Civil Design Engineer

Job Title: Civil Design Engineer / Civil CAD DesignerJob Description

This role focuses on providing civil CAD design support for a wide range of land development projects in central Ohio. You will prepare detailed civil engineering drawings and models for site development, including stormwater drainage, sanitary sewers, waterlines, and storm sewers, while working closely with engineers, surveyors, clients, and contractors. The position is ideal for an experienced CAD technician who enjoys working independently, learning new technologies, and contributing to innovative municipal, urban redevelopment, education, retail, parks and recreation, subdivision, and healthcare projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed civil engineering drawings for site development, including stormwater drainage, sanitary sewers, waterlines, storm sewers, grading, and related supporting design information.

• Develop construction drawings and CAD models using AutoCAD Civil 3D for site civil projects.

• Assist in the design of stormwater management systems, sanitary sewer systems, water distribution systems, and roadway alignments.

• Create and refine surface grading plans using contours, spot elevations, and other surface modeling tools.

• Import, interpret, and manage survey data, aerial imagery, and GIS files to support design development.

• Collaborate closely with engineers, surveyors, and other design professionals to ensure project accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and assist in preparing cost estimates for civil site projects.

• Support permitting processes by preparing documentation, plan sets, and responses to agency review comments.

• Maintain organized project files and adhere to company drafting standards, quality assurance, and quality control procedures.

• Communicate effectively with internal staff, clients, and contractors to clarify design intent and address project issues.

• Take on increasing responsibility in running projects as a designer once you are comfortable with the workflow and project requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of site civil design experience, including grading, site layout, stormwater drainage, sanitary sewers, waterlines, and storm sewers.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including the ability to work independently on civil design tasks.

• Strong skills in grading design, surface development, and the use of feature lines within Civil 3D.

• Experience working with pipe parts libraries and pipe networks in Civil 3D.

• Understanding of State of Ohio and local agency design and approval requirements for civil site projects.

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet strict project deadlines.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with staff, clients, and contractors.

• Motivation to learn new technologies and adapt to a technology-driven civil engineering environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

• Survey CAD experience, including working with survey data and integrating it into design models.

• Experience with municipal, urban redevelopment, education, retail, parks and recreation, subdivision, and healthcare projects.

• Interest in growing into project management responsibilities over time.

• Willingness to participate in professional organizations and maintain relevant memberships.

Work Environment

The role follows a hybrid schedule with four days in the office and one day working remotely each week, with flexibility for special circumstances. You will work in a collaborative office of approximately 30 civil engineering and design professionals in the Columbus area. The environment is innovative and technology-driven, with a strong emphasis on learning new tools and methods. Team members have the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects rather than being limited to a single project type, helping maintain steady workload and varied experience. The organization supports career growth, including the potential to move into project management, and offers education assistance, paid professional dues and membership fees, and regular monthly company events that foster a collegial and supportive culture. Standard professional office attire is expected, appropriate for a consulting and client-facing environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.