Design Engineer

Cochran; Union (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

401k with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Cochran’s Union, MO office is seeking a motivated Design Engineer to join our civil design team. This entry‑level role offers hands‑on experience in planning and design of roads, water/wastewater facilities, and site development.

You will use AutoCAD Civil 3D and related software to prepare construction drawings, perform basic calculations, and assist with site visits. A recent graduate with 0–2 years’ experience and an EIT or progress toward it is preferred.

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 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.

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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

MicroStation

GIS

Job description

Cochran’s headquarters located in Union, MO, is looking for a Design Engineer to join our team.

Cochran is a growing civil engineering firm with seven offices throughout Missouri, providing services in construction administration, materials testing, architectural and geotechnical engineering, and land surveying. Serving both public and private sector clients, our expertise includes municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design projects.

With more than 120 professionals across the state, Cochran delivers customized solutions backed by deep technical expertise. Our success is driven by our core values of Teamwork, Excellence, Quality, and Trust, ensuring responsive service and principal involvement throughout every project.

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.

• 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

• 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.

Cochran is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.