Project Engineer - Plan Review

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wilmington is seeking a Project Engineer- Plan Review to apply civil engineering expertise to review land development plans, ensuring compliance with codes and municipal standards.

The role focuses on stormwater and transportation infrastructure, with duties including regulatory reviews, technical guidance, and collaboration with committees to support safe, sustainable growth for the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• PE license (Professional Engineer).
• Four years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.
• Ability to interpret codes, regulations, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering design regulatory compliance reviews for private-sector land development projects.
• Provide technical support for acceptance, encroachment, easement, surety, annexation, and waivers.
• Provide engineering review and guidance related to stormwater management and transportation systems.
• Issue NPDES-related reviews and support post-construction programs.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate conditions and conformance with standards.
• Authorize technical specifications and construction details.
• Participate on internal and external committees.
• Pursue continuous professional development and be prepared for emergency support.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Technical writing

Collaboration

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Civil engineering software

Job description

One City. One Purpose. One Future.

As a Project Engineer- Plan Review, you’ll put your engineering expertise to work where it matters most—helping shape safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure for the community. From roadways and bridges to stormwater systems, parks, utilities, and multimodal facilities, you’ll help ensure that the places people live, work, and connect are designed and built to the highest standards.

Why This Position Matters

Great communities depend on infrastructure that works—and responsible development is a critical part of that equation. Project Engineers serve as licensed professionals who apply sound engineering judgment to the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, interpreting and applying codes, regulations, and industry standards in accordance with established engineering practice.

In this role, you’ll have a direct impact on how private development integrates with the City’s infrastructure and environmental goals. You’ll review development plans for compliance with applicable regulations and design standards, with a particular focus on supporting the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program, and Vision Zero programs.

Your expertise will help protect safety, strengthen community resilience, and support development that works for both today’s residents and future generations.

This isn’t just engineering—it’s building a better community, one project at a time.

• Perform engineering design regulatory compliance reviews for private-sector land development projects. Serve as a member of the Technical Review Committee and/or Design Adjustment Committee.
• Provide technical support for official acceptance, encroachment, easement, surety, annexation, and technical waiver applications
• Provide engineering review and technical guidance related to stormwater management, transportation systems and other City technical standards.
• Issue NPDES Stormwater Permits and provide technical support for all phases of the Post Construction Stormwater Program (Inspection, Compliance, Permit Renewal and Administration).
• Perform site visits to evaluate existing conditions, construction activities, drainage functionality, infrastructure condition, and compliance.
• Authorize technical specifications and developing or improving construction details.
• Participate on various internal and external committees.
• Pursue continuous professional development.
• Provide engineering support during emergency and disaster situations.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related engineering field.

Experience:

Four (4) years of progressively responsible related engineering experience.

Other requirements:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and related computations, regulations, computer software, reference manuals, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, standards, and regulations. Support municipal emergency management operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Exerts up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position generally requires work indoors/office setting.

Why Work with Us?

At the City of Wilmington, we offer more than just a job – we provide an opportunity to grow, make an impact, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are some of the benefits of working with us:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) site
• Great Work/Life Balance
• Minimal Nights/Weekends
• Minimal Travel Required for the role
• No client sales or billing
• Regular Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. Flex hours available.
• Access to Free City Employee Health Clinic (with City Insurance)
• Free City Gym Access
• Robust Wellness Program and Incentives
• Pension Plan
• Serve the Community