastructure projectsPrimarily in construction, excavation, and utility companies

Subsurface Utility Engineering involves detailed analysis, design, and management of underground utilities, often requiring engineering credentials. Utility Locators focus on field detection and marking underground utilities, typically with specialized training. While both roles are essential for safe construction, SUE provides comprehensive planning, whereas utility locators perform the critical task of locating utilities on-site.

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 or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for utility mapping and infrastructure projects.

What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Houston, TX?

For Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Subsurface Utility Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility Engineering job openings in Houston, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,422 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Project Manager, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

Houston, TX • On-site

Lockwood Andrews & Newnam Inc
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

The SUE Project Manager is responsible for managing subsurface utility engineering and utility coordination projects from initial planning through design and construction. This position leads project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, technical execution, quality control, client communication, and coordination with utility owners and project stakeholders. The Project Manager will oversee the development and delivery of Quality Level D through Quality Level A SUE services and lead utility coordination efforts to identify, evaluate, and resolve utility conflicts. The successful candidate may be a licensed Professional Engineer or an experienced non-licensed utility professional; however, both candidates must demonstrate the technical knowledge, leadership ability, and experience necessary to independently manage SUE and utility coordination assignments. This position will also support client development, proposal preparation, staff development, and the continued growth of the firm’s SUE and utility coordination practice.


Responsibilities

  • Manage SUE and utility coordination projects from scope development and fee preparation through final delivery and project closeout.
  • Establish project scope, schedule, budget, staffing needs, deliverables, quality requirements, and communication protocols.
  • Direct the execution of SUE services in accordance with applicable standards, including ASCE 38-22 and client-specific requirements.
  • Plan and oversee Quality Level D records research, Quality Level C surface-feature surveys, Quality Level B utility designating, and Quality Level A test-hole investigations.
  • Develop SUE work plans that support design milestones and provide utility information in time for critical design decisions.
  • Coordinate field crews, engineers, designers, and specialty service providers.
  • Review utility records, field data, survey information, test-hole data, utility mapping, reports, and other technical deliverables for completeness and consistency.
  • Establish and implement project-specific quality assurance and quality control procedures.
  • Lead coordination with utility owners, public agencies, design teams, contractors, property owners, and other project stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain utility contact lists, records-request logs, utility conflict matrices, action-item logs, meeting minutes, and project correspondence.
  • Identify potential utility conflicts and work with the design team and utility owners to evaluate avoidance, minimization, protection, accommodation, or relocation strategies.
  • Coordinate utility adjustment requirements, relocation concepts, schedules, cost estimates, agreements, permitting, right-of-way needs, and construction sequencing, as applicable.
  • Facilitate utility coordination meetings and clearly communicate responsibilities, decisions, deadlines, and unresolved issues.
  • Track project progress, budgets, labor utilization, subcontractor costs, invoicing, accruals, earned revenue, and estimates to complete.
  • Identify changes in scope, schedule, or level of effort and prepare amendments or additional-service requests when appropriate.
  • Proactively identify project risks, resolve technical and coordination issues, and develop contingency plans.
  • Prepare and deliver progress reports, technical memoranda, proposals, presentations, and other project documentation.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and maintain responsive, professional communication throughout the project.
  • Delegate work to appropriate team members and hold staff and subcontractors accountable for assigned responsibilities.
  • Mentor and develop junior staff.
  • Support workload planning and coordination across multiple offices and project teams.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with clients, utility owners, teaming partners, and subconsultants.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of SUE and utility coordination procedures, standards, templates, training, and best practices.
  • Perform occasional field visits to assess project conditions, support field operations, meet with stakeholders, and verify that work is being performed in accordance with project requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Required Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma
  • At least ten years of experience in the field of subsurface utility engineering and/or utility coordination
  • PE license and 6 years of experience may substitute


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing SUE and utility coordination assignments for TxDOT, municipalities, counties, transit agencies, river authorities, or other Texas public agencies and private clients.
  • Knowledge of utility accommodation, utility coordination, and right-of-way processes.
  • Experience with utility conflict matrices, utility engineering investigations, utility adjustment concepts, relocation schedules and agreements.
  • Experience managing Quality Level B designating and Quality Level A test-hole efforts, including traffic control, permitting and surveying.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD/Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, ArcGIS, and related design or document-management platforms.
  • Experience supporting business development, client relationships, proposal preparation, fee negotiations, and project interviews.
  • Experience developing SUE or utility coordination procedures, quality-control processes, training materials, or technical standards.


 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