Civil Engineering Designer I

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Companies in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Civil Engineering Designer I to design and document site plans, utility layouts, road designs, and drainage-related work using AutoCAD Civil 3D. You'll work with Project Managers, Engineers, and P.E.s who mentor you as you gain hands-on experience across the project lifecycle.

You will rotate through deliverables, learn the full design process, and build proficiency in Civil 3D while advancing toward a Civil Engineering Designer II role and PE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Build core design and documentation for civil projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and P.E.s for mentorship.
• Coordinate across disciplines and ensure compliance with company standards.
• Review work for accuracy and quality control.
• Pursue PE licensure through mentorship and on-the-job training.

Skills

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a Civil Engineering Designer I, you will help design and develop documents for a range of public and private civil projects — site plans, utility plans and profiles, road design, traffic signal plans, grading plans, and right-of-way plans — using AutoCAD Civil 3D, while working alongside project managers, engineers, and P.E.s who will actively mentor you along the way. You'll get hands‑on exposure to plan design and production, cross‑discipline coordination, and quality review across the full project lifecycle, so you can discover which parts of civil engineering you want to grow into.

This role offers the chance to rotate through deliverables, collaboration, and compliance work under close mentorship from senior staff, build fluency across AutoCAD Civil 3D and related tools, and grow toward a Civil Engineering Designer II role and, eventually, PE licensure.

• Build core design and documentation skills across a range of civil project types. Support the incorporation of design intent into contract documents and prepare detailed plan sets — site plans, utility plans and profiles, road designs, traffic signal plans, and right‑of‑way plans — gaining exposure to different delivery methods and building proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Learn the full project lifecycle under senior engineer and P.E. mentorship. Communicate regularly with senior staff and P.E.s on project scope, design changes, and budget adjustments, gradually taking on more responsibility as you learn how a project moves from concept through final construction documentation.
• Coordinate across disciplines to see how the pieces fit together. Assist in developing project specifications, coordinate technical aspects with internal team members and external consultants, and learn to align deliverables with company standards as you see how civil, utility, and roadway work integrate.
• Build sound quality‑control habits from day one. Review your own work for accuracy, alert senior team members to inconsistencies before they reach a client, and develop the judgment to proactively resolve issues as your quality‑control skills mature.
• Explore multiple facets of civil design through hands‑on technical work. Perform calculations for drainage, grading, and foundation designs, and develop and refine CAD and BIM models for roads, utilities, and site plans — building a working view of the specialties you may want to grow into, while helping ensure designs align with applicable codes, zoning, and environmental regulations.
• Ramp up on the firm’s tools and licensure path within your first year. Within the first year, reach comfort with AutoCAD Civil 3D for daily production, begin pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam (an extra plus if you already passed this) and actively participate in team meetings and 'Lessons Learned' sessions to keep learning from more experienced staff.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an EAC/ABET-accredited program or equivalent in education and experience required for professional licensure.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required, with no driving or other infractions that would preclude insurability.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, load and unload vehicle, and drive personal or company vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post‑graduation professional engineering experience.
• Engineer In Training (passed Fundamentals of Engineering Exam).
• Civil engineering internships or work experience.
• CSI-CDT certification.
• Experience in HEC RAS or EPANET (water distribution).