Design Engineer I - Water/Wastewater

We Make Everything Around Us Better

At PRIME AE, that’s not a slogan, it’s how we work.

Every bridge, building, campus, park, and roadway we design exists to improve how people live, move, learn, and connect. Through architecture, engineering, planning, and consulting, we partner with clients to create thoughtful, practical solutions that leave communities stronger than we found them.

If you want your work to matter, and to be surrounded by smart, collaborative people who care about doing things the right way, you’ll feel at home here.

Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. () is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. With a growing footprint of offices across the country and a diverse team of more than 550 professionals, we partner with public and private sector clients to deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational markets.

Our culture blends entrepreneurial energy with the resources of a scaled, multidisciplinary platform—giving our people the opportunity to shape meaningful projects while influencing the future direction of the firm. As PRIME AE continues to expand its capabilities, geographic reach, and leadership bench, this is an exciting time to join a team that is building momentum, investing in growth, and empowering leaders to make a lasting impact.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a Design Engineer I – Water/Wastewater to join our Louisville, KY or Akron, OH offices.

This role is ideal for an early-career civil engineer who is eager to develop technical skills in the design and delivery of public and private infrastructure projects. You will contribute to the planning, design, and permitting of water and wastewater systems for municipal and private clients, including distribution and collection systems, pump stations, storage facilities, and treatment facilities.

This position provides the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and project managers while gaining hands-on experience with meaningful infrastructure projects that support communities and essential public services.

What You’ll Do:

As a Design Engineer I, you will support the planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and senior engineers. You will assist in developing engineering solutions, preparing design documentation, and supporting project delivery from planning through permitting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning, design, and execution of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Prepare engineering design documents including plans, specifications, calculations, and technical reports.
• Assist with planning studies, design reports, and permitting documentation.
• Apply established engineering standards and technical guidance for water and wastewater infrastructure design.
• Coordinate with senior engineers and project managers to develop effective design solutions and maintain project quality.
• Participate in project meetings and assist with communication with clients, agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Support proposal preparation and assist with compiling technical content.
• Track project schedules, deliverables, and quality control procedures to support timely project completion.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subconsultants, and regulatory agencies as required.
• Respond to routine project questions and assist in resolving basic technical issues.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; pursuit of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
• Experience working with municipal or public-sector infrastructure projects is a plus.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to learn, grow, and contribute within a collaborative engineering team.

Why PRIME AE:

We don’t just fill positions; we invest in people.

At PRIME AE, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment where careers are built intentionally, not accidentally. You’ll work on projects that improve everyday life, alongside colleagues who challenge and respect one another.

What sets us apart:

• Career Growth: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical expertise to project and people leadership.
• People-First Culture: We value trust, integrity, and collaboration, and we mean it.
• Meaningful Work: Projects that strengthen communities, infrastructure, and public spaces.
• Growth with Purpose: Strategic expansion backed by strong leadership and investment.
• National Reach, Local Feel: Big-firm resources with the agility and relationships of local offices.

Our Commitment: