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.
• Review permit applications, engineering design plans, specifications, standby plans, engineering contracts, integrated waste management plans, and conduct periodic construction inspections for compliance with regulations and engineering standards.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to explain research, findings, and recommendations for engineering, design, and 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 and design.
• Apply high-level civil engineering techniques to improve infrastructure project phases, including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Perform professional civil engineering work, conducting investigations and inspections of proposed and existing 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, building materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements to enhance safety and functionality for end-users and transportation systems.
• Coordinate teamwork, lead projects, attend client meetings, and mentor staff.
• Stay 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.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; multi-state licensure preferred.
• Proficiency in civil engineering principles, practices, design/build processes, and their application to permitting and project-related issues.
• Extensive knowledge of infrastructure and highway design.
• High proficiency with design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience in infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including involvement in rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
• Knowledge of civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations, understand plans and specifications, and compare them to regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and provide guidance to junior team members while adhering to QA/QC standards.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply technical knowledge and reach effective, economical 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 schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required based on project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave, vacation (or other personal time), 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+ offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model while providing a comprehensive suite of benefits.