Subsurface Utility Engineer

Job Title

Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) – Licensed Professional Engineer (PE, Illinois)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) with an active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Illinois to lead and support utility engineering, utility coordination, and subsurface utility investigations for transportation, infrastructure, municipal, and private development projects. The successful candidate will oversee SUE investigations in accordance with ASCE 38 Utility Damage Prevention Standard, manage field and office personnel, provide engineering analysis and quality assurance, and coordinate with clients, utility owners, contractors, and project stakeholders.

This position requires strong technical expertise in utility engineering, project management, and utility risk mitigation throughout planning, design, and construction phases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects from planning through completion.
• Direct utility investigations utilizing Quality Levels D, C, B, and A in accordance with ASCE 38 standards.
• Review and certify utility mapping, engineering analyses, utility conflict matrices, and utility risk assessments.
• Prepare and oversee utility design reports, utility relocation recommendations, and utility coordination documentation.
• Perform engineering review of geophysical survey data, utility records research, test hole data, and utility mapping deliverables.
• Coordinate with public and private utility owners, municipalities, transportation agencies, and project teams.
• Provide quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) for utility engineering deliverables.
• Support transportation, highway, bridge, aviation, rail, water, wastewater, and municipal infrastructure projects.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, staffing requirements, and client communications.
• Review plans and identify potential utility conflicts and associated construction risks.
• Develop utility conflict resolutions and utility relocation strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, cost estimates, and engineering recommendations.
• Participate in business development activities, proposal preparation, and client presentations.
• Mentor junior engineers, utility coordinators, and SUE technicians.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and client standards and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Geomatics, Surveying Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering, utility coordination, utility design, civil engineering, or related infrastructure services.
• Thorough knowledge of:
• ASCE 38 Utility Damage Prevention Standard
• Utility Quality Levels (QL-A, QL-B, QL-C, QL-D)
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Electromagnetic utility locating methods
• Utility coordination and conflict resolution processes
• Experience with transportation and infrastructure projects involving IDOT, municipalities, counties, or other public agencies.
• Strong understanding of underground utility systems including:
• Water
• Sanitary sewer
• Storm sewer
• Natural gas
• Electric distribution and transmission
• Telecommunications and fiber optic systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, GIS, and related engineering software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) projects.
• Utility Coordination Certification or related credentials.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Familiarity with permitting and utility relocation agreements.
• Experience utilizing GIS platforms and utility asset management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Advanced technical understanding of utility engineering and infrastructure design.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, utility records, and survey data.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct field investigations at construction sites and utility locations.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform site visits, utility inspections, and project meetings.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Engineering Manager / Director of Utility Services

Supervises: SUE Project Managers, Utility Coordinators, Utility Designators, CAD Technicians, and Field Personnel

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Professional development and licensing support.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Continuing education reimbursement.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person