Project Engineer

Job Description:

Pape-Dawson is looking for an experienced Project Engineer to join our Sarasota, Florida office and play a key role in delivering innovative, high-quality land development projects throughout the region.

As a Project Engineer, you’ll take ownership of engineering design and technical execution from concept through final plans. You’ll work alongside project managers, designers, engineers, clients, and public agencies to develop practical solutions that balance technical excellence, constructability, budget, schedule, and client goals.

This is an opportunity for a motivated Professional Engineer to take the next step in their career—leading meaningful projects, mentoring developing engineers, building client relationships, and making a visible impact on the communities we serve.

• Lead and perform engineering design for land development projects from initial concept through final construction documents.
• Prepare and oversee plans, specifications, technical reports, calculations, and cost estimates in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and review grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and site development plans for commercial, residential, institutional, and mixed-use projects.
• Evaluate site constraints and design alternatives, applying sound engineering judgment to develop solutions that are efficient, practical, and constructible.
• Coordinate technical design with project managers, internal disciplines, subconsultants, contractors, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Review work prepared by engineers, EITs, designers, and technicians to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Identify technical challenges and project risks early and develop solutions that keep projects moving forward.
• Support project teams in meeting established quality, schedule, and budget objectives.

• Serve as a trusted technical resource for clients and project partners.
• Communicate engineering concepts and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Coordinate with municipalities, counties, utility providers, and other regulatory agencies throughout the permitting and approval process.
• Represent Pape-Dawson professionally in meetings, presentations, coordination efforts, and industry events.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, EITs, designers, and technicians.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to their technical and professional development.
• Collaborate across disciplines to create an integrated, high-performing project team.
• Share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned to continually improve project delivery.

• Stay current with applicable engineering standards, regulations, and industry practices.
• Participate in professional and technical organizations and support Pape-Dawson’s presence within the engineering and local community.
• Contribute to a culture built around collaboration, accountability, innovation, and delivering exceptional work for our clients.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive civil engineering experience, preferably in land development.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, design standards, permitting processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with applicable civil engineering design and analysis software.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership of technical work while effectively collaborating with project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical direction to developing staff.
• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Professionalism, reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

At Pape-Dawson, you’ll have the opportunity to do more than design projects—you’ll help shape the places where people live, work, and grow.

Our Sarasota team offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of land development projects while collaborating with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines. We’re looking for engineers who want to take ownership, continue developing their expertise, and build a long-term career with a team that values both technical excellence and people.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your engineering career and make an impact in Southwest Florida, we’d like to hear from you.

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.