Transportation Lead

Freese and Nichols; Overland Park (KS); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid overtime for salaried employees

Annual bonus

Access to company cabins

Hybrid schedule with up to 40% remote work

Job summary

Freese and Nichols is seeking a Transportation Lead to build a transportation presence across the Central Plains. This senior role involves expanding DOT work, strengthening client relationships, and developing a high-performing team.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer registration, and over 8 years of experience in transportation engineering. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a hybrid work schedule with remote work options.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive transportation engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects for state departments of transportation.
• Experience making independent technical and project decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth of the transportation practice in Arkansas and Kansas.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with DOT clients.
• Provide senior technical oversight for transportation planning and design.

Skills

Transportation engineering experience

Client relationship management

Business development

Team leadership

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Professional Engineer registration

Job description

Freese and Nichols is seeking a Transportation Lead based in Overland Park, Kansas or Rogers, Arkansas to build and grow our transportation presence across the Central Plains. In this senior leadership role, you will expand our Arkansas and Kansas Department of Transportation work, strengthen client relationships, and develop a high‑performing transportation team that delivers impactful infrastructure projects. You will shape market direction, lead pursuits, and serve as a senior technical and client advisor while maintaining accountability for quality, schedule, and financial performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the growth of the transportation practice in Arkansas and Kansas, with primary emphasis on Arkansas Department of Transportation work
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with DOT clients, teaming partners, and industry stakeholders across the Central Plains region
• Serve as Client Representative for key transportation clients, ensuring high-quality service and long-term partnerships
• Lead business development efforts, including pursuit strategy, proposal development, and interview presentations
• Provide senior technical oversight for transportation planning, design, and delivery in accordance with DOT standards and requirements
• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing transportation team, supporting technical growth and career progression
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control to ensure projects meet technical standards, budgets, and schedules
• Contribute to regional transportation strategy and collaborate with firm leadership to support long‑term growth

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field
• Professional Engineer registration
• 8+ years of progressive transportation engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects for state departments of transportation, preferably including Arkansas Department of Transportation
• Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships and support business development efforts
• Experience leading teams and making independent technical and project decisions

Preferred

• Experience working across multiple state DOTs, including Arkansas and Kansas
• Background in transportation design, construction, or a combination of both
• Experience serving as Project Manager or senior technical advisor on complex transportation projects
• Strong understanding of DOT procurement, delivery processes, and funding programs

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid overtime for salaried employees
• Annual bonus
• Access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina
• Hybrid schedule with up to 40% remote work and alternate work schedule program (day off every other Friday)

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.