Lead Civil Engineer

X4 Engineering; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

X4 Engineering in Houston, TX seeks a Lead Civil Engineer to head civil design for energy infrastructure and substations. You will guide projects from planning through construction, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring code-compliant deliverables.

The role requires a PE in Texas and 8+ years in EPC/utility settings, with strong communication to clients and regulators. Hybrid office work in Houston supports project collaboration and field coordination.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited civil engineering degree.
• PE license in Texas required.
• 8+ years in EPC/utility/power infrastructure.
• Experience leading civil design projects with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil design and execution of utility, substation, and energy projects.
• Oversee civil site development: grading, drainage, stormwater, erosion control, earthwork.
• Coordinate with electrical, structural, geotechnical, environmental, and construction teams.

Skills

Civil site design

Substation design

Project leadership

Client communication

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Lead Civil Engineer – Energy Infrastructure & Substations

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid)

About the Role

Our client is an established EPC firm delivering engineering, procurement, and construction services across the power and energy infrastructure sector throughout the United States. Due to continued project growth, they are seeking a Lead Civil Engineer to join their Houston office and provide technical leadership across utility, substation, and energy infrastructure projects.

This role is suited to an experienced civil engineer with a strong background in civil site design and project execution. The successful candidate will lead civil engineering activities from initial planning through detailed design and construction support while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams. Previous substation experience is highly preferred, although candidates with broader utility or energy infrastructure experience will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the civil engineering design and execution of utility, substation, and energy infrastructure projects.
• Oversee civil site development including grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, site access, earthwork, and other civil design elements.
• Coordinate closely with electrical, structural, geotechnical, environmental, and construction teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
• Review engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Serve as the technical lead on multiple projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers through technical guidance and design reviews.
• Interface directly with clients, utilities, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support proposal development, project planning, and client presentations as required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable federal, state, local, and utility standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Texas is required.
• 8+ years of civil engineering experience within an EPC, engineering consulting, utility, or power infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading civil engineering design projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Substation project experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of civil site design, grading, drainage, stormwater management, and permitting.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and other standard civil engineering design software.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client relationship skills.