Civil Project Engineer

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive, actionable guide for young professionals considering the Civil Project Engineer opportunity at Barghausen Consulting Engineers (now part of Core States Group) in Kent, WA.

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COMPANY INTELLIGENCE

Company History, Size, and Industry Position

• Barghausen Consulting Engineers: Founded in 1982, Barghausen built a strong reputation in civil engineering, land development, and related consulting services, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
• Core States Group: Acquired Barghausen in 2023, Core States is a national, multidisciplinary design, engineering, and project management firm. The combined entity employs over 700 professionals across the U.S.
• Industry Position: Recognized for delivering integrated solutions for commercial, industrial, retail, and energy clients. Their clients include major brands in retail, QSR (quick service restaurants), and energy sectors.

Recent News, Growth, and Strategic Directions

• Acquisition: The merger with Core States Group has expanded Barghausen’s reach and service offerings, especially in renewable energy and national rollouts.
• Growth: The company is investing in technology, sustainable design, and expanding its national footprint.
• Strategic Direction: Focus on multidisciplinary project delivery, sustainability, and client-centric solutions.

Company Culture and Work Environment

• Culture: Collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented. Emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and work-life balance.
• Work Environment: Modern offices, open communication, and team-based project work. Young professionals often cite approachable leadership and a willingness to invest in early-career talent.

Values, Mission, and What They Stand For

• Mission: Deliver innovative, sustainable, and practical engineering solutions.
• Values: Integrity, client service, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to fostering a diverse workforce and inclusive environment.

Office Locations and Hybrid/Remote Policies

• Main Office: Kent, WA (Seattle metro area).
• Other Locations: Offices across the U.S. via Core States Group (including Philadelphia, Dallas, and more).
• Hybrid/Remote: Flexible work arrangements are increasingly common, but entry-level engineering roles may require more in-office presence for training and collaboration.

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PROGRAM DEEP DIVE

Program Structure and Timeline

• Type: Full-time, entry-level (suitable for recent graduates and early-career professionals).
• Duration: Permanent position, not a fixed-term internship.
• Onboarding: Structured onboarding with training modules, shadowing, and gradual responsibility increase over the first 6-12 months.

Skills and Competencies Sought

• Technical: Civil engineering fundamentals, AutoCAD/Civil 3D proficiency, site design, grading, stormwater management, and report writing.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.

Daily Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities

• Tasks: Assist with site development projects, prepare engineering plans, conduct site visits, coordinate with architects/contractors, and support permitting processes.
• Learning: Exposure to all project phases, from concept to construction. Opportunity to work on diverse projects (commercial, retail, energy).

Mentorship and Training Provided

• Mentorship: Assigned mentor or buddy system for new hires.
• Training: Regular technical training, lunch-and-learns, and support for FE/PE licensure.
• Feedback: Structured performance reviews and goal-setting.

Career Progression Paths

• Short-Term: Project Engineer → Project Manager (3-5 years)
• Long-Term: Senior Engineer, Discipline Lead, or move into project management or business development.
• Licensure Support: Encouragement and resources for obtaining Professional Engineer (PE) license.

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APPLICATION SUCCESS GUIDE

Application Requirements and Deadlines

• Requirements: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (or related), 0-2 years’ experience, proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, strong communication skills.
• Materials: Resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and references.
• Deadline: Rolling applications—apply ASAP for best consideration.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Online Application: Submit via Core States Group careers portal.
2. Resume Screening: HR and hiring managers review applications.
3. Initial Interview: Phone or video interview with HR.
4. Technical Interview: With engineering team; may include technical questions or a practical exercise.
5. Final Interview: In-person or virtual, possibly with a panel.
6. Offer: Conditional on background/reference checks.

Common Interview Questions

• Why civil engineering? Why Barghausen/Core States?
• Describe a challenging engineering project you worked on.
• How do you prioritize tasks on a tight deadline?
• Explain a technical concept (e.g., stormwater management) to a non-engineer.
• How do you handle feedback or mistakes?

Assessment Centers/Case Studies

• May include a technical assessment (e.g., reviewing a site plan, basic calculations).
• Group exercises are rare but possible for graduate intakes.

What Makes a Standout Candidate

• Demonstrated passion for civil engineering and real-world application.
• Internship or project experience (even academic) with tangible results.
• Proficiency in relevant software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Clear communication and teamwork examples.
• Curiosity about the company’s projects and industry trends.

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INSIDER TIPS

Company-Specific Interview Tips

• Research recent projects (especially local/regional ones).
• Show understanding of both technical and client-facing aspects of engineering.
• Be ready to discuss how you learn from setbacks or feedback.

Technical Skills vs Soft Skills

• Technical: Must-have baseline (AutoCAD, engineering principles).
• Soft Skills: Equally important—especially communication, initiative, and adaptability.

Industry Knowledge to Demonstrate

• Awareness of local/regional development trends.
• Understanding of permitting, site development, and sustainability in civil engineering.

Questions to Ask Interviewers

• What does success look like for a new graduate in this role?
• How does the company support professional development and licensure?
• Can you describe the team culture and mentorship opportunities?
• What are some exciting projects the team is working on?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Generic answers about why you want the job.
• Lack of knowledge about the company or its projects.
• Overstating technical skills—be honest about your experience level.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Salary/Stipend Ranges

• Entry-Level Civil Project Engineer: $65,000–$75,000/year (Seattle area market).
• Internships: If available, typically $22–$28/hour.

Benefits Package

• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development reimbursement
• Support for FE/PE exam fees

Start Dates and Program Duration

• Start Dates: Flexible, typically aligned with graduation cycles (May–September).
• Duration: Permanent, full-time role.

Networking and Alumni Connections

• Access to company-wide events, professional societies, and alumni working across the U.S.
• Participation in industry conferences and local engineering organizations encouraged.

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FINAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and software skills.
• Showcase teamwork and communication in your application and interviews.
• Demonstrate curiosity about the company’s work and the civil engineering industry.
• Follow up with a thank-you note after interviews, reiterating your interest and fit. Good luck! This is a strong opportunity for early-career civil engineers to launch their careers with a respected, growing firm.