Federal Design Liaison Engineer — Field & Design Lead

CDM Smith; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced engineer to serve as the technical liaison between federal design teams, construction branches, and contractors. You will review submittals, drawings, specifications, RFIs, and reports to ensure compliance with standards and contracts.

This role requires applying engineering principles across planning, design review, construction administration, and assessment, while mentoring junior staff and maintaining strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Domestic travel is required; overseas travel possible.
• PE license or RA preferred; knowledge of FAR/DFARS helpful.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical liaison between federal client branches and contractors.
• Review design submittals, shop drawings, specs, RFIs, and reports for compliance.
• Apply engineering principles across planning, design review, construction, and assessment.
• Monitor progress and prepare technical/project status reports.
• Provide engineering judgment for field modifications and constructability reviews.
• Develop cost estimates and supporting analyses with government estimators.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings and project closeout activities.
• Mentor junior staff and maintain client relationships with strong technical support.

Skills

Design review

Construction administration

Cost estimating

Scheduling

Contract management

Technical writing

Client liaison

Multistakeholder coordination

Field work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced engineer to serve as the technical liaison between federal design teams, construction branches, and contractors. You will review submittals, drawings, specifications, RFIs, and reports to ensure compliance with standards and contracts.

This role requires applying engineering principles across planning, design review, construction administration, and assessment, while mentoring junior staff and maintaining strong client relationships.