Engineering Program Manager

Kansas Turnpike Authority; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) is seeking an Engineering Program Manager to lead a portfolio of design and construction projects across Kansas.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you will coordinate with contractors, consultants, and agencies, manage permitting and quality assurance, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards while guiding teams from planning through completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• State of Kansas Professional Engineering license (required).
• Four years' experience in construction and design of civil engineering projects.
• Ability to administer engineering projects from conception through design and construction.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and construction projects from planning through completion.
• Oversee permitting, QA, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, government agencies, and utility partners.
• Manage project development and balance technical requirements with stakeholder needs.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Regulatory compliance understanding

Public speaking

Communication skills

Conflict management

Planning and design administration

Reading plans & specifications

Surveying equipment use

Computer literacy (Windows, Office)

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Four years' experience in construction and design of civil engineering projects

Tools

Microstation CAD

Survey equipment

Bridge and road design software

GIS mapping software

Microsoft Office

Job description

NOTE: POSITION WORKS OUT OF KTA's ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE IN TOPEKA, KANSAS

Discover the Culture at the Kansas Turnpike Authority

The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) isn't just about roads; we're a self-funded team dedicated to keeping Kansas moving forward. We take care of 236 miles of crucial roadway, connecting communities from the Oklahoma border all the way to Kansas City. Join us, and you'll be part of a team that provides a safe, reliable, and customer-valued transportation system.

Be Part of Transportation Innovation: Engineering Program Manager

As a key member of KTA's Engineering team, the Engineering Program Manager helps shape and maintain the infrastructure that keeps travelers moving safely and efficiently across Kansas. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you'll lead a diverse portfolio of design and construction projects from planning through completion, balancing technical expertise, project management and stakeholder collaboration. You'll oversee project development, construction administration, permitting, quality assurance and regulatory compliance while coordinating with contractors, consultants, government agencies, and utility partners. From pavement management and bridge inspection programs to roadway and facility improvements, you'll play a critical role in delivering projects to support KTA's long-term success.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering practices, methods and materials used in design and construction of projects, including highway, bridge and road design.
• Knowledge of environmental and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to manage and de-escalate conflicts.
• Ability to administer engineering projects from conception through the design and construction.
• Understanding of theory and design of structures and highways.
• Ability to prepare and read plans and specifications.
• Ability to use engineering tools and drafting equipment and programs.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to negotiate with and persuade others.
• Ability to use small hand tools, shovel, level, tape, wheel, rod and other surveying/measuring equipment.
• Proficient in use of computers with Microsoft Windows and Office Suite and bridge and road design software and project management and inspection software.
• Familiar with GIS and mapping software.
• Familiar with general office equipment, telephones, printers, etc.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with CAD software (Microstation)
• Survey equipment

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related degree.
• Four years' experience in construction and design of civil engineering projects.

Certification, License, Registration

• State of Kansas Professional Engineering license (required)
• Required continuing education to maintain licensure in good standing
• Valid Driver's License

Other Requirements

• Frequent daily travel (occasional overnight).
• Occasional out-of-state travel to attend conferences and meetings.
• Occasional non-standard work hours to accommodate work meetings, construction in non-peak travel times, and to respond to incidents involving KTA infrastructure damage.
• Varied work schedule (on call 24/7).
• Work occasional holidays.

Salary Range: $99,468-$121,014 Annually