Project Engineer / Senior Designer (Land Development )

Company Description

SMEngineers is a growing civil engineering consulting firm based in Southeast Michigan specializing in private land development projects. Our team brings decades of combined experience delivering successful residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial developments. As a smaller, client-focused firm, we provide our employees with the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities, work directly with clients and regulatory agencies, and play an active role in shaping projects from concept through construction. Position Summary Engineer's is seeking a motivated Project Engineer / Senior Designer to support and lead private land development projects throughout Michigan and surrounding regions. The successful candidate will be responsible for technical design, permitting coordination, client interaction, and project delivery for residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial developments. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with clients, municipalities, and multidisciplinary project teams while contributing to all phases of project development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the civil engineering design and technical development of land development projects.
• Prepare and oversee production of grading, drainage, utility, stormwater management, and erosion control plans.
• Perform engineering calculations, analyses, technical reports, and design documentation.
• Coordinate project activities with clients, developers, architects, landscape architects, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare permit applications and manage municipal, county, state, and federal approval processes.
• Review zoning requirements, land-use regulations, and site plan approval procedures.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers, designers, and CAD staff.
• Attend client meetings, agency meetings, and project coordination meetings.
• Conduct periodic site visits during design and construction to evaluate project progress and quality.
• Support project scheduling, budgeting, and overall project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of civil engineering experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in private land development design.
• Strong understanding of site development, grading, stormwater management, utility design, and permitting processes.
• Experience working with municipal review agencies and regulatory approval processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required.
• Experience with Civil 3D preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.

Work environment:

• Working remotely with potential for Hybrid option if required.
• Occasional travel for client meetings, site visits, and agency coordination (approximately 5% of time).
• Flexible work schedule with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Health insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution/match (if applicable).
• Paid vacation and company holidays.
• Wellness and personal time.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Flexible work arrangements.

Why Join SMEngineers?

• Direct exposure to every project, clients, agencies, and project decision-makers.
• Opportunity to take ownership of projects rather than being limited to a narrow technical role.
• Flexible and supportive work environment.
• Significant growth potential as the company expands.
• Ability to influence company processes and culture.