Design Lead

About the role

A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role involves applying broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices while directly overseeing a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff.

Responsibilities

• Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects.
• Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ensure design compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Evaluate utility impacts on roadway profiles, perform utility conflict matrix tracking, and design distribution reroutes around complex municipal and DOT roadway expansion corridors.
• Cook with public works departments, utility asset owners, and state/local DOT permitting agencies to secure necessary Right-of-Way (ROW), maintenance of traffic (MOT), and utility occupancy permits.
• Independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to address unique and complex challenges.
• Act as team lead in coordinating detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work.
• Directly oversee a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff, approve timesheets, and conduct annual reviews.
• Work with project management to load balance engineering resources across projects.
• Coach and mentor entry-level and mid-level staff in their professional development.
• Perform quality control reviews of engineering designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
• Interface with clients to discuss engineering topics including project scope, technical design considerations, and material selection.
• Own all phases of the design lifecycle from project initiation through construction completion and closeout.
• Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms.
• Analyze information from topographical surveys, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, and manufacturer equipment datasheets.
• Develop utility pole loading models using structural software.
• Generate material and equipment purchase order requests.
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
• Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
• Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
• Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
• Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
• Travel as needed, typically less than 25%.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in utility engineering, civil site development, or roadway infrastructure design.
• Proven familiarity with utility coordination standards, roadway construction specification manuals (e.g., DOT/IDOT/TxDOT/CDOT standard specifications), and public right-of-way permitting protocols.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar) including generating layout drawings and project materials.
• Experience reviewing drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
• Staff management and team oversight experience, with a track record of training and mentoring entry- and mid-level staff.
• Associate degree in a related technical field (preferred).
• Related technical certificates in CADD and related software platforms (preferred).
• US driver's license and US work authorization.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong technology skills and understanding of the Office365 suite of tools.
• Understanding of remote communication software for cross-office collaboration.
• Ability to quickly come up to speed on in-process projects and hit the ground running.
• Experience collaborating with teams to complete larger projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills suited for both internal and external conversations.
• Persistence to see projects through to completion.
• Adaptability to change in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• US citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Passion for utility engineering and a commitment to excellence in design and construction.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

• Utility coordination standards.
• Utility design and engineering.
• Public right-of-way permitting protocols.
• 2D CADD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
• Project management and team leadership.
• Client relations and communication.
• Quality control and review.
• Field work and documentation.
• Remote collaboration and communication.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and employer paid life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and other role specific company paid professional development opportunities.
• Company match on 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible vacation and holiday schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Equal opportunity employer.

Pay

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $75,000.00/Yr. - USD $95,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible scheduling to accommodate travel and project needs.