Design Lead
About The Position
A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role involves applying broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices while directly overseeing a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff. The position requires independently evaluating, selecting, and adapting standard techniques and procedures to address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges while interfacing directly with clients on technical design considerations. A key component of this role includes driving utility/roadway conflict analysis, right-of-way (ROW) engineering corridors, and managing design packages that interface with municipal and state DOT frameworks. This position can be seated in one of the following office locations: Chicago, IL; Oak Brook, IL; Geneva, IL; Spring, TX; or Denver, CO.
Requirements
- 5+ years of relevant experience in utility engineering, civil site development, or roadway infrastructure design.
- Proven familiarity with utility coordination standards, roadway construction specification manuals (e.g., DOT/IDOT/TxDOT/CDOT standard specifications), and public right-of-way permitting protocols.
- In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar) including generating layout drawings and project materials.
- Experience reviewing drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
- Staff management and team oversight experience, with a track record of training and mentoring entry- and mid-level staff.
- US driver's license and US work authorization.
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong technology skills and understanding of the Office365 suite of tools.
- Understanding of remote communication software for cross-office collaboration.
- Ability to quickly come up to speed on in-process projects and hit the ground running.
- Experience collaborating with teams to complete larger projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills suited for both internal and external conversations.
- Persistence to see projects through to completion.
- Adaptability to change in a dynamic team environment.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree in a related technical field (preferred).
- Related technical certificates in CADD and related software platforms (preferred).
Responsibilities
- Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects.
- Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ensure design compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements.
- Evaluate utility impacts on roadway profiles, perform utility conflict matrix tracking, and design distribution reroutes around complex municipal and DOT roadway expansion corridors.
- Coordinate directly with public works departments, utility asset owners, and state/local DOT permitting agencies to secure necessary Right-of-Way (ROW), maintenance of traffic (MOT), and utility occupancy permits.
- Independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to address unique and complex challenges.
- Act as team lead in coordinating detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work.
- Directly oversee a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff, approve timesheets, and conduct annual reviews.
- Work with project management to load balance engineering resources across projects.
- Coach and mentor entry-level and mid-level staff in their professional development.
- Perform quality control reviews of engineering designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
- Interface with clients to discuss engineering topics including project scope, technical design considerations, and material selection.
- Own all phases of the design lifecycle from project initiation through construction completion and closeout.
- Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms.
- Analyze information from topographical surveys, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, and manufacturer equipment datasheets.
- Develop utility pole loading models using structural software.
- Generate material and equipment purchase order requests.
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
- Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
- Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
- Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
- Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
- Travel as needed, typically less than 25%.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- disability
- employer paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- paid time off
- holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- other role specific company paid professional development opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
