Demo

Senior Project Engineer - Water Resources

Houston Engineering, Inc.
Des Moines, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 8/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/6/2026

Company Description

Job Location: Des Moines, IA or Iowa City, IA

Are you looking to play a vital role in protecting our most valuable natural resource while continuing to grow as a technical leader? Do you want to be a key member of a talented, fun, and growing team? Do you enjoy transforming concepts into practical, constructible solutions that improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and enhance natural systems? Then join Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) as a Senior Water Resources Project Engineer in our Des Moines or Iowa City office and put your knowledge and experience into action solving complex water resources challenges.

This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys technical problem-solving, design leadership, and transforming concepts into successful projects “on the ground.”

Potential projects include stormwater planning and design, stream restoration and stabilization, lake restoration, flood reduction projects, water quality improvement facilities, and related municipal, county, park, and watershed improvements.

Job Description

  • Lead or support water resources design projects and evaluate the feasibility of alternative design approaches considering site conditions, project goals, and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee the design process and develop design alternatives. Prepare, review, and provide technical direction for engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents using CAD and related design tools.
  • Understand and apply technical specifications, materials requirements, permitting considerations, and other design-related information.
  • Support construction bidding, contract administration, and construction observation to help ensure projects are constructed in accordance with design goals and project requirements.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, designers, and technicians while helping maintain high standards of quality and constructability.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience with engineering design efforts, developing and reviewing plans and specifications, and applying sound engineering judgment to deliver practical, cost-effective, and constructible solutions.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, or related Engineering field.
  • 10 years of experience in civil engineering design, specifications, and construction administration or observation. Experience with water resources, stormwater, drainage, environmental restoration, or related projects preferred.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing engineering plans, technical specifications, and construction documents.
  • IA Professional Engineer’s License or the ability to obtain one within 6 months.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel periodically.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without the requirement of sponsorship at any point in the future. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information

As part of our talented staff, you will enjoy competitive pay, annual bonuses, paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays; parental leave, generous 401(k) match, access to HSA & FSAs, flexible schedule, annual HEI logo apparel and more.

Additionally, view our careers page to read about HEI being selected as one of the ENR top 500 design firms and as one of the Prairie Businesses 50 best places to work for several years in a row!

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability

Salary.com Estimation for Senior Project Engineer - Water Resources in Des Moines, IA
$128,371 to $159,149
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