Emerging Technology & AI Strategy Lead

Lamp Rynearson, Inc. is a full-service civil engineering firm of 185 people, delivering projects for public and private clients. We've built our reputation on technical rigor and long-term client relationships, and we're now investing seriously in the technology and AI capabilities that will keep us competitive for the next 20 years.

We're at the point where AI and emerging technology are genuinely changing how civil engineering firms deliver work — and we’re seeking a full-time employee whose primary responsibility is guiding our adoption and incorporation of AI and emerging technology into our daily processes. We're creating a brand-new role, reporting directly to the COO, to lead that effort company-wide. This is a ground-floor opportunity to build a technology function from scratch at a firm that designs the infrastructure people rely on every day.

This is a newly created, company-wide role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer — not embedded in a single department or project team. Twelve months in, success looks like: a clear, practical AI and technology roadmap that leadership trusts; several real tools or automations you've built that staff are actually using day to day; a measurable lift in the firm's baseline technology literacy;

and a reputation among engineering staff as the person who makes their tools work better — not another mandate from corporate.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, information systems, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2 - 10 years in a technology, software development, data, or IT strategy role, including direct experience evaluating and implementing new technology.
• Working proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, JavaScript/Type Script, or similar) sufficient to build internal tools and automate workflows.
• Practical, hands‑on experience applying AI/ML tools — LLM-based tools, automation platforms, low-code/no-code AI — to real business problems, not just familiarity with the concepts.
• Strong communicator who can translate technical ideas for non-technical staff and translate business problems into technical solutions.
• Comfortable operating as a “team of one” — self-directed, able to set your own priorities, and used to reporting directly to executive leadership.

• Experience in AEC (architecture/engineering/construction), civil engineering, or another technical/regulated industry, with familiarity with tools such as Civil 3D, ArcGIS or other GIS platforms, Bentley, or Revit.
• Experience automating engineering workflows (e.g., Dynamo, Grasshopper, Civil 3D API, Arc Py) or integrating engineering software.
• Prior experience in an innovation, digital practice, VDC, or IT strategy role.
• Familiarity with data governance, cybersecurity fundamentals, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Experience designing training or upskilling programs for non-technical staff.

• Set the firm's AI and emerging technology strategy — evaluate what's genuinely useful versus hype, and build a practical, sequenced roadmap for adoption across engineering, project delivery, and operations.
• Continuously research new software and technology relevant to civil engineering practice — from AI-assisted design and drafting tools to project management, GIS, and data platforms — and make clear build/buy/adopt recommendations.
• Coordinate your activities with our IT Group and our CAD Manager.
• Design, build, and maintain internal tools, scripts, and automations that solve real workflow problems for engineering and operations staff.
• Be the firm's go‑to resource for technology and programming questions — hands‑on troubleshooting, support, and informal training for…