Civil Engineer / Project Engineer
Kankakee, IL · $100k-$155k
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About this role
Location: Kankakee, IL
Work mode: On-site
Work authorization: US Citizen/Permanent Resident
Relocation: Available
Openings: 1
Job Overview
Title: Project Engineer III
Department: Civil Engineering
Supervises: Design Engineers and CAD Technicians
Role Type: Full-time (On-site preferred)
Location: Kankakee, IL
About the Client: The client is a full-service civil engineering firm based in Kankakee, Illinois. We specialize in a diverse array of infrastructure projects, construction management, and land surveying. From municipal engineering and roadway design to complex water/wastewater systems and detention modeling, we provide high-quality engineering solutions that support the growth and safety of our communities.
About the Position: Under the leadership of the Principal Engineer, the Project Engineer III serves as a technical and team lead. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design and development of civil infrastructure, including site grading, drainage, and roadway improvements. This is a "player-coach" role that requires a balance of independent production—generating construction plans and flood study models—and project coordination, acting as a critical liaison between the firm, municipal clients, and regulatory agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership: Lead the planning, design, and permitting for site development and roadway projects; manage a team of engineers to ensure balanced workloads and met deadlines.
Technical Design: Independently produce construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates for subdivisions, utility designs, and roadway improvements.
Water Resources: Design and model site grading, drainage, and stormwater detention systems; generate flood study models and comprehensive reports.
Agency & Client Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for municipal clients and regulatory agencies; attend meetings and facilitate problem-solving between contractors and stakeholders.
Construction Administration: Provide essential support during the construction phase, including plan interpretation and project coordination.
Quality Control: Direct and review the technical production of drawings created by CAD technicians and design engineers to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in civil engineering.
Licensure: Illinois P.E. (Professional Engineer) License is required. (The client may consider an EIT if they are on a clear, immediate track for P.E. licensure).
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Technical Skills: Mastery of civil design software; experience in flood study modeling and site/utility design.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills with a proven ability to function as a liaison between municipalities and internal staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Management: Previous experience managing a team of professional engineers and technicians.
Client Relations: Demonstrated success interacting with municipal clients and navigating public sector requirements.
Benefits & Schedule
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (1-hour lunch).
Healthcare: Comprehensive Health and Dental Insurance.
Financial: 401(k) with Company Match and Life Insurance.
Protection: Disability Insurance and Paid Time Off (PTO) plus Paid Holidays.
Education: Tuition Reimbursement for continued professional development.
Before you apply anywhere — including here
Ask every firm these questions. We have already answered them.
Do you sponsor work authorization?
Yes, for consultants we employ on W-2 — H-1B transfers, extensions, amendments, and employment-based green cards.
Read moreWhat happens on the bench?
You stay on payroll. For H-1B employees, paying the required wage during employer-caused downtime is a legal requirement, not a perk.
Read moreWill you tell me the client and the layers?
Yes, before you interview. If there is a prime vendor or MSP in the chain, you will know.
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