Project Engineer

Otak, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Otak, Inc. is seeking a Civil Project Engineer to lead transportation and site infrastructure design for municipal and private clients. You will guide projects from concept through construction documents, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and engage with agencies while mentoring junior staff.

The role offers a hybrid work schedule, relocation support if needed, and a strong focus on client relationships and business development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 5 - 10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering with emphasis on transportation and site infrastructure.
• Proven experience coordinating with public agencies such as local cities, counties, and transit authorities.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads or similar design software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate technical design and delivery of transportation projects and build relationships with public agencies.
• Lead and coordinate site infrastructure design for municipal, state, federal and private clients.
• Collaborate with project managers on scope, schedule, and budgets to meet goals and contracts.
• Mentor junior staff and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Provide construction-phase support including submittals and site visits; support proposal development.

Skills

Project coordination

Client communication

Team leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation/OpenRoads

Job description

Otak is seeking a Civil Project Engineer to apply their design expertise across a wide range of projects, including municipal roadways, soft- and hard-surface trails, bridges/structures, site/civil projects in national parks and on corporate campuses, and utility improvements for municipal, state, federal, and private clients. You’ll have the opportunity to take projects from concept through construction documentation and construction. This position is ideal for an experienced civil engineer ready to advance toward project management. You’ll lead complex design efforts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, engage directly with clients and agencies, and help deliver safe, sustainable, and community-focused transportation and infrastructure solutions. You’ll also support business development efforts, mentor junior staff, and play a key role in strengthening Otak’s reputation as a trusted partner in transportation/transit and site infrastructure design.

How You'll Contribute:

• Lead and coordinate the technical design and delivery of transportation and transit projects, and build and maintain relationships with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Lead and coordinate the technical design of site infrastructure projects for municipal, state, federal, and private clients.
• Collaborate with project managers on scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure projects meet client goals and contract requirements.
• Apply a strong understanding of AASHTO, ADA, MUTCD, and WSDOT standards to ensure regulatory compliance and design quality.
• Mentor junior staff and promote collaboration, technical growth, and knowledge sharing.
• Support project management activities, including progress tracking, task leadership, and client coordination, with a clear path toward a Project Manager role.
• Assist in preparing proposals and developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Contribute to business development efforts through strong client relationships.
• Provide construction-phase support, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and site visits to verify design intent and technical accuracy.

The Strengths You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 5 - 10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with emphasis on transportation, public infrastructure, drainage, utilities, site development, or civic projects for municipal and private clients.
• Proven experience coordinating with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, or similar design software.
• Strong technical background in roadway/transit and site civil infrastructure design.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with clients.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $103,000 - $130,000

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firm — you’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding — and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak’s People Services Department at [e-mail] .

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!