Design Director (PE License)

Director of Transportation Design

Infrastructure Engineering Inc (IEI) is looking for our next Director level talent to help grow our Detroit office and elevate our transportation design practice across the Michigan market. The Design Director will lead our local transportation design team, manage key projects, and partner closely with firm leadership to deepen client relationships and strategically expand our presence in the Detroit market. This role blends high-level technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and collaborative business development, working in coordination with our Indiana Operations Manager and national Business Development team.
About the Role
The Design Director is responsible for the leadership, organization, morale, technical excellence, and operational performance of the Transportation Design Team in Detroit. This position serves both as a technical leader and a client-facing project manager, ensuring delivery of high-quality engineering services while fostering strong, enduring client relationships. Working in partnership with the Senior Vice President, firm leadership, and national BD Team, the Design Director will help shape market strategy, pursue key opportunities, and grow IEI's footprint with Michigan municipalities, and other public agencies. Success in this role requires a leader who can inspire a high-performing technical team, manage complex transportation projects, and build IEI's reputation in the Indiana market.
Essential Duties/Functions and Responsibilities:
Technical & Project Leadership
Lead, mentor, and support the Design Team to ensure technically accurate, high-quality deliverables (plans, specifications, permits, reports, etc.).
Promote and implement technologies and tools that drive efficient, innovative project delivery.
Serve as a senior technical resource on transportation infrastructure projects.
Ensure project teams prepare and follow Project Management Plans (PMPs) and adhere to QA/QC processes.
Oversee development and approval of scopes, fees, and schedules for major pursuits and contracts.
Monitor project performance, budget, and schedule, and communicate issues promptly to clients and internal leadership.
Support contract reviews to manage risk and reinforce responsible commercial practices.
Client Engagement & Market Growth
Engage directly with clients to understand their priorities, capital programs, and long-term needs.
Build deep, multi-level relationships between IEI staff and client organizations.
Coordinate with the Indiana Operations Manager and national BD team to identify, pursue, and secure new work across the state.
Lead or support proposal development, client interviews, and project-specific marketing efforts.
Maintain frequent contact with existing clients to evaluate performance and identify new opportunities.
Participate actively in industry and community events to elevate IEI's visibility and brand.
Education and/or Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university, or approved equivalent.
Professional Engineer (PE) license required; ability to obtain Indiana PE within six months if currently licensed elsewhere.
Ideal candidate will have 8–10+ years of progressive experience in transportation engineering, including project management, client relations, and/or business development responsibilities.
Demonstrated record of winning and delivering transportation projects in Indiana, with strong familiarity with INDOT and municipal clients.
Substantial business development experience within the engineering consulting industry, including proven client development and relationship-building skills.
Proven ability to lead technical teams, oversee project delivery, and manage complex transportation infrastructure projects.
Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Experience working with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
Familiarity with ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., Deltek, Paycor, VantagePoint) and comfort with CAD software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and/or Civil 3D.
Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing staff, fostering collaboration, and supporting a positive team culture.
Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations Active Registered Professional Engineer required. Additional registrations and accreditations (i.e. LEED AP, Certified Floodplain Manager, PTOE etc.) are desired.
Benefits and Perks:
Highly competitive salary, and Bonus opportunities
Flexible Work Schedule
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Personal Paid Leave (Paid Time-Off)
Paid Holidays
Life Insurance
Short and Long-term Disability Program
401K Program with Employer Match
Profit Sharing
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Program
Employee Appreciation Program
IEI University
An opportunity to learn and grow - Professional Development Program
Opportunity to share ideas and express your point of view
You are welcome to be your authentic self
Philanthropic Outreach and Volunteer Opportunities
Physical Demands:
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions:
IEI will provide a company vehicle for fieldwork with acceptable driver's record. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or in-progress construction hazards: fumes, toxic chemicals, risk of electric shock, and vibration. Often works around dust, asphalt, and concrete. Sometimes need to put in extra hours, including weekends, to keep up with intense construction work at times and deal with unexpected situations and accidents. Spends some time working indoors to review blueprints and write reports. Usually works a standard 40-hour work week either daytime or nighttime. Usually works in outside weather conditions.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work outdoors in various weather conditions, possibly for an extended period of time, depending on the assignment type. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate. The noise level on the construction site is often loud and may require the use of hearing protection.
Infrastructure Engineering, Inc. is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise engage in the recruitment process, please contact our Human Resources department at 312-392-2796 or email HR@infra-eng.com. Accommodations are available upon request and will be provided in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and our commitment to equal opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.