Project Engineer

Position Summary

Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering (ICE) is seeking a Project Engineer to support North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) and Maintenance Engineering & Inspection (MEI) projects throughout North Carolina. This position provides engineering oversight, construction administration, quality assurance, contract compliance, and technical support for transportation infrastructure projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Aid in the administration of NCDOT transportation construction and maintenance contracts.
• Coordinate daily construction activities with contractors, NCDOT personnel, utility owners, and stakeholders.
• Review plans, specifications, special provisions, and contract documents for constructability and compliance.
• Maintain project schedules and identify potential delays, recommending corrective actions.
• Prepare meeting minutes, action items, and follow-up documentation.
• Assist with project budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Review permit and encroachment submittals.
• Support subdivision plans, secondary road development, traffic control plans, erosion control plans, and other engineering documents.
• Evaluate requests for permits and encroachments, respond to inquiries from the public and local officials, and ensure compliance with NCDOT standards, FHWA requirements, environmental permits, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to District Engineer Office staff, assign inspection personnel based on project needs, review inspection reports and documentation, conduct field reviews to verify quality and consistency, and promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Verify construction materials testing requirements, monitor contractor quality control, document deficiencies, assist with resolving construction conflicts and field issues, maintain accurate project documentation supporting contract compliance, participate in project audits and quality assurance reviews.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with NCDOT staff and project stakeholders, represent ICE professionally during meetings and field activities, and communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations to management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
• North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
• 4–8 years of progressively responsible experience in highway construction engineering, transportation engineering, or construction inspection.
• Experience supporting NCDOT transportation projects strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of:
• NCDOT Standard Specifications
• Maintenance Operations
• Roadway construction
• Bridge construction
• Utility coordination
• Earthwork
• Asphalt and concrete paving
• Drainage systems
• Traffic control
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications

• North Carolina PE License.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Resident Engineer, Resident Engineer, County Maintenance Engineer, or District Engineer on NCDOT projects.
• NCDOT certifications applicable to construction inspection.
• Experience administering federally funded transportation projects.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Project, or similar scheduling software.
• Experience using NCDOT management software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of transportation construction and maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of NCDOT procedures and documentation requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary inspection teams.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and project documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain, climb slopes, and access active construction sites.
• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and inspect work for extended periods.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project location.