Director of Engineering -in Piscataway,NJ

Director Of Engineering

The Director of Engineering will lead the civil engineering strategy and execution for all development projects across residential, commercial, and industrial portfolios. This role is responsible for ensuring that all civil engineering efforts align with the firm's brand, market positioning, and financial objectives, while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence and constructability. The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical expertise, leadership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, entrepreneurial environment.

• Direct and oversee the civil engineering department, including site design, grading, utilities, and land development services.
• Create and maintain organizational structures, departmental budgets, and scheduling practices for the engineering team.
• Manage resourcing, hiring, and mentoring of civil engineering staff, including evaluating current team members and identifying growth opportunities.
• Maintain and evolve the firm's engineering standards and workflows to align with ownership expectations and industry best practices.
• Provide technical direction from concept through construction documentation, offering critique and guidance during all project phases to internal teams and external consultants.
• Create and track departmental metrics, goals, and accountability standards for each engineering position.

• Collaborate with development, entitlements, construction, and operational teams to ensure engineering designs support project feasibility, budget, schedule, and operational goals.
• Track projects and costs to ensure profitability and efficiency across all civil engineering engagements.
• Manage the engineering process across multiple projects simultaneously, from master planning and site layout to grading, utilities, and permitting.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory codes, municipal zoning ordinances, NJ Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS), and agency requirements through coordination with design professionals.
• Oversee preparation of concept drawings, drainage reports, sanitary sewer reports, and site investigation reports.
• Lead construction phase services, including review of shop drawings and submittals.

• Act as a bridge between development, entitlements, construction, architecture, and marketing teams to ensure engineering solutions are integrated seamlessly across all disciplines.
• Coordinate with land use attorneys, municipal agencies, ownership, and contractors to advance project approvals and permitting.
• Partner with the architectural and interior design teams to ensure civil engineering design supports the full project vision from site through building.

• Select, manage, and coordinate external civil engineers, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, and other technical specialists.
• Review and approve civil engineering deliverables, drawings, and specifications at key project milestones.
• Negotiate consultant contracts and manage engineering budgets.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of commercial and high-density residential site design and permitting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New Jersey required.
• Deep understanding of jurisdictional requirements and municipal land development ordinances.
• Strong knowledge of NJ Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS).
• Expertise in civil engineering design including site layout, grading, earthwork analysis, ADA compliance, stormwater management, sanitary sewer, water distribution, and soil erosion & sediment control.
• Construction and constructability expertise as it relates to production of design drawings and resolution of field issues.
• Foundation and geotechnical experience and understanding.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and drainage software (StormCAD, Hydroflow, HydroCAD).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing consultant relationships and negotiating professional services contracts.