Project Engineer / Project Manager

LVI Associates; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking an experienced Civil Project Manager to lead complex civil engineering projects from early design through delivery. You will oversee technical direction, budgets, schedules, and client relationships while mentoring engineers and building strong project teams.

The role emphasizes high-quality work, risk management, and collaborative leadership, with the opportunity to own projects, drive performance, and advance client partnerships within a dynamic consultancy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum 10+ years of civil engineering and project management experience.
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil engineering projects from planning and design through final delivery.
• Oversee technical quality, budgets, schedules, staffing, and project performance.
• Establish project scopes, schedules, resources, and financial targets.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to engineers and project teams.
• Oversee QA/QC and ensure designs meet standards, codes, and regulations.
• Mentor and develop engineers at different career stages.
• Manage contracts, amendments, scope changes, and negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

QA/QC

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

PE license

Job description

Civil Engineering | Project Leadership | Client Management

A growing civil engineering consultancy is looking for an experienced Civil Project Manager to lead complex projects from initial design through final delivery.

This is a senior position combining project leadership, technical oversight, financial management, client relationships, and team development. You'll have responsibility for ensuring projects are delivered to a high technical standard, on schedule and within budget, while mentoring engineers and helping strengthen client relationships.

The Opportunity

You'll take ownership of civil engineering projects and lead multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle. Rather than being heavily focused on day-to-day drafting, you'll provide high-level technical direction and project oversight, ensuring the team has the support and guidance needed to deliver successfully.

You'll also have significant exposure to clients, contracts, project financials, risk management, and internal leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead civil engineering projects from planning and design through final delivery
• Take responsibility for technical quality, budgets, schedules, staffing, and overall project performance
• Establish project scopes, schedules, resources, and financial targets
• Provide technical leadership and direction to engineers and project teams
• Oversee QA/QC and ensure designs meet applicable engineering standards, codes, and regulations
• Guide teams in developing practical and technically sound engineering solutions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and other project stakeholders
• Manage project contracts, amendments, scope changes, and associated negotiations
• Monitor project financials, profitability, and potential risk exposure
• Lead discussions around challenging technical, contractual, and scheduling matters
• Coordinate project communications across internal teams and external stakeholders
• Mentor and develop engineers and project staff at different stages of their careers
• Support proposals and wider business development efforts where required

What They're Looking For

• 10+ years of relevant civil engineering and project management experience
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Experience taking responsible charge of civil engineering projects
• Proven ability to lead complex and/or multidisciplinary projects
• Strong understanding of project financials, risk management, and QA/QC
• Experience working directly with clients, public agencies, and other stakeholders
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to successfully manage project teams while maintaining accountability for overall delivery

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Collaborative environment working alongside experienced engineering professionals
• Opportunity to take genuine ownership of projects and key client relationships
• Senior position with the ability to mentor teams and influence project delivery
• Exposure to both the technical and commercial sides of the business

Why Consider It?

This would suit an experienced PE-level Civil Project Manager who wants more ownership than a traditional technical role. It offers the opportunity to lead teams, manage important client relationships, oversee project financial performance, and have genuine accountability for how projects are delivered.