Stormwater Project Engineer
Company : Ciorba Group
Location : Chicago, IL (or Peoria, IL; Crown Point, IN)
Work Schedule / Hybrid Model :
- In-office : Monday & Tuesday
- Remote (WFH) : Friday
- One additional remote day (Wednesday or Thursday) flexibly scheduled with manager
- Alternative "compressed Fridays" policy : every other Friday off if 80 hours are completed in 9 days
Salary Range (Base) : $117,500 - $139,000 annually
Total Compensation Range : Approximately $130,000 - $160,000+ (inclusive of bonus, benefits, ESOP, allowances, etc.)
Why Join Us? (Company Profile & Culture)
About the Firm
We are a people-first, full-service engineering firm with a legacy of over 95 years delivering practical, high-impact infrastructure solutions across the Midwest. Our portfolio spans water resources, roadway, structural, municipal, lighting / electrical, forensic engineering, and construction services. We pride ourselves on being nimble, collaborative, and deeply embedded in the communities we serve.
Our Mission & Values
Community impact : We believe infrastructure is more than concrete and pipe - it's about building resilient, equitable, well-designed communities.Integrity & trust : We act honestly, transparently, and consistently to earn our clients' trust.Lifelong learning : We invest in professional growth - whether through training, mentorship, cross-disciplinary exposure, or certifications.Work-life balance : We encourage rest, recharge, and time for what matters outside work.Inclusive culture : Diverse perspectives fuel innovation. We foster psychological safety, respect, and opportunity for all.Growth & Ownership
We've grown roughly 2× in size over the last decade , and expect continued expansion - this is a growth-driven role, not simply a backfill.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) : We have a long-term ownership mindset; every employee is aligned with overall firm success.We maintain a flat hierarchy with collaborative teams - your voice matters early and often.Robust mentorship & coaching program , with newly launched structure to pair junior, mid, and senior engineers across offices.Work Environment & Perks
Hybrid scheduling with flexibility tied to project needs and personal balanceEvery-other-Friday off option for employees who work 80 hours in 9 daysPaid volunteer / "give-back" time to support causes you care aboutContinuing education funding, professional development budgets, and support for licensure / credentialsOccasional team offsites, social events, anniversary celebrations, and recognition programsCompetitive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, short / long term disability, etc.)Position Overview
As a Stormwater Project Engineer I , you will join our Water Resources team as a technical lead on municipal and transportation stormwater infrastructure projects. You'll also mentor junior team members, ensure high quality deliverables, and collaborate across disciplines. This is a high-visibility role, offering opportunities to shape design standards and build strong client relationships.
You will :
Lead hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses of floodplains, floodways, bridge / culvert crossingsAssess flood-prone zones, diagnose root causes, and develop alternative design solutionsDesign stormwater conveyance networks, detention systems, and BMPs (Green infrastructure, infiltration, etc.)Prepare erosion & sediment control and stormwater management plansProduce engineering calculations, technical reports, permit applications, construction plans, cost estimates, specifications, and detailsOversee and QA / QC work of peers and junior engineersCoordinate with multidisciplinary teams (transportation, structural, municipal, survey, permitting)Maintain client and regulatory relationships, represent the firm at client meetings, and manage scopes / budgetsMentor, coach, and develop junior engineers via training, reviews, and career path guidanceKey Qualifications & Required Skills
Required / Must-Have
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited preferred)8-12 years of experience in stormwater / water resources / drainage engineeringLicensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois and / or IndianaProficiency with MicroStation; experience with AutoCAD a plusExperience with H&H modeling tools (e.g. HEC-RAS, SWMM, InfoWorks, XP-SWMM, etc.)Experience in municipal or DOT drainage designStrong writing, presentation, and client communication skillsProven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a team settingValid driver's licensePreferred / Nice-to-Have
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credentialFamiliarity with Illinois and Indiana DOT and municipal stormwater design standardsExperience leading small-to-medium engineering teams or task groupsExposure to permitting (USACE, local floodplain ordinances, IDNR, MS4, etc.)Experience in business development, proposals, or client growthWhat Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)
Lead at least one small-to-medium municipal stormwater design from concept through permit submittalDeliver technically sound H&H analyses and design recommendations with minimal reworkTake ownership of QA / QC processes for junior staff outputFoster growing relationships with clients and local agenciesContribute to internal standards / best-practices (templates, guidelines, lessons learned)Mentor junior engineers and participate in knowledge-sharing sessionsDemonstrate alignment with our values - integrity, collaboration, learning, excellenceWhat You'll Love (Why This Role Stands Out)
Work on meaningful infrastructure projects that directly benefit communitiesA hybrid schedule that supports a healthy balance of in-office collaboration and focused remote workOwnership through ESOP - your success helps drive firm successHigh level of autonomy and opportunity to shape designs and approachesSupportive culture with genuine mentorship, cross-office exposure, and room to expand skill setA team-oriented environment - your colleagues will cheer for your successEqual Opportunity & Commitment to Inclusion
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We take seriously the value that diverse voices bring to the table. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply and grow with us.
Location & Office Assignment
While the role is primarily based in Chicago, IL , we are open to candidates located (or willing to relocate) to Peoria, IL or Crown Point, IN offices. You will collaborate seamlessly with regional teams across offices and support cross-office project efforts.
How to Apply & Next Steps
Interested candidates should submit :
A resume highlighting stormwater / water resources projectsA cover letter describing your interest in the role, your career goals, and how your experience alignsExamples (or descriptions) of standout hydrology / hydraulic work (studies, models, design)Top candidates will be invited for a virtual call, followed by in-person interviews, technical exercise(s), and meeting our leadership / team.
We aim to streamline the process and give feedback quickly - we respect your time.
Keywords & SEO Section
(Use in Indeed, LinkedIn, and other job boards to ensure strong visibility)
Keywords / Phrases :
Stormwater Engineer, Stormwater Project Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Civil Engineer - Stormwater, Drainage Design, Hydrologic Hydraulic Modeling, HEC-RAS, SWMM, Stormwater BMP Design, Floodplain Analysis, Erosion & Sediment Control, Municipal Infrastructure, DOT Drainage, PE Licensed, Floodplain Manager, CFM, Hybrid Engineering Job, ESOP Engineering Firm, Midwestern Infrastructure, Illinois / Indiana Civil Engineering Position