Design Engineer

Cochran; North Carolina; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits: medical, dental, vision

Licensure and professional development

Mentorship program

401k with company match

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

Cochran, a growing civil engineering firm, is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Union, Missouri-based design team. The role focuses on planning and designing civil infrastructure projects, with hands-on experience for recent graduates or early-career professionals.

You'll assist in preparing plans, reports, and specs for roads, drainage, water/wastewater, and site development. Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D is required, with familiarity in HEC-RAS, MicroStation, or GIS considered a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• 0–2 years of internship or work experience.
• EIT certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D; knowledge of HEC-RAS, MicroStation, or GIS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and preparation of engineering plans, reports, and specifications for civil infrastructure projects such as roads, stormwater systems, water/wastewater facilities, and site development.
• Use AutoCAD Civil 3D and other design software to create and modify construction drawings.
• Perform basic engineering calculations under the supervision of senior staff.
• Conduct site visits and field investigations as needed to support design efforts.
• Support permitting and approval processes by preparing documentation and assisting with submittals.
• Collaborate with project teams including engineers, drafters, and surveyors to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Participate in internal design reviews and contribute to project coordination efforts.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Self-motivated

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

MicroStation

GIS

Job description

Cochran is a growing civil engineering firm with 7 Missouri offices, offering services in construction administration, materials testing, architectural and geotechnical engineering, and land surveying. Serving both public and private sectors, Cochran’s expertise spans municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With 120+ professionals, the firm delivers tailored solutions backed by deep expertise and is guided by core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust—ensuring principal involvement and outstanding service throughout every project.

Cochran’s Union, Missouri headquarters’ location, is looking for a Design Engineer to join our team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design Engineer to join our civil engineering design team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on experience in the planning and design of various civil engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design and preparation of engineering plans, reports, and specifications for civil infrastructure projects such as roads, stormwater systems, water/wastewater facilities, and site development.
• Use AutoCAD Civil 3D and other design software to create and modify construction drawings.
• Perform basic engineering calculations under the supervision of senior staff.
• Conduct site visits and field investigations as needed to support design efforts.
• Support permitting and approval processes by preparing documentation and assisting with submittals.
• Collaborate with project teams including engineers, drafters, and surveyors to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Participate in internal design reviews and contribute to project coordination efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline
• 0–2 years of relevant internship or work experience
• EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification or ability to obtain within 12 months
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D; knowledge of other software such as HEC-RAS, MicroStation, or GIS is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship or co-op experience with a civil engineering or consulting firm
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations and permitting processes
• Basic knowledge of hydrology, grading, utilities, and roadway design

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• 100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance for employees, plus company deductible assistance
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Support for licensure and continuing education
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to work on a variety of impactful projects
• Generous PTO plan and 7 major holidays
• 401k with 4% company match