Drainage/Water Resources Engineer

(Confidential Client – Do Not Post or Distribute Without Permission)

Location: Northern Illinois Region
Compensation: $110,000 – $140,000 annually

A well-established infrastructure engineering consultancy is seeking a Drainage / Water Resources Engineering Professional to support transportation-related stormwater and hydraulic design initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to lead technical teams, contribute to statewide infrastructure programs, and support the growth of specialized water resources capabilities.

Position Overview

The selected professional will guide drainage and stormwater engineering efforts for transportation infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include leading design teams, overseeing technical studies, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure high-quality project delivery. The role also includes mentoring junior engineers and supporting client development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and drafting teams involved in drainage and stormwater infrastructure design.

• Prepare hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, engineering calculations, and technical documentation.

• Develop construction plans, profiles, specifications, and cost estimates for transportation-related water resources projects.

• Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external consultants, public agencies, and clients.

• Support proposal preparation, scope development, and contract documentation.

• Maintain responsibility for quality assurance and quality control of project deliverables.

• Assist with mentoring and technical development of junior engineering staff.

• Participate in building and maintaining strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.

• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in drainage studies and water resources engineering for infrastructure projects.

• Strong technical understanding of stormwater management systems including storm sewers, detention and retention basins, culverts, roadside channels, and water quality best management practices.

• Familiarity with state and tollway transportation drainage policies, procedures, and documentation standards.

• Ability to work independently with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with strong attention to detail.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software.

• Experience with civil engineering design and digital drafting platforms.

• Familiarity with engineering document management systems and collaboration tools.

• Strong working knowledge of spreadsheet, reporting, and presentation software.

Preferred Credentials

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) designation is a plus.

Additional Information

This opportunity offers involvement in impactful transportation and public infrastructure programs within a collaborative engineering environment that supports leadership growth and technical excellence.

Work Authorization:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Confidential Search Notice:
This opportunity is being presented as a confidential search. Please do not repost, publish, or distribute this description without explicit authorization.

Core Role Tags

Drainage Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Stormwater Engineer
Transportation Drainage Engineer
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydrology Engineer
Stormwater Design Engineer
Water Resources Project Engineer
Civil Water Resources Engineer
Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Technical Discipline Tags

Stormwater Management
Drainage Design
Water Resources Engineering
Hydrology & Hydraulics
Transportation Infrastructure Drainage
Storm Sewer Design
Detention & Retention Basin Design
Culvert Design
Roadside Channel Design
Floodplain Analysis
Watershed Modeling
Erosion & Sediment Control
Stormwater Quality BMPs
Hydraulic Modeling
Open Channel Flow Analysis

Standards / Technical Knowledge

State DOT Drainage Design Manuals
FHWA Hydraulic Design Guidelines
AASHTO Drainage Guidelines
Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Modeling Standards
Stormwater Management Regulations
Floodplain Management Standards
Transportation Drainage Policies
Environmental Compliance Standards
Water Quality Regulations
Watershed & Basin Management Guidelines

Client / Market Tags

State DOT Projects
Tollway Authorities
Transportation Agencies
Public Infrastructure Programs
Municipal Stormwater Programs
Highway Infrastructure Projects
Federal Infrastructure Programs
Regional Flood Control Agencies
Urban Infrastructure Development

Leadership / Practice Growth Tags

Engineering Team Leadership
Technical Project Oversight
Project Delivery Management
Client Relationship Development
Business Development Support
Proposal Preparation
Practice Development
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Engineering Operations
Staff Mentorship & Training

Credentials Tags

PE License
Professional Engineer
Civil Engineer PE
Water Resources Engineer
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering
Licensed Civil Engineer

ATS Boolean Keyword Cluster (optional but powerful)

Recruiters often paste this in keyword fields:

Drainage OR "Drainage Engineer" OR "Water Resources Engineer" OR Stormwater OR Hydrology OR Hydraulics OR "Storm Sewer" OR Culvert OR "Detention Basin" OR "Retention Basin" OR "Hydraulic Modeling" OR "H&H Modeling" OR "Stormwater Management" OR DOT OR "Transportation Drainage" OR Floodplain OR BMP OR "Water Resources Design"