Highway Design Director

Job Overview

VHB is seeking a growth‑oriented and experienced engineer to serve as the Highway Design Director. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving the growth of the VDOT Design practice to increase market share across the Commonwealth. As VHB continues to grow and undertake projects of greater scale and complexity, the Highway Design Director will provide strategic support to a talented group of Project Managers (PMs) on large‑scale, complex transportation projects, while enabling PMs to focus on project execution and ensuring the overall success of projects.

This person will collaborate closely with the Transportation Market Leader, PMs, clients, and project teams throughout the project life cycle to ensure seamless delivery, client satisfaction, and project excellence.

• Leverage relationships to develop and maintain trusted adviser status with VDOT clients at all levels of the organization.
• Work closely with our Mid‑Atlantic local and regional leadership teams in the development of targeted client service action plans.
• Provide strategic guidance during the project pursuit process, including opportunity identification, scope development, risk identification, and defining project goals.
• Advise on project approach, scope, cost, and schedule, identifying opportunities for innovative solutions and strategic teaming partnerships.
• Support project delivery teams and provide technical guidance for the design of transportation projects.

• Strong track record of overseeing successful VDOT project delivery.
• Proven record of delivering complex transportation projects.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Have the drive to be a leader in the company and in the professional community.
• Possess strong engineering judgment with a strive for quality and financial excellence.
• Desire to mentor and train design staff in evaluating project risks, client expectations and overall successful project delivery.

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or related degree (a master’s may be substituted for 2 years of experience).
• 15+ years of professional civil engineering experience focused on delivery of complex VDOT Transportation Design Services.
• Virginia Professional Engineer licensure required.
• Demonstrated supervisor and mentoring skills.
• Technical proficiency and ability to understand and navigate complex projects.
• Solid project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Market and client knowledge to align project strategies with client drivers and expectations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse clients and project team.

We are VHB! We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects.
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards.
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth.
• Best‑in‑class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since its founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep‑rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.