Civil Design Engineer

Coterra Engineering is a premier Seattle-based civil engineering firm delivering innovative, cost-effective site development and infrastructure solutions. We partner with both public agencies and private organizations across diverse markets—specializing in multi-family and affordable housing, schools and campuses, parks, transportation infrastructure, and municipal facilities.

Our team thrives on collaboration, community building, and technical excellence. Located in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood, we pride ourselves on delivering high-impact projects that shape the local built environment.

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Civil Design Engineer to join our on-site team in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will play a central part in preparing comprehensive design plans, reports, and calculations for stormwater management, site grading, utility design, and roadway improvements.

You will work closely with project leads, architects, sub-consultants, and local agencies to move projects from concept through final permitting and construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Drafting: Produce complete, code-compliant civil design plans and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D (site layout, grading, paving, utilities, and drainage).
• Stormwater & Hydrology: Conduct stormwater management design, low-impact/green infrastructure integration, and hydrologic modeling.
• Project Coordination: Work directly with project managers, architects, sub-consultants, and clients to align design goals and resolve technical challenges.
• Permitting & Compliance: Review local codes/standards and support jurisdictional permitting processes with the City of Seattle and neighboring agencies.
• Analysis & Documentation: Perform engineering calculations, perform site feasibility analyses, assist with cost estimates, and maintain precise project documentation.
• Quality & Collaboration: Participate in design reviews, quality control checks, team meetings, and periodic field/site visits.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or a closely related field.
• Technical Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office.
• Core Engineering Skills: Proven background in civil design, site layout, grading, utility design, and stormwater management.
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent technical writing, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with the ability to thrive in a small team setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensure: EIT certification or a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington State (or ability to obtain via reciprocity).
• Stormwater Software: Experience with regional modeling tools such as WWHM or MGSFlood.
• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Washington State and City of Seattle codes, design standards, and agency permitting processes.

Why Join Coterra?

• Impactful Work: Work on meaningful community development projects, from affordable housing initiatives to sustainable green infrastructure across the Pacific Northwest.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a close-knit, supportive team where your voice is heard and your contributions directly impact project outcomes.
• Growth & Mentorship: Expand your skills across the full life cycle of civil engineering.