Engineering Manager I

State of North Carolina•East Reg. Office Wake, NC

12d•$87,740 - $171,095•Onsite

About The Position

The Geotechnical Engineering Unit is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our Eastern Region supporting Highway Divisions 1 -7. The Assistant State Geotechnical Engineer will oversee the regional geotechnical investigation, design, and operations functional groups and oversee project delivery in the region. The position serves as the senior technical authority for soil and rock mechanics, foundations, and earth-retaining systems, providing expert guidance to regional functional teams, project managers, and division maintenance and construction personnel.

Requirements

Experience applying the principles and practices of geotechnical engineering to highway design, construction, and maintenance to resolve highly technical design problems for lower-level staff and offering technical advice to construction engineers and maintenance personnel in the Highway Divisions.
Demonstrated ability understanding and explaining contracts for professional services and construction.
Experience preparing and interpreting plans, provisions, and specifications for highway design, construction and maintenance.
Experience managing and supervising a team or work groups including planning and prioritizing work assignments, tracking active and backlog projects for resource allocation, and maintaining effective working relationships.
Bachelor's degree in engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and a minimum of six years progressive engineering experience including four years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic resource management by directing the allocation of regional staff, consultants, drilling equipment, and operational assets to meet geotechnical needs across Highway Divisions 1 – 7.
Oversee delivery of geotechnical services across the regional workgroups, ensuring all projects meet schedule, budget, and quality expectations. Prioritize the regional work program based on project urgency and letting schedules. Track active work, backlog, and anticipated assignments, proactively coordinating with Unit staff or consultants to maintain operational readiness.
Serve as the primary regional liaison for preconstruction, construction, and maintenance personnel. Promote geotechnical services, maintain proactive communication, identify service gaps, and anticipate emerging stakeholder needs.
Manage and develop regional staff, providing leadership for approximately 20 employees. Responsibilities include recruitment and hiring, performance management, conflict resolution, staff development, and disciplinary actions, while fostering a productive and inclusive work environment.