Early Career Engineer

Mannik Smith Group; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

PE exam study resources

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Mannik Smith Group is seeking an entry level Civil Engineer to join our Community Infrastructure team in Champaign, IL. This position offers mentorship, real‑world project exposure, and a clear path for growth across municipal, transportation, and civil sectors.

We welcome 0–4 years of experience and a strong foundation in civil design, planning, and field activities. Candidates should be proficient in AutoCAD/Civil 3D and related tools, with a willingness to learn and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• 0–4 years of relevant experience (recent graduates welcome)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and design/analysis software
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications

Responsibilities

• Support project development from concept through completion
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and documentation
• Assist in field inspections, surveying, and site investigations
• Work with design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, GIS tools)
• Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors
• Participate in planning studies, feasibility analyses, and permit applications
• Track project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation (for Project Controls roles)

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Reading plans

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Revit

GIS

MS Office

Job description

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Department: Community Infrastructure

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Champaign, IL

Compensation: $65,000 - $95,000 / year

Description

We are seeking talented early‑career engineers to join our growing team across multiple locations and service lines. This is your opportunity to launch your engineering career with mentorship from experienced professionals, real‑world project experience, and a clear path for professional growth.

We look for passionate individuals with 0–4 years of experience in the following areas:

• Civil Engineering
• Municipal Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Junior Planners
• Project Controls

Eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint, our new early‑career leadership program. Over six months, you’ll build professional development, business acumen, and project delivery skills through real case studies, simulations, and role‑play – not passive lectures – culminating in an in‑person capstone event where you’ll present your work and map out your goals for the year ahead. Your Future Starts With A Plan.

What You’ll Do

• Support project development from concept through completion
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and documentation
• Assist in field inspections, surveying, and site investigations
• Work with design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, GIS tools)
• Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors
• Participate in planning studies, feasibility analyses, and permit applications
• Track project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation (for Project Controls roles)

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a related field
• 0–4 years of relevant experience (recent graduates welcome)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and design/analysis software
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications

Preferred:

• Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar design software
• Familiarity with GIS, Revit, or construction management software
• Project site experience and knowledge of construction processes
• Understanding of municipal codes, regulations, and permitting processes
• EIT (Engineer in Training) certification or active pursuit of PE licensure

What We Offer

• A guaranteed seat in Blueprint for eligible roles – six months of hands‑on leadership development, capped with an in‑person capstone event
• Mentorship from licensed engineers with decades of experience
• Professional development support and PE exam study resources
• Exposure to diverse project types across municipal, transportation, and civil sectors
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and continuing education
• Flexible work arrangements and a collaborative team environment

Pay Transparency

The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.