3 to 4 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
71% STARs in role.
Overview
We are seeking a Civil Design Engineer to join our growing team and contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and site design projects. In this role, you will support the planning, design, and execution of commercial, residential, and recreational developments while working closely with clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer who is looking to expand their technical expertise, gain client exposure, and develop a clear path toward project management.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare construction plan sets, including site layout, grading, utility design, and stormwater management components.
- Develop site designs and engineering documentation using Civil 3D and AutoCAD.
- Assist with the planning and design of commercial, residential, and athletic facility projects.
- Participate in client meetings to discuss project objectives, schedules, and technical requirements.
- Perform engineering calculations and support project deliverables through all phases of design.
- Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
- Conduct site visits, field observations, and construction-related inspections as needed.
- Support construction administration activities and respond to field-related design questions.
- Manage project tasks and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and accuracy.
Required Qualifications
- Proficiency in Civil 3D and AutoCAD.
- Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles and industry best practices.
- Knowledge of land development, site development, grading, drainage, and stormwater management.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the desire to obtain licensure.
- 1 to 4 years of civil engineering consulting experience.
- Experience working on commercial, residential, or site development projects.
- 3+ years of experience using AutoCAD and Civil 3D, including relevant academic experience.
- Strong desire to grow into a Project Manager role within the next 3 to 5 years.
- Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work directly with company leadership in a highly collaborative environment.
- Exposure to a diverse mix of commercial, residential, and recreational development projects.
- Clear career progression and mentorship toward project management responsibilities.
- High level of autonomy and ownership over your work.
- Collaborative culture with project teams across multiple Midwest offices.
- Supportive environment for professional development, licensure, and career growth.
Work Environment
This position is based in our West Des Moines, IA office and offers a unique opportunity to work in an entrepreneurial, team-oriented environment. Successful candidates will thrive in a setting that values initiative, collaboration, and professional growth while providing exposure to a wide variety of challenging and rewarding civil engineering projects.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Des Moines, IA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $90000.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in West Des Moines,IA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
Posting ID: JP-006281716