Director of Engineering Services

OMNI is honored to partner with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) in the search for a collaborative and experienced Director of Engineering Services to lead and grow ARE’s structural engineering practice. ARE is a leading engineering and environmental services firm that specializes in providing innovative engineering solutions for North American freight railways that prioritize safety, regulatory compliance and long-term performance.

As the leader of the Engineering Services team, you will provide strategic direction, ensure technical excellence, and oversee the successful delivery of complex engineering projects from proposal through completion. You will serve as a trusted resource advisor on challenging structural engineering issues, guide quality assurance and quality control efforts, strengthen client relationships, and mentor engineers as they advance their technical and professional capabilities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a licensed and experienced railroad bridge engineer to influence the future growth of the practice while remaining engaged in the technical challenges and client partnerships that drive project success. The ideal candidate brings extensive railroad bridge design experience, strong business and project management skills, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

This position is full-time, direct hire with an office in Overland Park, KS or opportunity to work remotely.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is responsible for the leadership, performance, and continued development of the bridge design team delivering railroad bridge rehabilitation, bridge replacement, culvert, and emergency repair projects for railroad clients across North America.

Leadership & Technical Excellence:

• Lead ARE’s structural design team in load rating, rehabilitation, replacement, and emergency repair design for railroad bridges, culverts, and related structures.
• Establish the direction of and execute the plan for the structural design team, ensuring staff and resources are sufficient for current and forecast work.
• Ensure that design standards, AREMA Chapters 7, 8, and 15, client design criteria, and ARE procedures are clearly communicated and enforced.
• Lead the team in on-time delivery of calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports, focusing on client needs.
• Ensure quality through a QA/QC program, including independent checks of calculations and drawings.
• Directly supervise the CAD Lead in the development of drawing standards, templates, and production.
• Coordinate with the Director of Bridge Management Services on load ratings and repairs for conditions found during field inspection.
• Coordinate with the Director of Environmental Services for environmental compliance and project permitting.

Team Development & People Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, project managers, technicians, and CAD professionals.
• Set performance expectations for Engineers, Technicians, CAD, and Project Managers assigned to the team, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Communicate project forecasting, assign work and balance team capacity to meet utilization targets.
• Mentor engineers toward engineer in training (EIT) and PE licensure and recommend promotions and level changes using the advancement criteria in ARE job descriptions.

Project Delivery & Client Management:

• Oversee project execution to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, project budgets, fee estimates, and staffing plans.
• Serve as Engineer of Record where licensed and pursue additional licensure as business needs require.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with railroad…