Civil Engineer

Gordon M. Buitendorp Associates, Inc. is seeking a Civil Engineer to support project teams delivering educational design work for K12 and Higher Education. This onsite role in Grand Rapids, MI emphasizes collaboration on site development and related civil infrastructure, with an emphasis on technical planning, documentation, and compliance.

Role Overview

The Civil Engineer will contribute to the design and technical development of site, stormwater, grading, utility, and erosion control components for educational projects. Responsibilities include analyzing site and subsurface information, preparing design plans and specifications, and supporting review and communication with project stakeholders across teams, agencies, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary design teams on K12 and Higher Education projects.
• Perform engineering design by reviewing reports, maps, drawings, and soil composition and terrain data, including hydrological characteristics and related topographical and geologic information.
• Develop site, stormwater, grading, utility, and erosion control plans and specifications using AutoCAD Civil 3D to support quality deliverables.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and reports to peers, project teams, agencies, and clients.
• Raise and communicate concerns related to construction, bids, code compliance, environmental assessments, geotechnical reports, due diligence, and project budget to project teams and clients.
• Stay current on legislation and act as an advisor to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements.
• Participate in leadership and company teams as opportunities arise.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering
• PE license
• At least 8 years of experience in site design, grading, utility design, and development of construction plans
• Motivated, self-starting work style
• Ability to manage projects and present engineering concepts to clients, agencies, and teams to execute project work successfully
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• CAD experience, including proficiency with Civil 3D
• Comfort using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Technologies and Tools

• AutoCAD Civil3D, Civil 3D SSA
• HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD
• Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel

What Can Differentiate You

• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling knowledge using HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, Civil 3D SSA, or HydroCAD
• Field inspection experience, along with client management, project management, and technical writing for specifications
• Experience with sustainable design, high performance design, and/or USGBC LEED rating (desirable)
• Experience obtaining site permits in the Metro Detroit area
• A PE license in Indiana or Illinois

Company and Workplace Notes

• Employee-owned structure, with 100% of ownership held by employees
• Network-of-teams approach rather than a hierarchical structure
• Flexible workplace practices designed to let individuals choose where and how they work best
• Inclusive, people-first culture that supports collaboration and communication across locations and schedules

Compensation and Benefits

• Share in its profits
• Excellent benefit package

Educational Mission Focus

The company’s purpose is helping build strong communities through educational opportunity. Work is focused on the educational ecosystem, from Pre-K through Higher Education, along with community spaces that support lifelong learning.

Location and Education

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI (onsite)
• Minimum Experience: 8 years
• Education: BS in Civil Engineering