Senior Project Engineer

CareerNerds, LLC; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC in Lakeland, FL seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead heavy civil/FDOT highway work. This on-site role offers $130k–$150k base plus bonus, with a clear path toward Project Manager and a robust benefits package.

You will manage RFI/submittals, CPM schedules, and coordination with the Superintendent and crews, while ensuring FDOT compliance and accurate cost proposals. A Civil/Construction degree and FDOT experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project engineering on heavy-civil/ highway projects.
• Hands-on FDOT roadway project experience.
• Strong command of RFIs, submittals, scheduling, and field coordination.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Experience with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Run the RFI and submittal process end to end — keeping designers, the owner, and subcontractors moving so the project stays on schedule.
• Drive the schedule — build, update, and analyze CPM schedules, spot critical-path risk early, and keep the field ahead with look-aheads.
• Partner with the Superintendent and crews on work sequencing, material deliveries, and subcontractor coordination.
• Own the numbers — quantity tracking, pay estimates, and monthly owner pay applications.
• Review plans and specs for constructability and FDOT compliance, and manage change orders and cost proposals.
• Keep documentation, daily reports, and as-builts tight to FDOT standards — and mentor the project engineers coming up behind you.

Skills

Project engineering

FDOT experience

RFIs & submittals

Scheduling

Primavera P6

Bluebeam

MS Project

Education

Civil/Construction degree

Tools

Primavera P6

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Job description

NOW HIRING

Senior Project Engineer — Heavy Civil / FDOT

Lakeland, FL (Polk County)

Job Title:Senior Project Engineer – Heavy Civil / FDOT

Location:Lakeland, FL (Polk County)

Employment Type:Direct Hire · Full-Time

Compensation:$130,000 – $150,000 + Bonus

Category:Construction – Heavy Civil / Highway / FDOT

THE OPPORTUNITY

Want your name on one of the most visible FDOT roadway projects in Central Florida? One of the state's top heavy-civil contractors is looking for a Senior Project Engineer to help lead a major highway build in the fast-growing Lakeland / Polk County corridor. This is a marquee project with a well-funded backlog behind it — and a clear runway into a Project Manager seat for the right person. If you've cut your teeth on heavy-highway work and you're ready to step up, this is the move.

WHY YOU'LL WANT THIS ROLE

• Top pay for the work — $130,000 to $150,000 base plus bonus. Your heavy-highway experience is valued and paid for.
• A real path to Project Manager. This seat is built as the next step up, not a holding pattern — with the mentorship to get you there.
• Marquee FDOT work. Build infrastructure your community drives on every day — the kind of project you point to for the rest of your career.
• Rock-solid stability. An established Florida builder with a deep, funded pipeline means steady work, not stop-and-go.
• Direct-hire with full benefits — medical, retirement, PTO, and the resources of a top-tier contractor behind you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Run the RFI and submittal process end to end — keeping designers, the owner, and subcontractors moving so the project stays on schedule.
• Drive the schedule — build, update, and analyze CPM schedules, spot critical-path risk early, and keep the field ahead with look-aheads.
• Partner with the Superintendent and crews on work sequencing, material deliveries, and subcontractor coordination.
• Own the numbers — quantity tracking, pay estimates, and monthly owner pay applications.
• Review plans and specs for constructability and FDOT compliance, and manage change orders and cost proposals.
• Keep documentation, daily reports, and as-builts tight to FDOT standards — and mentor the project engineers coming up behind you.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of project engineering on heavy-civil / heavy-highway projects.
• Hands-on FDOT (or comparable DOT) roadway project experience.
• Strong command of RFIs, submittals, scheduling, and field coordination.
• A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field — or equivalent field experience.
• Comfort with construction scheduling and PM software (Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project).

NICE TO HAVE

• PE (Professional Engineer) license — strongly preferred.
• Deep familiarity with FDOT specs and documentation (Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction).
• Experience stepping toward or acting in a Project Manager role.