Public Works Project Engineer

Pape-Dawson Engineers; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers seeks a Project Engineer to lead Public Works design and engineering execution from concept through final design, ensuring constructability, accuracy, and compliance with standards. You’ll own technical deliverables and coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams and clients.

The role emphasizes mentorship of staff, communication with agencies, and responsible management of schedule and budget, with a focus on traffic, roadway, and wastewater design tasks.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive engineering experience
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, design standards, and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with applicable engineering design and analysis software
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lead technical work and coordinate across disciplines

Responsibilities

• Lead and produce complete engineering designs, including plans, specifications, reports, calculations, and estimates, in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements
• Evaluate design alternatives, apply sound engineering judgment, and select solutions balancing quality, constructability, cost, and schedule
• Coordinate technical work with project managers, internal disciplines, subconsultants, and external stakeholders
• Review and oversee work prepared by engineers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality
• Prepare and review technical reports, studies, and documentation using standard engineering tools
• Support project delivery by identifying technical risks and contributing to schedule and budget adherence
• Communicate effectively with clients, agencies, and project partners
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior staff
• Lead traffic and transportation design tasks, including roadway design and traffic studies
• Lead roadway and highway design efforts, including plans, specifications, and estimates
• Coordinate with agencies on design standards, approvals, and technical reviews
• Uphold company values and contribute to a collaborative team environment

Job description

Project Engineer Overview

The Public Works Project Engineer is a licensed Professional Engineer responsible for leading technical design and engineering execution on projects within our BHC, Public Works team. This role takes full ownership of technical deliverables from concept through final design, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations. The Project Engineer supports overall project leadership, mentors technical staff, coordinates across disciplines, and works directly with clients and public agencies while consistently balancing quality, budget, and schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and produce complete engineering designs, including plans, specifications, reports, calculations, and estimates, in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements.
• Evaluate design alternatives, apply sound engineering judgment, and select solutions that balance technical quality, constructability, cost, and schedule.
• Coordinate technical work with project managers, internal disciplines, subconsultants, and external stakeholders.
• Review and oversee work prepared by engineers, EITs, designers, and technicians to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Prepare and review technical reports, studies, and documentation using standard engineering and office software tools.
• Support project delivery by identifying technical risks, resolving design issues, and contributing to schedule and budget adherence.
• Communicate effectively with clients, agencies, and project partners, representing the company with professionalism and confidence.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior staff, supporting their professional development.
• Participate in professional, technical, or community organizations to support continued growth and industry engagement.
• Uphold company values and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Lead traffic and transportation design tasks, including intersection geometry, signing, pavement markings, and traffic control.
• Prepare and review traffic studies such as traffic impact analyses, safety assessments, and operational evaluations.
• Coordinate with agencies on traffic design standards, approvals, and technical reviews.
• Lead roadway and highway design efforts, including development of plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Evaluate design alternatives related to alignments, typical sections, right-of-way impacts, and cost.
• Lead the planning and design of wastewater collection systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with applicable engineering design and analysis software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead technical work, mentor others, and coordinate across disciplines.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Reliability, professionalism, and commitment to quality project delivery.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional overtime as needed.

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EEO Statement: All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.