Entry-Level Civil Engineer – Roadway Designer

AECO; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join our roadway design team in Columbia, SC. You will support transportation infrastructure projects across South Carolina, learning roadway design principles and SCDOT standards while collaborating with senior engineers to deliver plans and deliverables for state and local projects.

The role offers hands-on experience from concept through construction, mentorship from experienced roadway engineers, and opportunities to pursue professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Basic understanding of civil design principles, roadway geometry, and CAD drafting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• EIT certification or ability to obtain within 6–12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and preparation of roadway construction plans including alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and quantity summaries.
• Support senior engineers in developing ROW plans, MOT layouts, and cost estimates.
• Learn and apply SCDOT roadway design standards, manuals, and plan preparation procedures.
• Draft and revise plan sheets using MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (or Civil 3D).
• Perform basic engineering calculations for horizontal and vertical geometry, drainage, and pavement design.
• Coordinate utilities, SUE, and other design disciplines.
• Participate in field reviews and coordination meetings with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
• Maintain organized project files and QA/QC procedures.

Skills

Civil design principles

Roadway geometry

CAD drafting

Microsoft Office

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

ABET-accredited university

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD Civil 3D

OpenRoads Designer

Job description

Entry-Level Civil Engineer – Roadway Designer

• Full-time
• State/Province: South Carolina
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Columbia, SC - 2151 Pickens St.
• Compensation: USD 70000 - USD 80000 - yearly

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

We are seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join our roadway design team supporting transportation infrastructure projects across South Carolina. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn roadway and highway design principles, gain familiarity with SCDOT design standards, and work alongside senior engineers to produce roadway plans and deliverables for state and local projects.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience with roadway design, plan production, and exposure to all phases of transportation projects — from concept through construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and preparation of roadway construction plans including alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and quantity summaries.
• Support senior engineers in developing right-of-way (ROW) plans, maintenance of traffic (MOT) layouts, and cost estimates.
• Learn and apply SCDOT roadway design standards, manuals, and plan preparation procedures.
• Draft and revise plan sheets using MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (or Civil 3D, as applicable).
• Perform basic engineering calculations for horizontal and vertical geometry, drainage, and pavement design.
• Support the coordination of utilities, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), and other design disciplines.
• Participate in field reviews, data collection, and coordination meetings with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation following company and SCDOT QA/QC procedures.

Working Conditions & Environment

• Office-based position with occasional field visits or site observations.
• Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams including drainage, traffic, and structures.

This role provides mentoring and growth opportunities under experienced roadway engineers. Entry-level engineers will gain exposure to SCDOT project development processes and be encouraged to pursue professional licensure (PE).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Basic understanding of civil design principles, roadway geometry, and CAD drafting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• EIT certification (or ability to obtain within 6–12 months of hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or prior experience on SCDOT or other DOT roadway design projects
• Familiarity with SCDOT Design Manual, Plan Preparation Guide, and Standard Drawings
• Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD Civil 3D in an academic or professional setting
• Coursework or exposure to transportation engineering, highway design, and/or traffic engineering
• Interest in learning MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, and SCDOT plan preparation standards
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
• Degreefrom an ABET-accredited university
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
• Relocation support is available

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.