Land Development Project Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Build what’s next with Weston & Sampson.

Are you a civil engineer who enjoys turning challenging sites into development-ready plans? Do you want to take ownership of meaningful projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and continue growing your expertise in private-sector land development?

Weston & Sampson is seeking a Land Development Project Engineer with experience in civil/site design and private land development to join our growing team in Reading, Massachusetts.

Our private land development team has more than 60 active projects in-house , offering the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of developments throughout the Northeast. From early feasibility studies and conceptual planning to detailed engineering, permitting, and construction administration, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute throughout the project lifecycle and see your work progress from initial concept to construction.

We believe great engineering comes from collaboration, technical excellence, and the ability to develop practical solutions to complex challenges. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical expertise, take on greater project responsibility, or build toward future leadership opportunities, this role offers the variety and opportunity to help you move your career forward.

If you’re ready to make an impact, expand your experience, and help shape the places where people live, work, and connect, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do:

As a Project Engineer, you’ll play an important role in advancing private-sector land development projects from initial site evaluation through design, permitting, construction, and project closeout. You’ll work alongside project managers and multidisciplinary design professionals, take ownership of technical deliverables, and help develop high-quality solutions for our clients.

Explore Opportunities & Evaluate Sites

• Prepare conceptual site plans, feasibility studies, due diligence assessments, and opportunity and constraint plans to evaluate development potential.
• Analyze zoning requirements, existing site conditions, environmental constraints, and applicable regulations to inform project decisions.
• Conduct site visits and field investigations to identify challenges and help guide project planning and design.

Design Solutions & Bring Projects to Life

• Develop site layouts and detailed engineering plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D, including grading and drainage, utilities, erosion and sediment control, plan and profiles, sections, and construction details.
• Perform stormwater management, hydrology, earthwork, and drainage calculations using HydroCAD, Hydraflow Storm Sewers, or comparable design software.
• Develop design alternatives and coordinate with architects, engineers, surveyors, and other disciplines to deliver cohesive, constructible plans.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, drainage reports, stormwater pollution prevention plans, wastewater capacity analyses, and other technical documentation as project needs require.
• Review technical work and provide guidance to junior engineers and design staff to support quality and consistency across project deliverables.

Navigate Permitting & Regulatory Approvals

• Prepare and coordinate permit applications, technical narratives, exhibits, and supporting documentation for municipal, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Support or lead permitting efforts involving planning boards, zoning boards, conservation commissions, and other applicable regulatory authorities.
• Research zoning requirements and land development regulations and help guide projects through discretionary and ministerial permitting processes.
• Collaborate with clients, project teams, and reviewing agencies to address comments, resolve challenges, and advance projects through the approval process.

See Your Designs Through Construction

• Prepare site development plans and supporting documentation for building permits, bidding, and construction.
• Participate in construction meetings and site visits to evaluate field conditions and coordinate design-related issues.
• Review shop drawings and contractor submittals, respond to requests for information (RFIs), and prepare field sketches and supplemental exhibits as needed.
• Assist with bid reviews, value engineering, punch lists, and review of as-built documentation to support successful project completion.

Collaborate, Contribute & Grow

• Coordinate with project managers, clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver quality work within project schedules and budgets.
• Manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while maintaining strong technical and communication standards.
• Share knowledge with junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Take on increasing technical and project responsibilities as you develop your expertise and career at Weston & Sampson.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in private-sector land development or civil/site design.
• EIT certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with site layout, grading, drainage, stormwater management, utilities, and site development permitting.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and experience with HydroCAD, Hydraflow Storm Sewers, or comparable stormwater design software.
• Understanding of zoning requirements, land development regulations, and local and state permitting processes.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and balancing technical requirements, schedules, budgets, and stakeholder needs.
• Strong technical problem-solving, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Overview:

At Weston & Sampson, you’ll work alongside more than 1,000 employee-owners who are passionate about improving our communities. From providing clean water to designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable environments, our work has a direct impact on quality of life. We’re looking for curious, driven professionals who want to contribute to innovative, impactful projects and grow with a team that supports them.

We are a 100% employee-owned, interdisciplinary firm offering design, engineering, and environmental services. Since our founding in 1899, we have worked to build a collaborative, forward-thinking environment grounded in respect for each other’s ideas.

We offer

• Meaningful work: Contribute to projects that protect and enhance the natural and built environments 
• Ownership mindset: As an employee-owner, your work directly contributes to our shared success 
• Growth opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, diverse projects, and clear advancement pathways
• Flexible workplace: Work in a way that supports your life and not the other way around 
• Strong culture: Join a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and recognition 

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA)

We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. Weston & Sampson is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively support IDEA principles across our organization and in our daily work.

Ready to transform your environment? Let’s work together. 

Explore opportunities and apply:

A note to third-party recruiters

Weston & Sampson manages all recruiting directly. We do not accept unsolicited resumes without a signed agreement in place. Any unsolicited submissions will be considered property of Weston & Sampson, and we are not responsible for associated fees.