Director of Project Development - Forensic Investigations

Designworks Talent; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Designworks Talent is seeking an experienced engineering leader to oversee the Florida Investigative practice. You will lead forensic investigations, drive client relationships, and mentor staff while shaping long-term growth strategy for the region.

You will manage complex projects, ensure high-quality reports, and collaborate with teams across technical and business domains to deliver value to clients and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or related field
• Florida PE license or ability to obtain licensure
• 10+ years in structural/forensic engineering
• Proven leadership of projects and mentoring staff
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Solid business development and client-relations skills
• Valid driver's license with travel to sites

Responsibilities

• Lead forensic engineering investigations involving structural issues and defects
• Oversee facility condition assessments and building evaluations
• Develop client relationships and pursue new business opportunities
• Mentor engineers and build high-performing teams
• Manage project profitability, schedules, and resources
• Represent the firm in the engineering community and client meetings

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Business development

Mentoring

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

PE license (Florida)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Location: Dallas, TX or Austin, TX (onsite)
Type: Full-Time
Industry: Forensic Civil Engineering / Infrastructure
Overview:
Join a dynamic, values-driven engineering and architecture firm dedicated to delivering exceptional service to clients and communities. Our client emphasizes respect, professional growth, collaboration, and results. Team members are encouraged to explore innovative solutions, contribute to meaningful projects, and help turn clients’ visions into reality. With competitive benefits, training, and mentorship, this role offers a pathway to a rewarding career beyond just a job.

Position Summary:
This is a leadership opportunity for an entrepreneurial structural or forensic engineering professional who can combine technical expertise, client development, team leadership, and business growth. The Director will oversee complex forensic investigations, develop client relationships, mentor engineering staff, and help shape the long-term strategy for the Florida market.

The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader who is ready to build a regional practice while remaining actively engaged in technical work and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical & Project Leadership

  • Lead forensic engineering investigations involving structural damage, failures, deterioration, and construction defects

  • Oversee facility condition assessments and building evaluations

  • Investigate structural failures and building performance issues

  • Review technical findings and ensure delivery of high-quality engineering reports

  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff

  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients

• Business Development & Practice Growth

  • Develop and execute a strategic business development plan for the Florida market

  • Build and maintain relationships with new and existing clients

  • Identify opportunities for new projects and market expansion

  • Lead client presentations, interviews, and proposal development

  • Represent the firm within the engineering and construction community

  • Drive client satisfaction and long-term partnerships

  • Help establish and execute the long-term strategy for the Florida Investigative practice

• Team Leadership

  • Mentor, coach, and develop engineering staff

  • Recruit, hire, and retain top engineering talent

  • Delegate work effectively and support employee development

  • Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

  • Lead quality assurance and quality control initiatives

  • Build a positive, engaged, and high-performing team culture

• Business & Operational Management

  • Manage project profitability and financial performance

  • Monitor project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation

  • Support staffing forecasts and workload planning

  • Identify operational improvements that increase efficiency and client value

  • Contribute to strategic planning for the Florida practice

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds

• Ability and willingness to climb ladders and scaffolding, work from elevated locations, walk roofs, access crawl spaces, and inspect areas with limited accessibility

• Ability to safely perform field investigations in a variety of environmental conditions

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout Texas and occasionally to surrounding states.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and drive extended distances as required to support client and project needs.

• Prolonged sitting at a computer workstation.

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Close vision for computer and document review.

• Occasional walking, standing, or reaching as necessary.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

• Consistent, reliable attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications:

• Required

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited university

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Florida or ability to obtain Florida licensure

  • 10+ years of progressively increasing responsibility in structural or forensic engineering

  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects, mentoring technical staff, and managing client relationships

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise technical reports

  • Strong business development skills with the ability to cultivate new and existing client partnerships

  • Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and reliable transportation for travel to client sites

  • Ability to travel locally with occasional regional travel

• Preferred

  • Experience performing forensic engineering investigations and structural failure analyses

  • Structural building repair design experience across commercial, industrial, municipal, or residential facilities

  • Experience conducting facility condition assessments and building envelope evaluations

  • AutoCAD and/or Revit experience

  • Experience developing and executing business growth strategies

  • Previous experience leading or growing an engineering practice, office, or business unit

Why Apply:
This role offers the opportunity to be the technical leader for the Florida Investigative team. You'll oversee a diverse portfolio of forensic engineering and structural investigation projects involving commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential facilities.. If you have a passion for forensic investigations and structural problem-solving, and want to contribute to meaningful projects, this position is for you.