Civil Project Engineer

SolveNow Inc.; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SolveNow Inc. in The Woodlands, TX, seeks a Senior HDD/Trenchless Design Engineer to lead design, permitting, and field oversight for regulated infrastructure projects.

You will stamp and seal plans, manage client relationships, prepare reports, and mentor junior staff toward PE licensure, with emphasis on USACE permitting and TxDOT interactions.

The role requires 5+ years of trenchless experience, a Texas P.E., and strong CAD skills. On-site presence with field visits to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (or Geotechnical Engineering).
• Active Professional Engineer license in Texas (P.E.).
• Minimum 5 years in civil/utility infrastructure with trenchless/HDD experience.
• Experience designing HDD crossings under regulated infrastructure (waterways, canals, TxDOT, USACE).
• Experience with USACE Section 408 permitting and related specs.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written/verbal communication and ability to lead client presentations.
• Field site visits and inspections capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, stamp, and seal HDD crossing plans for regulated infrastructure.
• Interpret geotechnical data and apply FOS methods for HDD projects.
• Develop design plans, specs, and cost estimates for trenchless crossings.
• Prepare permit applications including USACE 404/401/408 and TxDOT.
• Perform engineering calculations and QA reviews on designs.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and deliverables for HDD permitting and design.
• Conduct site visits and field inspections to verify conformity with plans.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to clients and regulators.
• Mentor junior staff toward PE licensure and provide internal training.
• Share expertise in TxDOT and USACE processes with engineering teams.

Skills

PE license

HDD design

Regulatory compliance

USACE permitting

Client presentations

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• Serve as PE of Record — lead design, stamp, and seal engineering plans and documents for HDD crossings under USACE-regulated levees, canals, TxDOT roadways, waterways, and railroad corridors
• Interpret geotechnical assessments, bore path design, settlement, hydraulic fracture factor-of-safety (FOS) and apply appropriate methods based on project-specific regulatory requirements
• Develop design plans, specifications, and cost estimates for trenchless utility crossings
• Review and prepare federal, state, and local permit applications including TxDOT utility permits, USACE Section 404/401/408 etc., and railroad crossing agreements
• Analyze field conditions, drawings, and specifications; perform engineering calculations and QA review
• Project & Client Management
• Manage technical scope, schedule, and deliverable quality for HDD permitting and design assignments
• Conduct site visits and field inspections during construction to verify compliance with engineered plans
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to clients, regulatory agencies, and review boards
• Participate in planning and construction administration of utility infrastructure projects
• Provide structured mentorship to junior engineering staff, guiding their technical development and supporting progression toward PE licensure
• Conduct internal technical training and peer review to elevate team-wide competency in trenchless design, HDD bore analysis, and regulatory compliance
• Share expertise in TxDOT procedures, USACE permitting, and utility crossing design with engineering staff at all levels

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (or Geotechnical Engineering); other engineering disciplines will not be considered for this role given the USACE regulatory environment
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Texas — required at time of hire; verifiable through TBPELS
• Minimum 5 years of experience in civil or utility infrastructure engineering, with demonstrated, hands‑on experience in trenchless/HDD crossing design
• Proven experience designing HDD crossings under regulated infrastructure — waterways, canals, TxDOT roadways, and/or USACE-regulated levees or embankments
• Direct experience with USACE Section 408 permitting and related specifications
• Demonstrated ability to perform or review hydraulic fracture FOS analysis for HDD beneath regulated water infrastructure
• Experience preparing or reviewing Design Implementation Project Plans (DIPPs) for USACE-regulated crossings
• Proficiency in HDPE pipe/conduit specification and HDD pull force and mud pressure calculations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare technical reports and lead client presentations
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; Microsoft Office Suite
• Physically able to perform field site visits and inspections

Preferred

• Experience working with electric utility clients on underground or trenchless conduit installations
• Familiarity with municipal infrastructure projects (roadway, drainage, water/wastewater)
• Prior formal or informal mentorship experience with EIT or junior engineering staff
• Experience with HDD pull force and mud pressure calculations
• Knowledge of standard engineering software for trenchless design analysis