Senior Engineer, Highway Design

Popli Design Group; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Popli Design Group is seeking a Team Leader in the Highway Design Department to guide civil roadway and transportation projects in New York State and NYC. The role includes mentoring junior staff, leading design teams, and applying advanced roadway design techniques.

The ideal candidate has a NYS PE license and 10–20 years of progressive highway experience, with proficiency in Civil 3D/OpenRoads and familiarity with NYDOT/NYSTA guidelines. Full-time role based in New York State.

Qualifications

• Requires a Civil Engineering degree and NYS PE licensure.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive highway design experience.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor staff on complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of design calculations, plans, and specs.
• Oversee and mentor junior staff on design projects.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across NYS and NYC projects.
• Support business development activities and client communications.
• Present technical topics to the public and to engineers as needed.
• Ensure compliance with project standards and guidelines.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities with limited oversight.
• Demonstrate strong safety culture and process adherence.
• Lead and review construction cost estimates and submittals.
• Drive quality control and deliverables on schedule.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Technical problem solving

Client coordination

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Time management

Business development

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

NYS PE license

Tools

Civil 3D

OpenRoads Designer

NYCDOT design standards

AASHTO Geometric Design

Roadside Design Guide

FHWA guidelines

Job description

Job Description

Popli Design Group (PDG) is seeking a Team Leader in the Highway Design Department. PDG offers a growth perspective and develops staff through direct mentorship and learning atmosphere. PDG’s collaborative department leverages experience while developing ourselves into the best people we can be. The desired individual will lead civil roadway and transportation projects and be responsible for overseeing and mentoring junior staff on design projects. The individual will work with multidisciplinary project teams and will apply their experience of geometric roadway design, pavements, utilities, and design standards and guidelines on projects for government agencies in New York State and NYC.

Job Type: Full‑time

Responsibilities

• Manages the preparation of design calculations and details
• Manages the preparation of contract plans and specifications
• Manages the preparation of construction cost estimates
• Manages the review of construction submittals
• Performs occasional field visits to collect data and evaluate existing conditions
• Performs occasional field visits to resolve construction issues
• Performs oral presentations on technical topics to the public and other engineers
• Participates in business development activities
• Mentors junior staff
• Possesses advanced knowledge of applicable engineering principles and techniques
• Effectively expresses thoughts and ideas both verbally and in writing in the English language
• Proficient in the use of applicable highway design computer software
• Performs assigned tasks accurately and efficiently
• Is an active and supportive team member
• Understand basic highway safety requirements
• Able to lead multiple projects

Required Skills

• Proficiency with roadway and highway modelling applications including Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer.
• Proficiency with or working knowledge of NYCDOT, NYSDOT, NYSTA and NYDDC design requirements and guidelines.
• Proficiency with or working knowledge of AASHTO A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 7th Edition and Roadside Design Guide, 4th Edition.
• Proficiency with or working knowledge of FHWA
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients.
• Strong technical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required.
• Ability to progress technical concepts from inception through final design with minimum oversight and serve as a technical resource to staff and upper management.
• Ability to lead and manage small projects and teams and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple disciplines.
• A desire to learn and embrace technology to improve workflows and internal design process.
• Ability and enthusiasm to work in a collaborative office setting.
• Desire to embrace and adhere to the PDG quality culture in all aspects of design.
• Understand basic safety requirements and motivation to uphold PDG safety culture.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• 10 to 20 years of progressive experience in the field.
• NYS PE license required
• A Valid Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is required.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment
• Occasional work outside of the office at project sites
• Travels occasionally within NY State and surrounding areas
• Interacts primarily with other PDG personnel and all PDG Clients
• Receives supervision, training, and mentoring from the Highway Design Department Manager

Physical Demands

• This job requires prolonged periods of sitting at a computer
• This job requires the ability to lift up to 25lbs

Equal Opportunity/EEO Statement

Popli Design Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability or protected veteran status, and any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or Executive Orders.

Good faith salary range is provided, and salary package will be commensurate with experience and position location.

Salary: $120,000 – $160,000