Director of Engineering Services

OMNI Human Resource Management • Overland Park, KS

10d

About The Position

American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) is seeking a collaborative, experienced Director of Engineering Services to lead and grow its structural engineering practice. ARE provides engineering and environmental services to North American freight railways, with an emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance. The Director will provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and oversight of engineering projects from proposal through completion, while advising on complex structural engineering issues, guiding quality assurance and quality control, strengthening client relationships, and developing staff. The role offers the opportunity for an experienced railroad bridge engineer to shape the practice’s growth while remaining engaged in technical work and client partnerships.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director leads the Engineering Services group and its bridge design team, delivering railroad bridge rehabilitation, replacement, culvert, and emergency repair projects for railroad clients across North America. The Director is accountable for the group’s performance, productivity, and profitability, with a target utilization rate of 50%. Success is measured by team performance, project delivery, employee development, and departmental profitability. The Director is expected to deliver projects on schedule and within budget, meet annual revenue and profitability goals established with the COO, and support staff in achieving performance expectations and licensure milestones.

This is a full-time, direct-hire position with an office in Overland Park, Kansas, or the opportunity to work remotely in the United States. The role requires quarterly travel for project site visits, client meetings, and industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 12 years of structural engineering experience, including significant experience with railroad bridge design, rehabilitation, and replacement projects; highway bridge design experience will be considered.
• At least 3 years of experience leading engineers and technical project teams.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one state, with the ability and willingness to obtain additional licensure as needed.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis, mechanics of materials, and AREMA design and construction standards.
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design software such as RISA, MathCAD, L-Pile, or similar tools, and working knowledge of drafting software.
• Ability to exercise sound engineering judgment and develop practical solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, scopes, and technical deliverables.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and support professional development and licensure advancement.
• Experience building and maintaining client relationships and contributing to business development.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain a high level of accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel quarterly for project site visits, client meetings, and industry events.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing in accordance with ARE policies and applicable FRA requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-state Professional Engineer licensure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design team in load rating, rehabilitation, replacement, and emergency repair design for railroad bridges, culverts, and related structures.
• Establish and execute the structural design team’s direction and plan, ensuring staff and resources are adequate for current and forecasted work.
• Communicate and enforce AREMA Chapters 7, 8, and 15, client design criteria, design standards, and ARE procedures.
• Lead timely delivery of calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports, with a focus on client needs.
• Ensure quality through a QA/QC program, including independent checks of calculations and drawings.
• Directly supervise the CAD Lead in developing drawing standards, templates, and production.
• Coordinate with the Director of Bridge Management Services on load ratings and repairs for conditions identified during field inspections.
• Coordinate with the Director of Environmental Services on environmental compliance and project permitting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, project managers, technicians, and CAD professionals.
• Set performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews for engineers, technicians, CAD staff, and project managers assigned to the team.
• Communicate project forecasts, assign work, and balance team capacity to meet utilization targets.
• Mentor engineers toward EIT and PE licensure and recommend promotions and level changes using ARE advancement criteria.
• Oversee project execution to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and to high quality standards.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, project budgets, fee estimates, and staffing plans.
• Serve as Engineer of Record where licensed and pursue additional licensure as business needs require.
• Build and maintain relationships with railroad clients and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, strengthen client partnerships, and contribute to business growth.
• Collaborate with company leadership to pursue new clients and strategic opportunities.
• Meet the team’s annual revenue and profitability goals established with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Support team members in meeting role-specific performance expectations and licensure milestones.
• Travel quarterly for project site visits, client meetings, and industry events.
• Pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing in accordance with ARE policies and applicable FRA requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities to work on impactful infrastructure projects that promote sustainability.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave policy.
• Flexible remote work in the United States.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director