Design Engineer I

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. (www.primeeng.com) 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 – Site Civil to join our Lexington, KY office.

This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level civil engineering professional who is eager to develop technical expertise, gain hands-on design experience, and contribute to meaningful site development and land development projects.

You will work alongside experienced engineers, designers, and project managers to develop practical engineering solutions for projects that support community growth and infrastructure improvements.

In this role, you will gain valuable experience in civil/site design, grading, drainage, stormwater management, and construction documentation while building a strong foundation for continued professional development.

What You’ll Do:

As a Design Engineer I – Site Civil, you will assist with the planning, design, and development of civil engineering projects under the guidance of experienced engineers and project managers.

You will support the preparation of engineering plans, design calculations, technical reports, construction documents, and permitting materials while gaining experience with industry design standards and engineering software.

You will also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, participate in field activities, and contribute to projects from initial design through permitting and construction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Civil Site Design & Development: Assist in preparing civil engineering plans, construction drawings, technical reports, and supporting design calculations for site development and land development projects.
• Grading, Drainage & Stormwater Management: Support grading and drainage design, stormwater management systems, and erosion and sediment control plans in accordance with applicable engineering standards.
• Roadway, Parking & Site Layout Design: Assist with the design of roadways, parking facilities, access drives, and related site infrastructure using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering software.
• Engineering Calculations & Cost Estimating: Prepare quantity takeoffs, perform basic engineering calculations, and assist with developing construction cost estimates and supporting technical documentation.
• Project Coordination & Design Standards: Collaborate with engineers, designers, and project managers to complete technical assignments, meet project schedules, and apply applicable local, state, and federal design standards.
• Permitting & Field Support: Assist with permit applications, agency submissions, and jurisdictional reviews while participating in field visits, site assessments, and data collection activities to support project planning and design.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Previous internship, academic, or professional experience in civil/site engineering, land development, or related engineering design work preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, with familiarity with AutoTurn, HydroCAD, or similar engineering design software considered a plus.
• Basic understanding of civil engineering design principles, site grading, drainage, stormwater management, roadway design, and applicable engineering standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to prepare accurate technical documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, manage assigned responsibilities, meet deadlines, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

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:

PRIME AE Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.