Transportation Engineer 5-Hydraulics

CDM Smith; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith seeks a senior Civil/Transportation Engineer to lead hydraulic and drainage design for complex transportation projects. You will develop basic to highly complex designs, review and seal documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

You'll mentor junior engineers, contribute to technical guidance, and support proposals with technical approaches while traveling up to 10% to client sites. PE license and 7 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Transportation/Structural Engineering.
• PE license required or eligible.
• 7 years of related experience in transportation hydraulics.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydraulic and drainage design for transportation projects from municipal to highway scale.
• Develop basic to highly complex designs meeting safety and regulatory standards.
• Review, approve, and seal designs in compliance with regulations.
• Perform site investigations and hydraulic studies to verify designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical guidance.
• Support proposals, client meetings, and project execution.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Mentorship

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Transportation/Structural Engineering

PE license

Tools

MicroStation

GeoPAK

OpenRoads Designer

AutoDesk products

ICPR

HY-8

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

This position leads hydraulic and drainage design for complex transportation projects, combining technical expertise with strategic project delivery and leadership. This role combines technical expertise, project delivery, regulatory knowledge, and mentorship to support public‑sector clients.

Key Responsibilities

Champion the hydraulic and drainage design of transportation projects spanning from focused municipal improvements to major highway systems. Develop engineering designs ranging from basic to highly complex, ensuring solutions meet client needs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Review, approve, and sign/seal completed engineering designs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure adherence to firm standards, quality control procedures, and best engineering practices across all designs. Perform site investigations, field reviews, and hydraulic studies to confirm design alignment with site conditions and project requirements. Update and refine design criteria, calculations, and assumptions as project conditions evolve. Support construction activities through field inspections of new and existing transportation and drainage infrastructure. Prepare technical documentation including hydraulic reports and drainage studies. Contribute to the firm’s technical knowledge base by authoring white papers, technical guidance, and innovative design solutions. Submit technical papers and project work for presentation or publication in industry forums and journals.

Business Development & Thought Leadership

• Collaborate with sales and project development teams to support proposals and responses to RFPs, including technical approaches and design narratives.
• Participate in client meetings to understand current and future transportation and drainage design needs.
• Represent the firm at conferences, workshops, and industry events to enhance visibility and technical reputation.
• Leadership & Development:
• Mentor and inspire junior engineers while fostering a culture of continuous learning and preparing the next generation of technical leaders.
• Review and oversee the work of junior engineers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.

Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates for this position demonstrate advanced proficiency in CADD software (3D/4D modeling) and design‑drafting best practices, along with a deep understanding of engineering design principles and their real‑world applications. They possess mastery of Microsoft Office tools for technical documentation and analysis, and strong verbal and written communication abilities with the capacity to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences. Additionally, they have comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks and a solid grasp of industry design standards such as AASHTO and NACTO.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Transportation, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent related discipline). Professional engineering (PE) license. 7 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong background in transportation hydraulics and drainage engineering. Familiarity with GDOT roadway and drainage design standards, including MS4 requirements. Experience with municipal drainage design is highly desirable. Proven experience developing construction bid documents for GDOT and other public‑sector clients (counties and municipalities). Demonstrated technical writing experience, including preparation of design reports and technical memorandums. Ability and willingness to sign and seal engineering documents, as required. Software & Technical Tools Experience with the following software and platforms is required or strongly preferred: MicroStation GeoPAK Drainage OpenRoads Designer (ORD) AutoDesk products ICPR HY-8 Hydraulic Toolbox HEC‑RAS HEC‑HMS

Amount Of Travel Required

10% or less

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant’s criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Pay Range Max

USD $160,118.00

Pay Range Min

USD $91,478.00