Commercial Plan Review Engineer; Engineering Specialist III - Inspections, Licenses & Permits

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record‑breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county‑level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Advises and assists organizations for purposes of safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, structural, energy, and related hazards. Reviews plans and designs for new construction and determines if the applicable codes as well as life safety design principles have been met. Reviews commercial, residential and capital project construction drawings and site development plans, associated structural and calculations, energy calculations including soil analyses submitted by architects and engineers to ensure compliance with a variety of standards, including nationally recognized building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, energy and accessibility codes.

This position is responsible for being the lead commercial building plans examiner that coordinates reviews with other trades and requires the knowledge to explain complex code requirements to ensure proper compliance with engineering design principals, codes, and standards on the most technically challenging buildings and projects.

$45.68 – $59.81 per hour ($95,019 – $124,409 annual)

Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical, energy or structural engineering;

in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Makes studies of industrial, mercantile, and public buildings, homes and other property before and after construction, usage or contents of buildings, water supplies and water delivery, and egress facilities.
• Reviews preliminary and final plans and drawings to ensure conformance with sound engineering practices and applicable codes, regulations and specifications; presents recommendations and comments to internal review board; writes letters with composite recommendations and comments to developer; meets with…