Lead Transportation Engineer

WSP is seeking a Lead Transportation Engineer with highway design experience to join our Civil Engineering group in the Mid Atlantic District. The position is open in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, Herndon, VA, Baltimore, MD, Virginia Beach, VA, or Richmond, VA.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have experience in highway, roadway geometric, and drainage design for traditional and alternative delivery projects. This role involves design, plan production, and project management support, with a focus on mentoring the transportation team and contributing to flagship infrastructure programs across transportation, transit, site, and environmental sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop construction plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans; and update infrastructure layout plans in coordination with owners, disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Lead client-facing engagement sessions centered on technical memoranda.
• Support or lead large-scale heavy civil engineering projects, ensuring alignment on roles and deliverables.
• Assist with engineering reviews of permit applications, design plans, specifications, standby plans, engineering contracts, waste management plans, and construction inspections for compliance with regulations and standards.
• Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations for engineering, design, or construction issues.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data from physical work sites, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, and geotechnical data for project development.
• Apply high-level civil engineering techniques to improve infrastructure project phases, including concept development, design, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Perform professional civil engineering work, conducting investigations and inspections of site conditions, resources, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure compliance with rules, standards, and permits.
• Manage infrastructure projects from inception to completion, including rehabilitation, reconstruction, grading, drainage, pavement design, specifications, materials, phasing, and construction safety plans.
• Oversee the development and implementation of advanced technologies, monitoring devices, materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements for safety and functionality.
• Coordinate teamwork, lead projects, attend client meetings, and mentor staff.
• Remain current with structural engineering techniques and practices.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and perform additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related discipline; post-graduate education is a plus.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in engineering and civil design.
• P.E. license required; multi-state licensure preferred.
• Proficiency in civil engineering principles, practices, design/build, and permitting.
• Extensive knowledge of infrastructure and highway design.
• Highly proficient with design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS), math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
• Knowledge of civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping.
• Ability to make technical computations, understand plans and specifications, and compare them to regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and guide junior team members with strict QA/QC adherence.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply technical knowledge and reach data-driven solutions.
• Effectiveness in coordinating and directing subcontractors to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol policies.
• Flexibility to work extended schedules based on project requirements.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering (graduate-level courses, Master’s, or PhD).
• Enhancing credentials and certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected salary range (all locations): $95,000 – $169,300. Compensation is based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. We design lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environmental markets. With over 15,000 employees in 300+ U.S. offices, we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model alongside comprehensive benefits to support employees' health and financial stability throughout their careers.