Design Director (PE License)

Infrastructure Engineering•Detroit, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join us at the intersection of INGENUITY & INCLUSION Infrastructure Engineering Inc (IEI) is looking for our next Director level talent to help grow our Detroit office and elevate our transportation design practice across the Michigan market. The Design Director will lead our local transportation design team, manage key projects, and partner closely with firm leadership to deepen client relationships and strategically expand our presence in the Detroit market. This role blends high-level technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and collaborative business development, working in coordination with our Indiana Operations Manager and national Business Development team. About the Role The Design Director is responsible for the leadership, organization, morale, technical excellence, and operational performance of the Transportation Design Team in Detroit. This position serves both as a technical leader and a client-facing project manager, ensuring delivery of high-quality engineering services while fostering strong, enduring client relationships. Working in partnership with the Senior Vice President, firm leadership, and national BD Team, the Design Director will help shape market strategy, pursue key opportunities, and grow IEI’s footprint with Michigan municipalities, and other public agencies. Success in this role requires a leader who can inspire a high-performing technical team, manage complex transportation projects, and build IEI’s reputation in the Indiana market. We are a leading engineering firm known for quality and responsiveness and a proven track record of success as a Prime civil engineering firm. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to build a company based on Integrity, Excellence, and Ingenuity!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university, or approved equivalent.
Professional Engineer (PE) license required; ability to obtain Indiana PE within six months if currently licensed elsewhere.
8–10+ years of progressive experience in transportation engineering, including project management, client relations, and/or business development responsibilities.
Demonstrated record of winning and delivering transportation projects in Indiana, with strong familiarity with INDOT and municipal clients.
Substantial business development experience within the engineering consulting industry, including proven client development and relationship-building skills.
Proven ability to lead technical teams, oversee project delivery, and manage complex transportation infrastructure projects.
Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Experience working with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
Familiarity with ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., Deltek, Paycor, VantagePoint) and comfort with CAD software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and/or Civil 3D.
Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing staff, fostering collaboration, and supporting a positive team culture.
Active Registered Professional Engineer required.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Additional registrations and accreditations (i.e. LEED AP, Certified Floodplain Manager, PTOE etc.) are desired.
Other licensure or registration (must require Continuing Education to remain active) may be considered in lieu Professional Engineer or Structural Engineer licensure

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and support the Design Team to ensure technically accurate, high-quality deliverables (plans, specifications, permits, reports, etc.).
Promote and implement technologies and tools that drive efficient, innovative project delivery.
Serve as a senior technical resource on transportation infrastructure projects.
Ensure project teams prepare and follow Project Management Plans (PMPs) and adhere to QA/QC processes.
Oversee development and approval of scopes, fees, and schedules for major pursuits and contracts.
Monitor project performance, budget, and schedule, and communicate issues promptly to clients and internal leadership.
Support contract reviews to manage risk and reinforce responsible commercial practices.
Engage directly with clients to understand their priorities, capital programs, and long-term needs.
Build deep, multi-level relationships between IEI staff and client organizations.
Coordinate with the Indiana Operations Manager and national BD team to identify, pursue, and secure new work across the state.
Lead or support proposal development, client interviews, and project-specific marketing efforts.
Maintain frequent contact with existing clients to evaluate performance and identify new opportunities.
Participate actively in industry and community events to elevate IEI’s visibility and brand.
Ensures project delivery team prepares IEI’s Project Management Plan (PMP) at start of project and follows and updates them for duration of the project.
Ensures projects receive a Minimum Formal Evaluation or Feedback of “Satisfactory” or Equivalent from Clients. Actively deploys practices and procedure to earn “Above Average” evaluation.
Ensures project delivery team complies with IEI’s QA/QC and/or client mandated QA/QC policies and procedures.
Monitors financial profitability of the Group and takes corrective actions when profitability falls below the target.
Assists firm leadership in shaping and deploying strategies which helps sustain profitability and financial strength of the firm.
Regularly monitors project progress and budget and ensures project delivery team completes projects within the allocated budget and schedule.
Ensures all members of project delivery team are aware of and actively monitoring budgets on recurring basis commensurate with job classification.
Ensures all assigned members of project delivery team are complying with Invoicing protocols and schedules and working actively in pursuing collections and AR's.
Develops and fosters relationships with key clients and agencies which results in winning work.
Develop and deploy business development strategies which results in Group’s growth in alignment with firm’s growth strategies.
Meets regularly with existing clients to discuss current projects, evaluate performance and identify other business opportunities.
Oversees and contributes in preparation of technical proposals and other marketing efforts in a timely manner.
Proactively participates in industry and community functions and activities that promote IEI's visibility and brand.
Develop office and firm's strategic capabilities and capacity by attracting and recruiting staff.
Works in collaboration with staff in identifying and actively promoting professional development of staff to meet personal and firms’ professional development goals.
Possesses good verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates positive work attitude and behaviors.
Promotes and participates in team building initiatives for the Group and firm.
Possesses critical thinking skills with ability to plan, organize, delegate and prioritize work and make decisions and solve problems.
Possesses ability to motivate and lead staff to achieve Groups’ and firms Mission, Vision and Core Values.