McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.
Position Overview
The Director, Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership within a specific metro, with primary responsibility for the performance, development, and success of the engineering practice. In addition to leading and developing high-performing engineering teams and ensuring consistent project delivery, this role plays a key role in contributing to the broader buildout of a strong, multidisciplinary metro presence. The Director partners closely with the VP, Civil / Site Design and other leaders to develop internal talent, support integrated team growth, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines – while maintaining high standards for technical quality, operational performance, and client service.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Establish and execute a strategic plan for the engineering group in collaboration with the VP, Civil / Site Design, aligning with firm-wide goals related to growth, profitability, staff development, and client service.
- Monitor performance against revenue, utilization, staffing, and quality goals; adjust strategies as needed to respond to changing market or operational conditions.
- Partner with corporate services (Accounting, HR, IT, Marketing, and Admin) to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and seamless project execution.
Project Oversight & Technical Excellence
- Provide oversight and direction for complex or high-profile projects, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to firm standards.
- Support project teams in resolving technical challenges, managing risk, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and best practices across design, permitting, and project delivery processes.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop Group Managers, Project Managers, and senior technical staff; build leadership capacity across the team.
- Support recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning efforts to ensure long-term team strength.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture that reflects firm values and promotes employee engagement.
Client & Business Development
- Maintain strong relationships with key clients and strategic partners, serving as a senior point of contact as needed.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in partnership with the Client Development team and other Service Line leaders.
- Represent the firm externally through client meetings, presentations, industry events, and community involvement.
Skills + Experience
- Must have a four-year undergraduate or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited university.
- Must have 15 years total work experience and 8 years proven experience as a Project Manager.
- Must possess licensure (PE).
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing budgets, staffing plans, and profitability.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
Work Environment + Physical Demands
The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
- Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
- Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
- Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.
McAdams is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.
If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or hrteam@mcadamsco.com.
Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.
