Senior Transportation Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer to play a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of our Transportation practice. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced transportation professional to lead the planning, design, and delivery of high-profile highway and roadway projects throughout Illinois while helping shape our strategic expansion into additional Midwest markets.

As a key member of our team, you will lead a variety of IDOT, county, and municipal transportation projects, applying your expertise in roadway geometrics, drainage, traffic engineering, and maintenance of traffic (MOT) while working alongside a collaborative group of civil, structural, survey, environmental, and construction professionals. Beyond project delivery, you'll have the opportunity to influence the future direction of our transportation services by helping expand our IDOT and INDOT capabilities, strengthen client relationships, and support regional market growth initiatives.

This role offers much more than project execution—it provides a genuine opportunity to become a leader within a growing organization. The successful candidate will have a clear path toward Manager/Director-level leadership, with the ability to mentor engineers, contribute to business development efforts, guide transportation strategy, and help build a thriving transportation practice. If you're looking for an opportunity where your technical expertise, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial mindset can make a lasting impact, Valdes offers the platform and support to help you achieve that vision.

Candidates must possess an Illinois PE license or ability to obtain in the next year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of IDOT and local agency roadway projects, including horizontal/vertical alignments, cross sections, geometrics, drainage, pavement design, and traffic signal modernization
• Prepare and review Phase I and II engineering deliverables, including design reports, plan sets, cost estimates, and specifications in compliance with IDOT, FHWA, AASHTO, and MUTCD standards
• Develop traffic control and staging plans, MOT, and complete streets elements, incorporating ADA and context-sensitive design
• Coordinate with internal teams (survey, structures, construction, MEP, GIS) and external subconsultants to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in internal QA/QC and project reviews
• Assist in developing and submitting documentation to expand IDOT and INDOT prequalifications, including resumes, project data, and technical narratives
• Serve as a client-facing representative, attending meetings and maintaining strong communication with IDOT, Tollway, and municipal stakeholders
• Use software tools including Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, Geopak, AutoTURN, HCS/Synchro, and support integration of emerging technologies (e.g., drone surveys, GIS)
• Support strategic business development efforts and assist in teaming, pursuit decisions, and proposal development
• Participate in professional organizations (ASCE, ITE, ACEC, etc.) and represent Valdes at industry events and conferences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Licensed PE in Illinois/Indiana preferred, or willingness to obtain within 12 months
• 5+ years of progressive experience in highway and roadway planning and design
• Deep knowledge of IDOT and FHWA standards and processes
• Proficiency with relevant design software (Civil 3D, OpenRoads, etc.)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments
• Experience with INDOT, Tollway, or municipal DOT projects
• Familiarity with IDOT BDE, BLRS, and Phase I/II documentation requirements
• Experience in traffic studies, permitting, or environmental documentation
• Involvement in professional associations and industry networking
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future