Structural Engineer / Project Manager (P.E.) - WD Mayo Lock & Dam

Abhe & Svoboda, Inc.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Abhe & Svoboda, Inc. is seeking a Structural Engineer / Project Manager (P.E.) to serve as the on-site leader for a USACE-administered dam gate repair and renovation project in the Spiro, OK area.

This role combines field leadership with licensed structural authority to direct execution, ensure design intent and regulatory compliance, and drive safety and quality on site. The candidate will coordinate subcontractors, review shop drawings, manage schedules and costs, and provide stamped

Qualifications

• Active P.E. license (state-specific or reciprocity).
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Structural or Civil Engineering.
• Minimum 5+ years in structural engineering and construction on heavy civil or hydraulic structures.
• Experience with field rehabilitation of steel and concrete elements.
• Strong understanding of load paths, temporary works, and construction-stage behavior.
• Ability to interpret drawings, calculations, specifications and contracts.
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills in high-risk environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site representative for the USACE dam gate repair project from mobilization through closeout.
• Manage daily construction activities related to structural repairs, rehabilitation, and installation of hydraulic steel structures.
• Coordinate specialty subcontractors, fabricators, inspectors, divers (if applicable), rigging crews, and crane operations.
• Plan and manage work sequencing around reservoir levels, gate operations, environmental constraints, and outage windows.
• Lead site meetings including USACE coordination meetings, progress updates, safety briefings, and quality control meetings.
• Interface directly with the USACE Resident Engineer, QA staff, and contracting officer representatives.
• Ensure strict adherence to federal safety, quality, and documentation requirements.
• Apply professional structural engineering judgment to resolve field issues involving dam gates and associated elements.
• Review and approve structural shop drawings, repair details, fabrication drawings, and erection plans.
• Review and approve temporary works including cofferdams, falsework, shoring, lifting plans, and access systems.
• Provide stamped structural engineering decisions and calculations as required.
• Coordinate with Engineer of Record, USACE technical reviewers, and dam safety officials.
• Develop and manage short- and long-term project schedules.
• Track progress, productivity, and milestones; assist with cost control and forecasting.
• Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Enforce quality control procedures and safety culture on site.
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients, inspectors, and design professionals.

Skills

P.E. license

Leadership

Site leadership

Structural engineering

Education

Structural or Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Structural Engineer / Project Manager (P.E.)

This title reflects the dual responsibility of on-site project leadership and licensed structural engineering authority on a federal dam safety project.

About the Project

This is an exciting, fast-paced, multi-year dam gate repair and renovation project administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the Spiro, OK area. We are looking to get our newest team member onboarded immediately to help get the project started this spring. The base bid and one option have already been awarded, with an expected performance timeline of approximately 4 years. If all contract options are exercised by the government, this project could extend beyond 7 years, offering long-term involvement and potential follow-on opportunities. Join a team known for having the best coworkers in the industry, where collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence are valued every day.

Position Summary

We are seeking a licensed Structural Professional Engineer (P.E.) to serve as the on-site leader for the USACE-administered dam gate structural repair and renovation project. This role functions as an on-site Project Manager with structural engineering authority, responsible for directing field execution, coordinating specialty repair activities, and ensuring all work complies with contract documents, structural design intent, dam safety requirements, and USACE regulations.

This is a highly technical, field-based role for a structural engineer experienced with heavy civil and hydraulic structures who can operate effectively within a federal contracting environment and make sound engineering decisions in real time.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Site Management

• Serve as the primary on-site representative for the USACE dam gate repair project from mobilization through closeout
• Manage daily construction activities related to structural repairs, rehabilitation, and installation of hydraulic steel structures
• Coordinate specialty subcontractors, fabricators, inspectors, divers (if applicable), rigging crews, and crane operations
• Plan and manage work sequencing around reservoir levels, gate operations, environmental constraints, and outage windows
• Lead site meetings including USACE coordination meetings, progress updates, safety briefings, and quality control meetings
• Interface directly with the USACE Resident Engineer, Quality Assurance (QA) staff, and contracting officer representatives
• Ensure strict adherence to federal safety, quality, and documentation requirements

Structural Engineering Oversight

• Apply professional structural engineering judgment to resolve field issues involving dam gates, embedded steel, concrete repairs, anchorage systems, and load path continuity
• Review and approve structural shop drawings, repair details, fabrication drawings, and erection plans in accordance with USACE submittal procedures
• Review and approve temporary works including cofferdams, falsework, shoring, lifting plans, and access systems, as required by contract
• Provide stamped structural engineering decisions and calculations where required, within the limits of licensure and company procedures
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards including contract specifications, approved design documents, applicable UFCs (if referenced by contract), and dam safety criteria
• Coordinate with the Engineer of Record (EOR), USACE technical reviewers, and dam safety officials

Schedule & Cost Control

• Develop and manage short- and long-term project schedules
• Track progress, productivity, and key milestones
• Assist with cost control, change management, and forecasting in coordination with the project team
• Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies

Quality & Safety

• Enforce quality control procedures and project-specific inspection requirements
• Ensure all work meets contract documents, engineering standards, and client expectations
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture on site

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact on site for clients, inspectors, and design professionals
• Communicate project status, risks, and solutions clearly and professionally
• Support project closeout activities including punch lists, documentation, and final inspections

Qualifications

Required

• Active Structural Professional Engineer (P.E.) license (state-specific or ability to obtain reciprocity)
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Structural or Civil Engineering
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in structural engineering and construction, with demonstrated experience on heavy civil or hydraulic structures
• Proven field experience with structural rehabilitation of steel and concrete elements
• Strong understanding of load paths, temporary works, and construction-stage structural behavior
• Ability to interpret and apply structural drawings, calculations, specifications, and contracts
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in high-risk environments

Preferred

• Prior experience working on USACE-administered projects or other federal heavy civil infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with USACE contracting procedures, submittal processes, and quality requirements
• Experience with hydraulic steel structures, including radial gates, vertical lift gates, embedded components, and hoisting systems
• Understanding of USACE Quality Control (QC) programs, three-phase control, and submittal workflows
• Experience working in operating dams with environmental, safety, and regulatory constraints

Salary Compensation Range

• $110,000 to $135,000 (+ dependent on experience)