Transportation Construction Engineering Lead

Ayres Associates • Burlington, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Finding the right fit: Due to exciting growth, our transportation division is seeking a confident and motivated engineer with an entrepreneurial mind-set to take the lead in offering construction engineering services in North Carolina. As the construction services lead, you’ll work alongside your colleagues in our Burlington office and coordinate with staff located around the country to strategize, collaborate, and implement action plans promoting overall company growth. Success will be defined by your ability to develop client relationships; identify, pursue, win and manage transportation related projects; make hiring recommendations as you grow this service-line; and be instrumental in the career development of your staff. Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in transportation.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of North Carolina (or ability to attain within 3 months).
• A minimum of 8 years of combined experience in the following: Sound transportation construction management skills. Proven business development expertise focused on identifying, pursuing, and winning projects. Managing and mentoring staff.
• Willingness to travel to other company locations on occasion.
• Willingness to travel to project locations outside of the Burlington area when necessary (overnight stays may be required depending upon the project location)
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

• A desire to build the Ayres Associates brand at professional meetings/conferences locally, statewide, and potentially nationally.
• Proven success in meeting goals and objectives of annual business plans and budgets, including revenue and profitability, staffing, backlog, billing, accounts receivable, ROI on capital purchases, and image development.
• Ability to think outside the box to generate creative ideas and inspire your team.
• Passion for representing Ayres Associates in a professional manner.
• Eagerness to cultivate a team environment where all staff members feel valued and supported and all ideas flow freely.
• Enthusiastic focus on business development, including client contact, marketing initiatives, and monitoring client and partner satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Take the lead in successfully identifying, marketing, and winning transportation construction management projects from clients including NCDOT, Counties, municipalities, and private sector clients.
• Prepare and negotiate contract documents.
• Perform onsite construction management services.
• Manage clients.
• Manage projects overseeing the completion of all project work, ensuring that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with the quality standards of Ayres Associates and requirements of the contract.
• Build and maintain respectful working relationships with fellow employee owners and leaders within the company.
• Support and participate in the development and mentorship of staff.
• Assist with the design and plan production of transportation related projects by performing constructability reviews and performing other value-added tasks.
• Assist with the development of an annual business plan and budget with emphasis on growth, financial planning, capital purchases, marketing, and training initiatives associated with construction engineering.
• Actively engage in local, statewide, and/or national professional organizations.
• Participate in office-wide, social events.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
• PTO upon hire, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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