Engineer III

State of North Carolina - Department of Transportation; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking an Engineer III in the Hydraulics Unit to lead the planning, design, and implementation of stormwater control strategies for multi-modal projects. This role supports NCDOT’s water quality permits and stormwater programs, coordinating with internal teams and consultants.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and four years of experience, with potential professional engineer registration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and four years of related experience.
• Professional Engineer registration may be required per position.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and supervise staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and support hydrologic and hydraulic studies and designs for roadway drainage, bridges, culverts, SCMs, and floodplain compliance.
• Conduct advanced H&H modeling and analyses to support project delivery and resilience.
• Identify and deliver stormwater retrofit opportunities across DOT facilities and oversee SCM implementation.
• Manage stormwater compliance programs and contribute to policy, guidance, and tool updates.
• Support emergency storm response and rapid design/permitting activities as needed.
• Provide technical training and guidance to staff and partners while supporting applied research in H&H.

Skills

Hydrologic engineering

Hydraulic engineering

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Public speaking

Stakeholder coordination

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SCMS

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division State Hwy Administrator - Div of Hwys Job Classification Title Engineer III (NS) Position Number 60025438 Grade NC20

About Us It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. The Hydraulics Unit provides hydrologic and hydraulic design recommendations and advice to all DOT personnel on surface drainage and stormwater quality matters that are required for the development of the department’s multi-modal projects during the stages of planning, design, permitting, construction and maintenance. The Unit also manages two statewide Federal compliance programs: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and supports extreme event operation. We are looking for an Engineer III to work in the Highway Stormwater Program. This position will lead efforts to plan, design, and implement stormwater control strategies that support NCDOT’s compliance with water quality and NPDES permit requirements.

In this role you will:

• Develop, review, and support hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) studies and designs for roadway drainage, bridges, culverts, stormwater control measures (SCMs), and floodplain compliance.
• Conduct advanced H&H modeling and analyses, including risk assessments, hydraulic planning, stormwater management plans, and riverine modeling to support project delivery and resilience.
• Identify, design, and deliver stormwater retrofit opportunities across NCDOT facilities, overseeing SCM implementation, permitting, and coordination with internal teams and consultants.
• Manage stormwater compliance programs, including credit tracking through the Stormwater Control Management System (SCMS), and contribute to policy, guidance, and technical tool updates.
• Support emergency storm response and recovery efforts, including field scoping, rapid design and permitting, and preparation of recovery packages.
• Provide technical training, mentoring, and guidance to NCDOT staff, consultants, and partner agencies, while supporting applied research and innovation in H&H and stormwater practices
• Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC20 $70,478 - $123,336

• Knowledge of hydrologic, hydraulic, and environmental engineering principles, including regulatory compliance with Federal and State stormwater requirements.
• Experience applying engineering principles to complex situations and communicating effectively through technical writing, public speaking, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience applying management and leadership skills to guide, train, evaluate, and supervise professional staff, including organizing resources to meet program goals and ensuring continuous staff development.
• Knowledge and proficiency in evaluating program effectiveness through data interpretation, performance metrics, and technical reviews to support operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Knowledge of the organization, functions, and policies of the Department of Transportation, including familiarity with AASHTO, FHWA, NCHRP, TRB resources.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification

May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.