Designer I City Utilities Engineering

City of Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City Utilities Engineering in Fort Wayne is seeking a Designer I to support planning, design, and construction of water, sewer, and utility projects. You’ll work with experienced engineers to build skills in design, coordination, permitting, and construction engineering.

The role combines office and field work with AutoCAD/Civil 3D. Candidates should have a Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering degree from ABET, plus Indiana Engineer Intern eligibility and basic software experience.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Engineer Intern eligibility in Indiana after FE exam.
• At least six months of practical experience using word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to read and interpret surveys, design data, and technical documents.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Valid Indiana driver's license if operating City vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze field data, historical records, surveys, and design information to support engineering decisions and project development.
• Prepare construction plans and technical drawings using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other engineering design software.
• Assist with project planning, design, construction engineering, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and document management.
• Coordinate permits, easements, public hearing information, bid documents, and pre-bid activities.
• Work with project managers, City staff, outside agencies, and other partners to resolve project questions and keep work moving forward.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Project coordination

Education

ABET-accredited degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Designer I – City Utilities Engineering Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday; may vary

Are you an organized, detail-focused engineer ready to turn ideas into infrastructure improvements? We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, working with a team, and managing the details that move projects forward.

What You’ll Do

As a Designer 1, you’ll support the planning, design, and construction of projects that improve Fort Wayne's water, sewer, and utility systems. You'll work alongside experienced engineering professionals while building practical skills in design, project coordination, permitting, and construction engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze field data, historical records, surveys, and design information to support engineering decisions and project development.
• Prepare construction plans and technical drawings using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other engineering design software.
• Assist with project planning, design, construction engineering, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and document management.
• Coordinate permits, easements, public hearing information, bid documents, and pre-bid activities.
• Work with project managers, City staff, outside agencies, and other partners to resolve project questions and keep work moving forward.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering-or an equivalent engineering course of study-from an ABET-accredited program.
• Ability to meet the State of Indiana requirements for Engineer Intern designation upon passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
• At least six months of practical experience using word-processing and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to read and interpret surveys, design data, technical documents, and procedure manuals.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Valid Indiana driver's license if operating a City vehicle.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• AutoCAD, Civil 3D, hydraulic modeling, or similar engineering software.
• General knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, engineering design, and project management.
• Ability to manage project documents, schedules, budgets, and status reports through a Project Management Information System.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, project partners, and members of the public.
• Proficiency in English; Spanish or Burmese language skills are preferred.

Work Environment

This position includes a combination of office and field work. Employees may occasionally work near moving vehicles, airborne particles, and changing weather conditions. The position may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Why Work for City Utilities?

Your work will support the essential utility systems Fort Wayne residents and businesses depend on every day. You'll gain hands‑on engineering and project experience, work with an interdisciplinary team, and contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects throughout the community. The City also offers a competitive benefits package, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and retirement benefits.

The City of Fort Wayne is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of applicable drug screening, physical examination, and background checks.