Land Development Project Engineer

A well-established, employee-owned civil engineering, surveying, planning and landscape architecture firm with a strong reputation across Michigan and the wider region. Over several decades, they have built their name around practical, sustainable infrastructure solutions, supporting both public and private clients with work that shapes communities, improves sites and helps bring complex development ideas through design, permitting and construction.

Their team combines technical civil engineering expertise with surveying, planning, landscape architecture, construction engineering, environmental engineering and transportation-related services. This gives them the ability to support projects from early feasibility and site planning through design, agency coordination, approvals and construction support.

Within land development, they work across a broad mix of project types including commercial developments, educational campuses, residential communities, retail and office centers, subdivisions, condominiums, K-12 and higher education facilities, healthcare sites and other community-focused developments. Their land development group is heavily involved in site design, utility design, grading and paving, stormwater management, permitting, feasibility studies, sustainable site design, construction support and coordination with owners, architects, municipalities and reviewing agencies.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to join a collaborative, technical environment where civil engineers, planners, surveyors, CAD designers and other specialists work together to deliver meaningful projects across Michigan.

Role Overview:

They are looking to hire a Land Development Project Engineer / Senior Designer to join their growing land development team, based from either their Grand Rapids or Detroit office.

This person will play a key role in leading and producing civil site design for land development projects, working closely with project managers, engineers, planners, CAD staff, architects, owners, developers, contractors and municipal agencies. The role is well suited to someone with strong technical design capability who enjoys taking ownership of project details, solving site-related challenges and helping projects move successfully through review, approval and construction.

The successful candidate will be involved in the preparation of civil engineering drawings, calculations, reports, specifications, permit applications and construction support documentation. They will also help evaluate land use, zoning, site plan approval requirements and agency review comments, while supporting the overall delivery of high-quality, well-coordinated project work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the technical design of land development projects across Michigan.
• Prepare and review civil engineering drawings, calculations, technical reports and specifications.
• Design and coordinate site layout, grading, paving, stormwater management, utility and erosion control elements.
• Evaluate land use, zoning requirements, site plan approval processes and applicable municipal standards.
• Prepare permit applications and support projects through agency review and approval processes.
• Coordinate with owners, developers, architects, landscape architects, contractors, municipalities and internal project teams.
• Work closely with CAD designers, planners and other engineers to produce accurate, coordinated design packages.
• Support construction-phase services, including site visits, responding to RFIs, reviewing changes and assessing project progress or quality where required.
• Contribute to project schedules, deliverables and technical quality.
• Provide technical guidance to junior staff and support the development of the wider team.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, reviewers and project stakeholders throughout the design and approval process.

Project Types:

The role will involve a varied mix of land development assignments, which may include:

• Commercial and retail developments
• Office and mixed-use sites
• Residential communities and subdivisions
• Condominium developments
• K-12 and higher education projects
• Healthcare facilities
• Municipal and community-focused site improvements
• Sustainable site and green infrastructure design
• Utility, grading, paving and stormwater improvement projects

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of civil engineering experience.
• At least 3 years of design experience on land development projects.
• Strong technical understanding of site development, grading, utility design, stormwater management and permitting.
• Proficiency with Civil 3D.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office / Office 365 tools including Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with zoning ordinances, land use requirements and site plan approval processes.
• Experience coordinating with municipal agencies, reviewing bodies and project stakeholders.
• Professional Engineer license preferred, but not required.
• K-12 site design experience preferred, but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and design details in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to attend client meetings and travel locally as project needs require.

Benefits

They offer a supportive, employee-owned environment where people are encouraged to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful projects and take pride in the long-term success of the business.

• Base Salary Range: $80k-$120k DOE
• Employee-ownership structure
• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, vision, life, prescription, legal and pet insurance options
• Professional development, training, certification support and continuing education opportunities
• Mentorship and collaboration with experienced technical leaders
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Supportive leave options
• Community involvement opportunities
• Flexible office work options
• Hybrid working arrangement, with office presence required after the initial probationary period
• Signing bonus and relocation assistance available where applicable