Director of Digital Engineering

Aldridge•Libertyville, IL

19h

About The Position

Aldridge is seeking a Director of Digital Engineering to lead the implementation of advanced technical solutions that improve project delivery, safety, cost control, and competitiveness. The role connects traditional construction practices with emerging technologies and oversees a team focused on Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), automation and scripting, and AI-driven tools. The position is based in Libertyville, Illinois. The Director will define the company’s Digital Engineering and Construction Technology roadmap, evaluate emerging technologies, and promote innovation across corporate and field operations. The role partners with Preconstruction and Pursuits teams to support project proposals with digital twins, 4D sequencing, and logistics plans, and leads enterprise VDC and BIM operations, reality-capture standards, and prefabrication strategy. The Director will also lead automation, AI, and data initiatives; manage a multidisciplinary team; and collaborate with Operations, Preconstruction, IT, and Project Management. The position emphasizes MEP coordination and design-assist oversight, using detailed digital models to resolve clashes and support off-site manufacturing and prefabrication workflows. The role requires regular performance conversations with direct reports. Aldridge describes itself as a family-centered organization with third-generation leadership and more than 2,000 industry experts. Its stated vision is to be the First Choice for Energy and Transportation infrastructure projects, with a focus on teamwork, safety, innovation, execution, community impact, and mental wellness. Annual base pay is $175,000–$215,000, with possible bonus eligibility. Aldridge offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in AEC technology.
At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role within a medium-to-large construction firm.
Deep expertise in Autodesk Construction Cloud tools such as Revit, Navisworks, and Assemble, or in Bentley or Trimble ecosystems.
Strong understanding of computational-design automation tools such as Dynamo or Grasshopper and programming languages such as Python, C#, or JavaScript.
Proven experience implementing AI tools or using data analytics platforms such as Power BI or Tableau in a construction context.
Familiarity with drone mapping, laser scanning, and point-cloud processing.
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and field crews.
Strong change-management skills and a proven track record of driving technology adoption across large organizations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or technical certifications.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the company’s Digital Engineering and Construction Technology roadmap.
Evaluate emerging technologies for VDC and prefabrication groups, including generative AI, machine learning, robotics, and IoT, and assess their viability for project delivery.
Champion innovation and foster a technology-forward culture across corporate and field operations.
Partner with Preconstruction and Pursuits teams early in the project lifecycle to develop visual digital twins, 4D schedule sequencing, and logistics plans for project pursuits.
Oversee corporate VDC strategy and integration of 3D, 4D, and 5D modeling across project phases.
Establish enterprise-wide standards, workflows, and protocols for digital twins, reality capture, and AR/VR applications.
Collaborate on Target Value Design to connect design intent with buildability and optimize costs before construction begins.
Define the corporate off-site strategy, establish prefabrication criteria, develop a data-rich Revit MEP family library, and collaborate with the Shop Manager on a catalog of standardized electrical assemblies.
Lead development of scripts, plugins, and APIs to automate design and preconstruction workflows.
Deploy AI and machine learning tools to analyze project data, optimize scheduling, improve estimating accuracy, and predict safety risks.
Integrate disparate data streams into unified dashboards that provide business intelligence to executive leadership.
Recruit, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of VDC managers, computational designers, software developers, and data analysts.
Collaborate with Operations, Preconstruction, IT, and Project Management to ensure digital tools address jobsite needs.
Use predictive analytics and operational dashboards to monitor KPIs, assess risk, and prevent cost overruns.
Oversee MEP coordination and design-assist workflows, ensuring complex building systems are modeled and clashes resolved digitally.
Use VDC strategy to support off-site manufacturing and field profitability by converting electrical models into prefabrication assemblies and integrated shop-floor workflows.
Host regular performance conversations to set goals, provide feedback, and support the development of direct reports.
Perform other occasional work assignments, including temporary assignments, training assignments, and related duties.