Senior Transportation Design Manager – Program Lead

WSP in the U.S.; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Design Manager in Illinois to lead design excellence for the Illinois Tollway program. You will guide technical standards, ensure quality, and drive practical innovations across roadway and structural designs while remaining technically engaged at the project level.

You will manage a team of specialists, report to the GEC Project Manager, and influence program-wide decisions, with a focus on delivering high-quality, maintainable solutions for toll facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Illinois PE license; SE license required when primary background is structural.
• 15+ years of transportation design experience.
• Demonstrated Illinois Tollway project or program experience and knowledge of Tollway standards.
• Strong technical expertise in roadway or structural design with program-level leadership.
• Experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary design teams.
• Ability to remain technically engaged in complex design issues and coordination.
• Experience overseeing design QA/QC on major projects or programs.
• Experience developing or implementing design manuals, specifications, or policy guidance.

Responsibilities

• Report to the GEC Project Manager and advise Tollway leadership as a technical advisor.
• Provide multidisciplinary leadership across roadway, structures, maintenance of traffic, drainage, geotechnical, utilities, and lighting.
• Maintain strategic awareness of capital program efforts and advise on risks, exceptions, and innovations.
• Provide sound engineering judgment on complex design matters.
• Build consensus among Tollway stakeholders and technical specialists to advance objectives.
• Champion consistent interpretation of Tollway design criteria and standards.
• Lead development and implementation of design manuals, specs, and guidance.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in technical guidance.
• Supervise and develop GEC staff and support accountability for delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

Communication skills

Design judgment

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license

Illinois Structural Engineer (SE) license (if primary is structural)

Job description

WSP is seeking a Design Manager in Illinois to lead design excellence for the Illinois Tollway program. You will guide technical standards, ensure quality, and drive practical innovations across roadway and structural designs while remaining technically engaged at the project level.

You will manage a team of specialists, report to the GEC Project Manager, and influence program-wide decisions, with a focus on delivering high-quality, maintainable solutions for toll facilities.