Civil Engineer, PE

Work Location: This position may be based in either our Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Scottsdale, Arizona office.

Position Summary

The Civil Engineer, PE leads and reviews engineering design for land development and infrastructure projects from planning through construction. This position exercises independent professional engineering judgment, provides technical guidance and quality oversight, and collaborates with project managers, clients, consultants, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to deliver technically sound engineering solutions.

The Civil Engineer, PE serves as a lead technical resource to the project team, providing project oversight regarding design schedules, engineering guidance and direction, supporting the development of EITs and design staff, and maintaining responsibility for the quality and technical accuracy of assigned engineering work.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Technical Leadership

• Perform engineering design for land development and civil engineering projects, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, utilities, roadways, and related site infrastructure.
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, plans, specifications, calculations, reports, and construction documents.
• Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D and related engineering software to develop and evaluate engineering designs.
• Exercise independent professional engineering judgment in evaluating design alternatives, resolving technical issues, and reviewing work prepared by EITs, designers, and other technical staff.

Project, Client & Regulatory Coordination

• Research, interpret, and apply applicable municipal, state, federal, and jurisdictional requirements, codes, and engineering standards.
• Coordinate technical project matters with clients, consultants, municipalities, utilities, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent clients and present projects at municipal, Planning Commission, public hearing, and other regulatory meetings; communicate engineering recommendations, respond to questions, and support projects through permitting and approval processes.
• Support project managers in maintaining project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and deliverables; identify technical risks and communicate potential impacts and recommended solutions.

Quality, Construction Support & Team Development

• Perform quality control reviews of engineering documents for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Review and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), shop drawings, submittals, and construction-related technical issues; perform site observations and evaluate field conditions as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to EITs, designers, and other project team members while maintaining appropriate engineering and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Other duties and responsibilities reasonably related to the role, as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Civil Engineering Design & Technical Expertise
• Quality & Attention to Detail
• Planning, Organization & Design Scheduling
• Problem-Solving & Professional Engineering Judgment
• Client & Regulatory Coordination
• Technical Leadership, Collaboration & Communication
• Adaptability & Multi-Project Management
• Integrity & Accountability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently developing and reviewing civil engineering designs and calculations.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and other design-aided software programs; proficiency with Microsoft programs and Bluebeam; valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Civil engineering experience in land development, site development, or municipal infrastructure.
• Experience representing clients and presenting projects at municipal, Planning Commission, public hearing, or other regulatory meetings.
• Experience providing technical guidance, mentorship, and review of work performed by EITs, designers, or other technical staff.
• Experience working across multiple projects, jurisdictions, or local/state agencies in a staff-pool environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of civil engineering design principles and land development practices, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, utility, roadway, and site development design.
• Thorough understanding of applicable permitting requirements, engineering codes, regulations, and industry standards; ability to exercise independent professional engineering judgment and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to review engineering designs, calculations, specifications, and construction documents for technical accuracy and compliance; provide effective technical guidance; communicate technical information to clients, agencies, contractors, and project teams; manage multiple technical priorities and compressed schedules; develop and track design schedules; and work independently within multidisciplinary project teams.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the ability to perform the following essential physical activities:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to project sites, which may require walking over uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment with periodic visits to active project sites. Site visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, construction activities, and uneven terrain. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided when required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The role may provide technical guidance, mentorship, and review of work performed by EITs, designers, and other technical staff.

Travel

Occasional local and regional travel to project sites, client meetings, and municipal agencies.

Culture at Appia / Paradigm Design

Appia is building a differentiated Architecture and Engineering platform that combines the entrepreneurial strengths, client relationships, and technical expertise of leading local firms with the resources, capabilities, and growth opportunities of a broader organization. Our model is designed to preserve what makes each studio successful while creating a stronger shared platform for growth, talent, technology, and operational excellence.

We value integrity, accountability, technical excellence, innovation, and teamwork. By connecting our studios, disciplines, and resources, Appia creates opportunities for greater collaboration, shared expertise, professional growth, and exceptional service to our clients.

As Appia continues to grow, we are committed to maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit of our local studios while providing the resources and opportunities of a broader organization. Our goal is to create an environment where talented professionals can build meaningful careers, do exceptional work, and contribute to the long-term success of our clients, communities, and the Appia network.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.

Appia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.