District Engineer Location and Design

The Virginia Department of Transportation invites qualified candidates to apply for the District Engineer Location and Design role in Suffolk, VA. This onsite leadership position directs the District Location and Design Section, guiding roadway plan production and providing management, leadership, and technical direction for transportation projects. A degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is required.

Benefits and culture

Join an organization focused on delivering safe, reliable transportation solutions while maintaining strong community partnerships. This role offers the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team, influence district-wide design outcomes, and work closely with engineers, field staff, contractors, and stakeholders to advance high-profile roadway programs in Suffolk and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide management and direction for the District Location and Design Section, including strategic oversight and daily leadership.
• Plan, organize, and monitor project activities to align with program delivery goals.
• Manage budgets and provide technical guidance across a broad portfolio of transportation projects.
• Train and develop team members to build capacity and maintain high performance.
• Oversee the production of roadway plans in support of program delivery and ensure quality outcomes.
• Supervise and mentor staff to foster growth and accountability.
• Maintain strong skills in new design technologies and construction methodologies.
• Budget stewardship: oversee the development and management of budgets for each functional area to prevent overruns.
• Enhance outreach internally and externally to promote VDOT's mission, respond to inquiries from the public, officials, media, and agencies, and collaborate with government entities and community leaders.
• Oversee consultant design projects and ensure alignment with program objectives.
• Lead program management efforts, organize workload, allocate resources, monitor progress, and guide project managers to meet district goals.
• Provide roadway technical guidance for the development of road plans and oversee QAQC services for district projects.
• Engage with senior management on district-wide initiatives, support process improvements, and contribute to efficiency and performance goals.
• Apply sound engineering practices and project management procedures to address transportation matters and propose policy enhancements when needed.

What you will contribute

• Effective communication with diverse audiences, including presenting technical information and conducting public meetings.
• Ability to manage administrative, financial, and technical functions of an engineering work unit.
• Experience leading staff, programs, and budget development.
• Capacity to research and analyze data, preparing and presenting technical reports.
• Advanced knowledge of transportation and highway engineering principles, laws, and regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of roadway design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications, and materials.
• Familiarity with strategic and operational practices, and supervisory and human resources principles.
• Experience with transportation project management and engineering, plus the ability to build cross-functional networks with colleagues, contractors, and FHWA representatives.
• Proficiency in planning and scheduling work for diverse teams, and in leadership coaching, training, and development.
• Customer service orientation and skill in using engineering design and analysis software.
• Ability to work with all levels of management and elected or appointed officials.
• Thorough knowledge of roadway safety principles affecting standards and special designs.
• Valid Professional Engineer license; degree in Civil Engineering or related field.

Minimum qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience applying civil engineering principles to roadway design and standard design knowledge, including roadway safety measures.
• Experience building networks with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers, and FHWA representatives.
• Leadership coaching, counseling, training, development, and effective planning and scheduling of diverse teams.
• Experience with roadway construction methods, standards, specifications, and materials.
• Progressively responsible managerial experience demonstrating administrative and leadership capabilities.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse audiences.
• Valid Professional Engineer license.

Additional considerations

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

How you will contribute

• Manage budgets to ensure expenditures stay within allocations and guide budget development for each functional area.
• Enhance outreach efforts to promote VDOT's mission and engage with communities, partners, and agencies.
• Oversee consultant design projects and foster a high-performance, collaborative work environment aligned with district goals.
• Provide roadways technical guidance and QAQC oversight for district initiatives.
• Participate in district-wide and special initiatives, contributing to program efficiencies and process improvements.
• Apply established engineering practices and project management procedures to address transportation challenges and update policies as needed.