Design Lead

About this Role

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.

• 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%.

• 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…