Civil Designer Jobs in New York
Civil designer jobs in New York are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated in transportation infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, and land development projects at every level from entry-level drafter to senior designer. New York City, Buffalo, and Albany are the strongest hiring metros, anchored by firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs Engineering, all of which maintain substantial New York operations. The most sought-after specialties in the state include roadway and highway design, stormwater management, and utility corridor work tied to ongoing public infrastructure investment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is looking to add CAD Designers to our Western New York offices.
If you enjoy bringing civil designs to life using AutoCAD Civil 3D, collaborating with engineers and project managers, and seeing your work directly impact infrastructure projects in local communities, we’d love to meet you.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
As a CAD Designer, you’ll play a key role in transforming engineering concepts into buildable, high-quality plans. You’ll support the design and documentation of civil infrastructure projects, including landfill, and renewable energy, working alongside engineers and project managers to deliver accurate, detailed drawings that align with both client and Tetra Tech standards.
This position offers exposure to a variety of project types — from pipelines and site grading to drainage and roadway improvements — giving you the opportunity to apply your technical skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D while contributing to impactful community projects.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineers to set up, prepare, and manage construction drawings.
- Prepare dimensional drawings and modify base files using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Revise and update existing drawings to reflect design changes.
- Create and maintain electronic file structures and naming conventions in accordance with company standards.
- Manage file organization, XREFs, and data shortcuts in accordance with best practices
- Develop 3D models of project features using CAD software
- Work collaboratively on drawings that meet and exceed client requirements during bid and submittal phases.
- Prepare project documents from start to finish with professional-quality output.
- Manage multiple active projects and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Adhere to CAD standards (Tetra Tech or client-specific).
Required Qualifications:
Associate degree in CAD Drafting or a related field, or completion of a certified Autodesk Civil 3D training program, plus at least 5 or more relevant work experience.
-
Strong working knowledge of Civil 3D modules, including:
- Survey, Points, Surfaces
- Alignments, Profiles, Corridors
- Sections, Pipe Networks
- Volume calculations, labeling, and analysis
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Experience with:
- Grading plan preparation and revisions
- Cut/fill calculations and balancing quantities
- Survey files, coordinate systems, and data shortcuts
- Ability to manage XREFs, file organization, and plotting standards (CTB/STB/PC3)
- Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and QA/QC procedures
- Ability to visualize designs in 3D
- Excellent communication skills — interpersonal, listening, oral, and written.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and general PC usage.
- Knowledge of standard drafting practices and procedures.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage time effectively.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Additional Skills & Competencies:
- Knowledge of civil engineering and land development principles
- Familiarity with renewable energy project design (solar preferred)
- Ability to evaluate alternatives and resolve technical design issues
- Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project)
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
- Ability to review detailed drawings and technical documents
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
- Office-based work environment with potential hybrid flexibility
- Occasional coordination with field teams or site visits as needed
- Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Pay: $25-38 an hour and any overtime (for work above 40 hours in a week) will be at the 1.5 Overtime Rate, commensurate with skill level, geography region and experience.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
- Organization: 209 SWE
See All 21 Civil Designer Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Designer JobsCivil Designer Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Designer Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Labella Associates13

- GHD3

- Hunt-eas1

- Tetra Tech1

Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil designer jobs across New York.
- EIT certification or Professional Engineer license recognized in New York State
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for site and infrastructure design work
- Experience with roadway, grading, or utility design on municipal or DOT projects
- Familiarity with New York State DOT design standards and project specifications
- Ability to produce construction documents, plans, profiles, and detail sheets
- Experience coordinating with surveyors, project engineers, and public agency reviewers
Civil Designer Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil designer in New York?
Most civil designers in New York enter the field with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology, then pursue Engineer-in-Training status by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam administered through the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions. From there, designers typically work under a licensed Professional Engineer, building toward a PE license. Firms across the state expect competency in Civil 3D and knowledge of New York DOT standards from day one.
How much do civil designers make in New York?
Civil designers in New York earn a median of about $73,790 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,730 for the lowest 10% to over $99,490 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire civil designers in New York?
Employers hiring civil designers in New York right now include Labella Associates, LaBella Associates, and GHD, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New York's sustained investment in transportation, water infrastructure, and land development keeps hiring active at both large national engineering firms with major New York offices and regional firms serving municipal clients.
Which New York cities have the most civil designer jobs?
Buffalo, Rochester, and Elmira have the most civil designer openings in New York. New York City drives the highest volume by far, fueled by large-scale transit, utility, and redevelopment projects, while Buffalo and Albany reflect strong regional demand tied to state DOT corridor work, municipal infrastructure, and engineering firms serving upstate counties and public authorities.
Are there remote civil designer jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since civil design involves site visits, agency coordination, and hands-on plan review. About 27% of civil designer openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a partial shift since many firms now allow production work to be done off-site. The most remote-compatible tasks are CAD drafting, quantity takeoffs, and plan preparation for projects in early design phases.
How can I get hired as a civil designer in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for designer or CAD technician roles at mid-size New York engineering firms that regularly mentor EIT-track candidates on transportation or municipal projects. Firms like AECOM, WSP, and regional consultants serving New York State DOT contracts frequently hire new graduates into junior designer or design technician positions. A completed FE exam, a strong Civil 3D portfolio from coursework or internships, and familiarity with New York DOT standards will separate a new applicant from the field.
Where can I find and apply to civil designer jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to civil designer jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 21 Civil Designer Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Designer Jobs