Civil Engineer (Land Development / Sports Facilities)

Civil Engineer (Land Development / Sports Facilities)

Location: Tempe, AZ (Hybrid with Field Work)
Compensation: $100K – $125K+/yr

About the Opportunity

We are partnered with a highly respected, boutique civil engineering firm that specializes in the planning, design, and construction of sports facilities across the US. Their work spans everything from K-12 and collegiate athletic complexes to large-scale professional stadium projects, including collaborations with major sports organizations.

This is a unique opportunity for a civil engineer who wants to work on high-visibility, technically interesting projects, not repetitive, cookie-cutter developments. If you have a passion for sports (or come from an athletic background), this environment tends to resonate strongly.

The firm is known for its exceptionally strong culture, collaborative leadership, and very low employee turnover. Engineers here are given meaningful responsibility, exposure to diverse projects, and long-term career growth in a flat, non-corporate environment.

The Role

This position is a key hire and will serve as a right-hand to senior leadership, helping drive project execution across a growing backlog of work. You will be responsible for owning civil engineering design and project delivery, while also interfacing with clients and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute projects from initial concept through completion with minimal oversight
• Participate in and lead client meetings and project discussions
• Support and help guide internal drafting/design teams
• Lead site civil design for land development projects, including:
• Grading & drainage
• Water and sewer systems
• Site layout and infrastructure
• Conduct occasional site visits and field coordination
• Prepare and oversee plan sets and technical reports
• Coordinate with municipalities and manage city review processes

Project Types

• Sports complexes (fields, stadiums, training facilities)
• K-12 and university campuses
• Parks & recreation developments
• Commercial / industrial land development
• Large-scale site civil infrastructure projects

What They’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• 8–12 years of civil engineering experience
• Strong background in land development / site civil design
• High proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Experience with:
• Grading and drainage design
• Utility design (water/sewer)
• Plan production and reports
• Ability to independently execute projects from start to finish
• Comfortable in both technical and client-facing roles
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications (Not Required)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional projects
• Exposure to sports facility or recreational projects
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior staff

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model. Flexible office expectations, but mostly onsite M-F at first.
• Significant field exposure and project site involvement, especially in the first 12–18 months
• Collaborative, low-ego team culture
• Flat organizational structure with direct access to leadership

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on high-profile sports projects nationwide
• Escape the “corporate machine”, no bureaucracy or glass ceilings
• Join a firm with strong leadership and long-tenured employees
• Gain exposure to a unique niche within civil engineering
• Opportunity to take real ownership of projects and grow into leadership

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Approximately $100K – $125K+ depending on experience
• Performance-based bonuses:
• Typically 10% – 30% of total compensation
• Multiple bonus opportunities per year
• 100% employer-paid:
• Medical
• Dental
• Health coverage
• 401(k) with company match (~4%)
• Generous PTO:
• Starts at 3 weeks, increases to 4 weeks after 3 years, and can grow to 5+ weeks with tenure.
• Additional standard benefits (life insurance, etc.)

Empower JobID 2743