Highways Design Lead, Southwest Division

Mott MacDonald Group; Orange (CA); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Mott MacDonald Group in Orange, CA seeks an experienced Highways Design Lead to head complex design projects and mentor teams. The role requires a California Professional Engineer license and 25+ years in highway and transportation design.

You will oversee PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E; drive client engagement, apply Caltrans standards, and pursue innovative delivery methods while contributing to business development and brand promotion.

Qualifications

• California PE license required.
• 25+ years of highway and transportation design experience.
• Proven track record of PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E pursuits.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans design standards and processes.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead highway and transportation design projects from concept through delivery.
• Build and develop high-performing design teams to execute projects efficiently.
• Oversee preparation of PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E.
• Ensure compliance with Caltrans design standards and other regulations.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver innovative solutions.
• Support and lead alternate project delivery methods (Design-Build, CM/GC).
• Drive business development efforts and pursuit strategy.
• Promote the Mott MacDonald Brand for Design services.

Skills

Highways design

Leadership

Client management

Business development

Education

California PE license

Job description

At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including, Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

We are seeking an experienced Highways Design Lead to join our team in Orange, CA. The ideal candidate will hold a California Professional Engineer (PE) license and bring 25+ years of expertise in highway and transportation design. This individual will lead complex design projects, mentor teams, and drive successful pursuits for PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E phases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage highway and transportation design projects from concept through delivery.
• Build and develop high-performing design teams to execute projects efficiently.
• Oversee preparation of Project Study Reports (PSR), Project Approval & Environmental Documents (PA&ED), and Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E).
• Ensure compliance with Caltrans design standards and other applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver innovative solutions.
• Support and lead alternate project delivery methods (Design-Build, CM/GC) as needed.
• Drive business development efforts, including proposal preparation and pursuit strategy.
• Promote the Mott MacDonald Brand for Design services, identifying industry events to sponsor and attend.

Qualifications:

• California PE license required.
• 25+ years of experience in highway and transportation design.
• Proven track record of winning and delivering PSR, PA&ED, and PS&E pursuits.
• Strong background in Caltrans design standards and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead design teams.
• Experience with alternate project delivery methods preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Caltrans procedures and specifications.
• Alternative Project Delivery experience.
• Strategic thinking and ability to manage complex projects.
• Proficiency in relevant design software and tools.

Benefits & Rewards

The expected salary for this position is $225,000 - $275,000.

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.

Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.

Collaboration at Our Core

At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.

Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.