Transportation Engineer 5-Hydraulics

CDM Smith•Atlanta, GA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position leads hydraulic and drainage design for complex transportation projects, combining technical expertise with strategic project delivery and leadership. This role combines technical expertise, project delivery, regulatory knowledge, and mentorship to support public-sector clients. Key Responsibilities: Champion the hydraulic and drainage design of transportation projects spanning from focused municipal improvements to major highway systems. Develop engineering designs ranging from basic to highly complex, ensuring solutions meet client needs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Review, approve, and sign/seal completed engineering designs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure adherence to firm standards, quality control procedures, and best engineering practices across all designs. Perform site investigations, field reviews, and hydraulic studies to confirm design alignment with site conditions and project requirements. Update and refine design criteria, calculations, and assumptions as project conditions evolve. Support construction activities through field inspections of new and existing transportation and drainage infrastructure. Prepare technical documentation including hydraulic reports and drainage studies. Contribute to the firm’s technical knowledge base by authoring white papers, technical guidance, and innovative design solutions. Submit technical papers and project work for presentation or publication in industry forums and journals. Business Development & Thought Leadership: • Collaborate with sales and project development teams to support proposals and responses to RFPs, including technical approaches and design narratives. • Participate in client meetings to understand current and future transportation and drainage design needs. • Represent the firm at conferences, workshops, and industry events to enhance visibility and technical reputation. Leadership & Development: • Mentor and inspire junior engineers while fostering a culture of continuous learning and preparing the next generation of technical leaders. • Review and oversee the work of junior engineers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Transportation, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent related discipline).
Professional engineering (PE) license.
7 years of related experience.
Advanced proficiency in CADD software (3D/4D modeling) and design-drafting best practices.
Deep understanding of engineering design principles and their real-world applications.
Mastery of Microsoft Office tools for technical documentation and analysis.
Strong verbal and written communication abilities with the capacity to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks.
Solid grasp of industry design standards such as AASHTO and NACTO.

Nice To Haves

Strong background in transportation hydraulics and drainage engineering.
Familiarity with GDOT roadway and drainage design standards, including MS4 requirements.
Experience with municipal drainage design is highly desirable.
Proven experience developing construction bid documents for GDOT and other public-sector clients (counties and municipalities).
Demonstrated technical writing experience, including preparation of design reports and technical memorandums.
Ability and willingness to sign and seal engineering documents, as required.
MicroStation Geo aPak Drainage
OpenRoads Designer (ORD)
AutoDesk products
ICPR
HY-8 Hydraulic Toolbox
HEC-RAS
HEC-HMS

Responsibilities

Champion the hydraulic and drainage design of transportation projects spanning from focused municipal improvements to major highway systems.
Develop engineering designs ranging from basic to highly complex, ensuring solutions meet client needs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Review, approve, and sign/seal completed engineering designs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Ensure adherence to firm standards, quality control procedures, and best engineering practices across all designs.
Perform site investigations, field reviews, and hydraulic studies to confirm design alignment with site conditions and project requirements.
Update and refine design criteria, calculations, and assumptions as project conditions evolve.
Support construction activities through field inspections of new and existing transportation and drainage infrastructure.
Prepare technical documentation including hydraulic reports and drainage studies.
Contribute to the firm’s technical knowledge base by authoring white papers, technical guidance, and innovative design solutions.
Submit technical papers and project work for presentation or publication in industry forums and journals.
Collaborate with sales and project development teams to support proposals and responses to RFPs, including technical approaches and design narratives.
Participate in client meetings to understand current and future transportation and drainage design needs.
Represent the firm at conferences, workshops, and industry events to enhance visibility and technical reputation.
Mentor and inspire junior engineers while fostering a culture of continuous learning and preparing the next generation of technical leaders.
Review and oversee the work of junior engineers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.