Transportation Design Manager

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking a Transportation Design Manager to lead and support transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. This role is ideal for an experienced transportation engineer who is passionate about delivering roadway and highway improvements while mentoring technical staff and collaborating with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary project teams.

The Transportation Design Manager will be responsible for managing transportation design projects from planning through final design, ensuring quality deliverables, maintaining client relationships, and supporting the continued growth of our transportation practice.

• Manage and oversee transportation engineering projects, including roadway, highway, tollway, drainage, and related infrastructure improvements
• Lead project teams through all phases of design and delivery, from concept development through final plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E)
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, technical reports, construction plans, and project specifications
• Coordinate with internal disciplines, including civil, structural, electrical, and environmental teams
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and stakeholders throughout project execution
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers while promoting technical excellence and quality control
• Support proposal development, project pursuits, and business development initiatives
• Participate in project planning, resource allocation, and workload forecasting
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry standards, agency requirements, and transportation design best practices
• Develop and expand client relationships to identify new business opportunities, support proposal and pursuit efforts, and contribute to the continued growth of Valdes' transportation engineering practice

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university (required)
• Minimum of 7 years of transportation engineering and design experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain PE licensure within one year of hire
• Experience designing transportation infrastructure projects including roadways, highways, tollways, drainage systems, and grading & site development
• Proficiency with transportation design software such as MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, Civil 3D, or similar platforms
• Strong understanding of transportation engineering principles, design standards, and project delivery processes
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client relationship management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working on projects for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and/or Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
• Previous experience leading project teams and mentoring engineering staff
• Familiarity with Midwest transportation agency standards, permitting requirements, and funding programs
• Experience supporting project pursuits, client development, and transportation practice growth
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

• Strong technical expertise in transportation design and project delivery
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to guide and develop team members
• A commitment to quality, innovation, and client service
• The ability to build lasting relationships with clients, agency representatives, and project stakeholders

• Opportunity to help grow and shape a transportation practice within an established multidisciplinary firm
• Exposure to diverse transportation and infrastructure projects
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement and leadership development
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work arrangements