M&S Engineering is seeking an experienced, licensed Civil Project Engineer (P.E.) to lead and stamp engineering deliverables for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and directional boring projects. Our current project portfolio includes crossings beneath USACE-regulated levees and flood risk management (FRM) structures, freshwater delivery canals, TxDOT highways, waterways, and railroad corridors. This role demands hands-on expertise in USACE Section 408 permitting, hydraulic fracture analysis, and HDD bore path design and general civil or utility infrastructure experience. The PE of Record will also carry a formal mentorship responsibility for junior engineering staff working toward their own PE licensure.
Responsibilities
- Design & Technical Leadership
- Serve as PE of Record — lead design, stamp, and seal engineering plans and documents for HDD crossings under USACE-regulated levees, canals, TxDOT roadways, waterways, and railroad corridors
- Interpret geotechnical assessments, bore path design, settlement, hydraulic fracture factor-of-safety (FOS) and apply appropriate methods based on project-specific regulatory requirements
- Develop design plans, specifications, and cost estimates for trenchless utility crossings
- Review and prepare federal, state, and local permit applications including TxDOT utility permits, USACE Section 404/401/408 etc., and railroad crossing agreements
- Analyze field conditions, drawings, and specifications; perform engineering calculations and QA review
- Project & Client Management
- Manage technical scope, schedule, and deliverable quality for HDD permitting and design assignments
- Conduct site visits and field inspections during construction to verify compliance with engineered plans
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to clients, regulatory agencies, and review boards
- Participate in planning and construction administration of utility infrastructure projects
- Mentorship & Staff Development
- Provide structured mentorship to junior engineering staff, guiding their technical development and supporting progression toward PE licensure
- Conduct internal technical training and peer review to elevate team-wide competency in trenchless design, HDD bore analysis, and regulatory compliance
- Share expertise in TxDOT procedures, USACE permitting, and utility crossing design with engineering staff at all levels
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (or Geotechnical Engineering); other engineering disciplines will not be considered for this role given the USACE regulatory environment
- Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Texas — required at time of hire; verifiable through TBPELS
- Minimum 5 years of experience in civil or utility infrastructure engineering, with demonstrated, hands-on experience in trenchless/HDD crossing design
- Proven experience designing HDD crossings under regulated infrastructure — waterways, canals, TxDOT roadways, and/or USACE-regulated levees or embankments
- Direct experience with USACE Section 408 permitting and related specifications
- Demonstrated ability to perform or review hydraulic fracture FOS analysis for HDD beneath regulated water infrastructure
- Experience preparing or reviewing Design Implementation Project Plans (DIPPs) for USACE-regulated crossings
- Proficiency in HDPE pipe/conduit specification and HDD pull force and mud pressure calculations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare technical reports and lead client presentations
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; Microsoft Office Suite
- Physically able to perform field site visits and inspections
Preferred
- Experience working with electric utility clients on underground or trenchless conduit installations
- Familiarity with municipal infrastructure projects (roadway, drainage, water/wastewater)
- Prior formal or informal mentorship experience with EIT or junior engineering staff
- Experience with HDD pull force and mud pressure calculations
- Knowledge of standard engineering software for trenchless design analysis
Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Employer paid health/dental/vision insurance
- Employer paid STD/LTD
- Life Insurance
- Candidate referral bonus
- 401k retirement plan with employer match
- Paid Holidays
- Earned vacation time