Highways Design Lead

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America—including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water—we believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Highways & Transportation Design Lead to join our team in Orange, CA. The ideal candidate will hold a California Professional Engineer (PE) license and bring 25+ years of expertise in highway and transportation design. This individual will lead complex design projects, mentor teams, and drive successful pursuits for PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage highway and transportation design projects from concept through delivery
• Build and develop high-performing design teams to execute projects efficiently
• Oversee preparation of Project Study Reports (PSR), Project Approval & Environmental Documents (PA&ED), and Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E)
• Ensure compliance with Caltrans design standards and other applicable regulations
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver innovative solutions
• Support and lead alternate project delivery methods (Design-Build, CM/GC) as needed
• Drive business development efforts, including proposal preparation and pursuit strategy
• Promote the Mott MacDonald Brand for Design services, identifying industry events to sponsor and attend

Requirements

• California PE license required
• 25+ years of experience in highway and transportation design
• Proven track record of winning and delivering PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E pursuits
• Strong background in Caltrans design standards and processes
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead design teams
• Experience with alternate project delivery methods preferred
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Caltrans procedures and specifications
• Alternative Project Delivery experience
• Strategic thinking and ability to manage complex projects
• Proficiency in relevant design software and tools

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including 401k, medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term/long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays, PTO, and parental leave
• Company-paid life insurance
• Personal and group performance bonuses

Pay

The expected salary for this position is $225,000 - $275,000.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a hybrid work pattern. Most of your time will be spent collaborating in-office, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. You and your manager can balance flexibility with connection to meet client, team, and personal commitments.

Location: Orange, CA, US