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Surface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mankato, MN Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Bloomington, MN Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

As a Civil Engineer supporting the Surface Water group, you hold the key to transforming this vision into reality. Your expertise in designing innovative stormwater systems not only protects the ...

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Surface Engineer information

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

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, surface chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), atomic force microscopes (AFM), and surface characterization software is important, along with certifications in materials analysis or relevant quality standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for developing advanced surface solutions, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in various industries.

What are some typical challenges Surface Engineers face when working on materials for high-performance applications?

Surface Engineers often encounter challenges related to optimizing surface properties such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear without compromising the material's overall integrity. Balancing cost-effective solutions with advanced surface treatments can also be demanding, especially when working under tight project deadlines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to ensure that surface modifications align with broader product requirements and quality standards.

What are surface engineers?

Surface engineers are professionals who specialize in modifying and optimizing the surfaces of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and functionality. They work with coatings, treatments, and advanced materials to protect surfaces from corrosion, wear, or environmental damage. Surface engineers play a key role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy by improving the lifespan and efficiency of components. Their work often involves research, testing, and the application of new technologies to solve complex surface-related challenges.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A surface engineer typically requires specialized training and experience, and earning $10,000 a month without a degree is uncommon in this field. High-paying roles in industries like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship often do not require formal degrees but depend on skills, performance, and market conditions. Most well-paying technical or engineering roles generally require relevant education or certifications.

What is the difference between Surface Engineer vs Coatings Engineer?

AspectSurface EngineerCoatings Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like NACE or SSPCBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science; similar certifications in coatings and corrosion
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, manufacturing plants, research labsCoating application sites, manufacturing, quality control labs
Industry UsageOil & gas, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingProtective coatings, paints, corrosion prevention in similar industries

Surface Engineers focus on the overall surface treatment and material properties, while Coatings Engineers specialize in applying and developing protective coatings. Both roles often overlap in industries like aerospace and manufacturing, sharing similar credentials and work environments.

More about Surface Engineer jobs
What states have the most Surface Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surface Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

ISG

Mankato, MN • On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Civil Engineer - Surface Water
Department: Civil
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Mankato, MN
Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year
Description
Imagine a world where every drop of rain is harnessed to nourish the land, prevent floods, and sustain communities. As a Civil Engineer supporting the Surface Water group, you hold the key to transforming this vision into reality. Your expertise in designing innovative stormwater systems not only protects the environment but also ensures the safety and prosperity of rural areas. ISG is excited to expand our team to join our Water Business Unit, specializing in Rural Surface Water. You will join a dynamic team as an ISG Employee Owner working collaboratively with your fellow employee owners to develop creative solutions.
You will collaborate with ISG internal resources for design and project coordination, project execution, specification writers, visualization specialists, and construction administrators. Employee owners of all levels are involved in every aspect of design from conceptual design through construction. If this sounds exciting to you, keep reading!
Here are a few recent projects:
  • Lovin Farm Bioreactor, Pocahontas County, IA
  • Blue Earth County Ditch No. 57, Mapleton, MN

View additional ISG projects: Portfolio
ISG Surface Water Blog
Essential Duties
Stormwater Management Planning:
  • Develop and implement stormwater management plans, including stormwater management reports as applicable on project types to control runoff and prevent flooding
  • Design and oversee the construction of stormwater infrastructure such as retention basins, swales, and drainage systems
  • Proficiency in various modeling software including but not limited to, XPSWMM, PCSWMM, Infoworks ICM, HydroCAD, Hec-RAS, Hec-HMS, Hydraulic Toolbox and other software systems
  • Assist with submittal reviews, requests for information, correspondence, change requests, and change orders during the Construction phase of projects
  • Coordinate and assist with environmental studies, permitting, alternative analysis, and other technical deliverables

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis:
  • Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to predict stormwater behavior and design effective control measures
  • Use modeling software to simulate stormwater flow and assess the impact of proposed developments

Environmental Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to water quality and stormwater management
  • Prepare and submit necessary permits and documentation

Field Inspections and Monitoring:
  • Perform on-site inspections to monitor the effectiveness of stormwater management systems
  • Assist with the performance and adherence to plans and specifications during the construction process through our Construction Administrators
  • Conduct water quality sampling and analysis to ensure compliance with environmental standards
  • Provide QA/QC for drawings, documents, details, schedules or specifications using programs such as AutoCAD, Civil3D and ESRI ArcGIS that are completed by staff

Community Engagement:
  • Work with local communities, landowners, and stakeholders to address stormwater management issues
  • Provide technical assistance and education on best practices for stormwater management

Additional Duties:
  • Lead and/or support the design of the rehabilitation or replacement of stormwater and drainage infrastructure
  • Support and mentor staff through design consultation and QA/QC measures
  • Provide expertise on construction sites as needed
  • Subscribe to our goals and objectives, operating with a collaborative mentality
  • Meet with Clients and Contractors at their place of business or job site
  • Provide oversight and project leadership to drive the successful completion of surface water projects
  • Prepare and maintain project workplan, which includes schedules, budget, notes, etc. throughout the project lifespan
  • Assist in creating the project scope of services, as needed

We've listed a compensation range that reflects our expectations for this role, including both direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of this range. If you feel you're a strong fit but your compensation needs differ, we're open to a conversation-let's talk.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering or bioproducts and bio-systems engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, required
  • Experience in managing projects within the surface water industry, such as stormwater management master plans, flood control/analysis, FEMA CLOMR/LOMR, streambank stabilization or restoration, and rural drainage
  • 5-10 years of experience in Surface Water industry
  • Ability to travel to various job sites and ISG office locations
  • Strong communication, organization, analytical and interpersonal skills
  • Self-directed, organized and can work independently with minimal supervision

ISG Employee Owner Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start date
  • Paid holidays and paid volunteer time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bi-annual profit sharing
  • Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Bereavement leave
  • Supplemental voluntary benefits
  • Short term and long-term disability
  • Parking reimbursement, varies on office location
  • Cell phone plan reimbursement
  • Mileage reimbursement for ISG-approved travel