Design Engineer

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Design Engineer I, II or III to work within their Engineering Bureau, which consists of approximately 60 employees who provide full-scale surveying, design, and construction management services for public works capital improvement projects. These projects include multimodal transportation, stormwater, water main, sanitary sewer, and other infrastructure work. The projects are complex, with competing interests in a constrained urban environment and range from $100,000 to $10 million in construction costs with a portfolio of approximately 75 to 100 projects in various stages at any given time. The Bureau also utilizes consulting services as additional resources to enhance project capacity.

The Design Engineer at the senior-level (Engineer III) is expected to perform the specific duties listed below completely independently. The journey-level (Engineer II) is expected to perform the specific duties listed below with limited guidance from their supervisor. The junior-level (Engineer I) is expected to perform the specific duties listed below with significant guidance from their supervisor.

Junior Level - Engineer I: 

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or applicable engineering discipline; and
• Experience using Autodesk Civil3D or similar CAD software.

Journey Level – Engineer II:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or applicable engineering discipline; and
• Three (3) years' professional-level engineering experience post Bachelor's with the design of public works capital improvement projects, including site planning, street design, storm water management, sanitary sewer design, water distribution or related areas; OR
• Two (2) years of post-Bachelor’s professional-level engineering experience in a related field, plus at least 1 of the required certifications. 

Senior Level – Engineer III:  

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or applicable engineering discipline; and
• Five (5) years' professional-level engineering work experience post Bachelor's with the design of public works capital improvement projects, including site planning, street design, storm water management, sanitary sewer design, water distribution or related areas; OR
• Three (3) years of post-Bachelor's professional-level engineering work experience in related field, plus at least 2 of the required certifications.

Substitution: Experience may not be substituted for the Engineering Degree requirement. A Master's Degree in Civil Engineering may be substituted for one year of Engineering experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's Degree in a related field and one or more of the following:

• Expert knowledge of project management of the design phase of public works infrastructure capital improvement projects;
• Experience with construction drawing/plan set contents and format; 
• Conducting presentations to stakeholders including citizens and/or government officials; and 
• Using Autodesk Civil3D or similar CAD software.

Possession of one or more of the following Certifications/Licenses preferred:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License or Engineer in Training (EIT) Designation;
• Project Management Professional (PMP);
• Certified Flood Plain Manager; 
• LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional (AP); 
• Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP); and/or
• DEQ Combined Administrator (either Erosion and Sediment Control or Stormwater Management).

Special Requirements

The following licensure, certifications, or trainings may be required based on assignment for Engineer II and Engineer III Levels:

• Project Management Professional (PMP);
• LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional (AP); 
• Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP); 
• DEQ Combined Administrator (either Erosion and Sediment Control or Stormwater Management); 
• Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges; and/or
• Arlington County Project officer + VDOT Advanced Work Zone Traffic Control.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: This position will require travel around Arlington County for various meetings and field inspections. The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Additional Information

Employees that are registered as Professional Engineer will be eligible for an additional pay premium of $2,600 annually.

Work Hours: Flexible work schedule, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with telework opportunities. Employee must be able to attend occasional local and state events, some which may be outside regular hours.

The official job titles are Engineer I, II and III. The positions are part of a multi-grade career ladder from junior through senior and the overall annual salary range is $80,724.80 - $144,892.80. Individuals appointed to positions can progress through each level based on a combination of education, experience, and the achievement of competencies.

Salary ranges:  

• Engineer I: $80,724.80 - $125,112.00  
• Engineer II: $84,760.00 - $131,372.80  
• Engineer III: $93,496.00 - $144,892.80  

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Note: This position is "open continuous." Interested applicants are advised to submit their application as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered.

#LI-Hybrid

Specific duties include:

• Providing professional engineering expertise and administrative support and coordination for the Bureau, County staff, the public, and other external agencies;
• Preparing and reviewing detailed design and construction engineering plans including cost estimates, technical reports, and associated documentation;
• Coordinating project implementation with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, while complying with regulatory requirements;
• Overseeing and reviewing the work of external consultants to ensure quality and adherence to project requirements;
• Coordinating with surveyors and real estate specialists to determine property acquisition and easement needs, providing necessary information and support;
• Developing materials for and participating in pre-bid meetings, public engagement presentations, construction meetings, and other project-related events;
• Analyzing engineering problems, assessing potential solutions, and recommending best course of action in accordance with project goals;
• Conducting field inspections to resolve design discrepancies and verifying information; collaborating with survey teams and contractors as needed;
• Conducting feasibility studies to evaluate project proposals and determining optimal solutions based on technical, economical, and environmental factors; and 
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned.