Design Lead

Design Lead

A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role involves applying broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices while directly overseeing a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff. The position requires independently evaluating, selecting, and adapting standard techniques and procedures to address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges while interfacing directly with clients on technical design considerations.

A key component of this role includes driving utility/roadway conflict analysis, right-of-way (ROW) engineering corridors, and managing design packages that interface with municipal and state DOT frameworks. This position can be seated in one of the following office locations:
Chicago, IL;
Oak Brook, IL;
Geneva, IL;
Spring, TX; or Denver, CO.

What You'll Do

• Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects.
• Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ensure design compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Evaluate utility impacts on roadway profiles, perform utility conflict matrix tracking, and design distribution reroutes around complex municipal and DOT roadway expansion corridors.
• Coordinate directly with public works departments, utility asset owners, and state/local DOT permitting agencies to secure necessary Right-of-Way (ROW), maintenance of traffic (MOT), and utility occupancy permits.
• Independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to address unique and complex challenges.
• Act as team lead in coordinating detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work.
• Directly oversee a team of up to 6 entry- and mid-level engineering staff, approve timesheets, and conduct annual reviews.
• Work with project management to load balance engineering resources across projects.
• Coach and mentor entry-level and mid-level staff in their professional development.
• Perform quality control reviews of engineering designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
• Interface with clients to discuss engineering topics including project scope, technical design considerations, and material selection.
• Own all phases of the design lifecycle from project initiation through construction completion and closeout.
• Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, Micro Station, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms.
• Analyze information from topographical surveys, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, and manufacturer equipment datasheets.
• Develop utility pole loading models using structural software.
• Generate material and equipment purchase order requests.
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
• Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
• Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
• Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
• Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
• Travel as needed, typically less than 25%.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of relevant experience in utility engineering, civil site development, or roadway infrastructure design.
• Proven familiarity with utility coordination standards, roadway construction specification manuals (e.g., DOT/IDOT/TxDOT/CDOT standard specifications), and public right-of-way permitting protocols.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD, Micro Station, or similar) including generating layout drawings and project materials.
• Experience reviewing drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
• Staff management and team oversight experience, with a track record of training and mentoring entry- and mid-level staff.
• Associate…