Vice President and Director, Technology Innovation

About the Role

The Director of Technology Innovation will play a pivotal role in overseeing innovative solutions in civil engineering design and related consulting services. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of design, study and analysis processes related to delivering infrastructure solutions to public and private clients. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to evaluate project delivery processes for technology enablement opportunities with automation and artificial intelligence. The role typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity, provides input to strategic decisions affecting the functional area, may contribute to budget development, and resolves escalated operational issues requiring coordination with other departments.

Responsibilities

• Learn about Halff and its 75th Anniversary.
• Lead the firm’s technology innovation strategy, focusing on applying AI and emerging technology to civil engineering design and project delivery.
• Identify, evaluate, pilot, and scale emerging technologies – AI/ML, automation, generative/parametric design, digital twins, reality capture, and advanced analytics.
• Partner with practice leaders and project teams to translate design workflows and pain points into practical, high‑impact solutions.
• Integrate technology and AI into quality control reviews.
• Build and lead a technology innovation team, cultivating a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.
• Drive process automation and productivity improvements in project life cycles.
• Lead innovation pilots and proofs of concept from ideation through evaluation, with clear business cases, metrics, and adoption paths.
• Communicate change management, training, and documentation associated with technology enablement.
• Collaborate with IT, infrastructure, security, and business systems to ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and integrated with core production platforms.
• Understand the business impacts of technology investment.
• Monitor industry trends and recommend adjustments to the technology implementation strategy.
• Represent the firm as a thought leader through white papers, presentations, and professional organizations.

Requirements

• In‑depth knowledge of civil engineering design principles, workflows, and deliverables, and how technology can enhance them.
• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their practical application to design, automation, and data analysis.
• Experience with core project delivery platforms and technologies – Autodesk, Bentley, Esri, CADD/BIM, generative/parametric design, digital twins, and GIS.
• Proven ability to translate complex business and engineering needs into scalable technology solutions.
• Experience leading innovation programs, pilots, and proofs of concept from concept through adoption.
• Strong leadership skills to build, motivate, and develop cross‑functional innovation teams.
• Excellent communication skills across engineers, executives, and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong business acumen – business cases, success metrics, and innovation budget/portfolio management.
• Ability to think strategically and align innovation with business and project objectives.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and change‑management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in civil engineering‑related technologies, with at least 5 years in a leadership or innovation role.
• Professional certifications with Bentley or Autodesk software and artificial intelligence are highly desirable.
• Proven track record of leading innovation teams with technology enablement and process automation.
• Experience in the civil engineering design consulting or broader AEC industry is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to travel to various office locations.

Company Overview

Halff is a full‑service infrastructure consulting firm that plans, designs, engineers, constructs, and purposes projects for people. Since 1950, the firm has created smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality. Founded on the core tenet “Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow,” Halff consistently ranks as a Top Workplace in America. The firm’s industry‑leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways. Halff operates in more than 30 offices across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and life insurance.
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and eight company‑paid holidays (plus Veteran’s Day for veterans).
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• 529 College Savings Plan.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Plan.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.