What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Engineer - Land Development Project Engineer position at Chastain & Associates LLC?
CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES
Civil Engineer – Land Development Project Engineer
Full Time | Lafayette, IN | $80,000 – $110,000 Annually
About Chastain and Associates
Chastain specializes in building and enhancing infrastructure, offering comprehensive services ranging from the design and construction inspection of transportation highways, roadways, and bridges to the engineering of civil site developments. Our mission is to unite communities by creating sustainable, innovative, and well-crafted environments where people can live, work, and play.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits based on education and experience, and we actively support our employees' career development — including funding for continuing education and professional licensure exams. We promote work-life balance through flexible work hours, a hybrid work plan, generous paid time off, and a clear path for growth into project management and beyond.
Role Summary
We are hiring a Project Engineer to join our land development team in Lafayette. You will work within a focused team of seven — four core members and three supplemental — on projects that typically involve two to three engineers, always including at least one PE. This is a senior technical role with real client-facing responsibility and a direct path toward project management as you grow with the firm.
Lafayette office presence is preferred, typically three to four days per week. We understand that relocation takes time and are willing to work out a reasonable transition timeline with the right candidate.
Responsibilities
- Lead design of geometric layouts, grading plans, drainage and stormwater systems, water and sewer utilities, and site development solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
- Interpret and apply engineering principles to plans, drawings, and specifications; maintain quality control throughout the design process.
- Serve as a primary client contact on assigned projects — building relationships, managing expectations, and coordinating with public agencies and subconsultants.
- Contribute to technical documentation, design reports, and proposal development; identify practical solutions to meet client and regulatory requirements.
- Support field operations including construction observation, ensuring design intent carries through to construction.
- Mentor junior engineers and technical staff, supporting their development and contributing to efficient project delivery.
- Grow into project management responsibilities over time, with the support of senior PEs and firm leadership.
Qualifications
Experience
5 years of hands-on experience with land development projects at a civil engineering firm in the United States, with a focus on site planning, design, and/or construction. Experience across commercial site development, residential subdivision, industrial projects, or stormwater design is particularly relevant. Candidates at the 5–7 year mark with demonstrated project lead experience and an active PE are strongly encouraged to apply.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Licensure
PE (Professional Engineer) license in Indiana is preferred. Candidates licensed in another state with a clear path to Indiana reciprocity will be considered. Candidates who have passed the FE exam and are actively accumulating PE-qualifying experience are also encouraged to apply. Chastain covers qualifying exam fees and supports the full licensure process.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft 365 is required. Working knowledge of HydroCAD or StormCAD for drainage and stormwater design is a strong plus. Familiarity with federal, state, and local agency submittal requirements is an advantage.
Client & Team Skills
Ability to build and maintain client relationships, communicate clearly with agency partners, and work collaboratively within a small project team. Candidates should be comfortable taking ownership of deliverables while also supporting and mentoring less experienced staff.
Growth & Development
- A defined path toward project management — all staff at Chastain have the opportunity to grow into PM responsibilities as their experience and client relationships develop.
- Mentorship from senior PEs and firm leadership on every project.
- Company-paid exam fees for FE and PE licensure, including reciprocity support.
- Exposure to a diverse project portfolio: commercial sites, residential subdivisions, industrial expansions, and stormwater systems.
- Opportunity to develop and grow your own client relationships with a view toward associate or principal-level responsibilities over time.
What We Offer
- 401(k) with generous company match and annual pay increases.
- Flexible work hours and hybrid schedule (typically 3–4 days in-office).
- PTO based on total industry tenure.
- Four medical insurance plan options, plus medical reimbursement and dependent care benefits.
- Company-paid dental insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
- Employee and employee-plus-family life insurance options.
- 7 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday.
- Relocation assistance available.
- Cell phone reimbursement, annual boot allowance, and Verizon wireless employee discount.
- Sam's Club and Costco membership reimbursement.
We review applications on a rolling basis — apply today. Don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway. Chastain is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, and you may be the right fit for this or another role on our team.
Chastain and Associates LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary : $80,000 - $110,000