Engineering Program Manager - Kansas Turnpike Authority

Opchamber; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) is seeking an Engineering Program Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of design and construction projects from planning through completion, reporting to the Director of Engineering. You will balance technical expertise, project management, and stakeholder collaboration to keep Kansas moving safely and efficiently.

You will oversee project development, permitting, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with contractors, consultants,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Four years of civil engineering design and construction experience.
• State of Kansas Professional Engineer license required.
• Experience with highway and bridge projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and construction projects from planning through completion.
• Manage permitting, QA, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and agencies.
• Provide guidance to Project Engineers and Coordinators.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Public speaking

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Civil engineering knowledge

Reading plans

GIS

CAD design tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation CAD

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Engineering Program Manager - 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. We work hand-in-hand with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to maintain a strong and connected transportation system. Our 300+ employees are the heart of this effort, working together to maintain, preserve, and enhance the Kansas Turnpike.

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.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound engineering judgment, and effective communication. You'll provide guidance to Project Engineers and Project Coordinators, represent KTA in meetings and public discussions, and serve as a problem-solver who can navigate complex challenges while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and customer service.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental and other regulatory requirements.
• 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.
• Abilit y to administer engineering projects from conception through the design and construction.
• Understanding of theory and design of st ructures 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.