Sr. Designer - Land Development

LJA Engineering, Inc.; Katy, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Education Support

Referral Bonuses

Professional Development

Community Impact

Career Growth

Fun Culture

Job summary

LJA Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Sr Designer for Land Development to plan and prepare civil site/land projects with minimal supervision from the Project Manager.

The role supports budget and schedule management, design standards, and collaboration with reviewers and clients in the greater Houston area. The position emphasizes leadership of junior designers, drafters, and EITs, CAD standards, and on‑site collaboration across multiple offices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive drafting and design experience.
• Effective communication skills both oral and written.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishing production budgets and schedules.
• Prepare Engineer’s cost estimates and bid quantities.
• Delegate work to junior designers, EITs, and drafters.
• Design subdivisions and site projects in the Houston metropolitan area.
• Collaborate with reviewing agencies to address comments and obtain permits.

Skills

Drafting

Civil design

CAD / Civil 3D

Team leadership

Communication

Education

High school or technical CAD training

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a Sr Designer at LJA Land Development, you will be responsible for planning and preparing civil site/land projects with little or no supervision from the Project Manager.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Assist with establishing production budgets based on work required
• General understanding of “FEMA” submittals for projects
• Apply manpower needs for deadlines and budgets
• Determine and schedule project deadlines
• Assist with change order/revision documentation on plan sets
• Prepare a construction phasing plan for the completion of a project
• Prepare Engineer’s cost estimates and bid quantities
• Delegate work to junior level designers, EIT’s and drafters
• Assist in implementing policies and procedures for production staff
• Assist in implementing Cad Standards. I.e. Templates, Blocks, Details, Civil 3D Style Creation and Standards Manual
• Train junior level designers, drafters and E.I.T.'s in all aspects of design
• Design subdivisions and site projects located throughout the greater Houston Metropolitan area
• Assist in master planning for various M.U.D.'s, including utilities, detention and dirt balancing
• Collaborate with various reviewing agencies to address comments and receive permits
• Perform various feasibility exercises including research, exhibits, cost estimates and establishing mitigation and detention requirements
• Other assigned duties as required

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of high school or technical school training with courses in computer-aided drafting or equivalent experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of progressive drafting and design experience
• Effective communication skills both oral and written

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Effective interpersonal skills with coworkers and public agency officials
• Extensive contact with outside agencies and project team members
• Ability to build strong relationships

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.