Senior Civil Engineer- Federal Engineering and Design

About the position Olsson is seeking a Senior Engineer on our Federal Engineering and Design Team. In this role, you’ll help shape critical infrastructure projects that support military bases, VA campuses, and other essential government facilities. You’ll be part of a high-performing, collaborative team delivering innovative civil engineering solutions that meet rigorous federal standards and exceed client expectations. Acting as lead design engineer, you will spearhead some of the firm’s most demanding projects. Responsibilities include preparing planning and design documents, performing design calculations, developing and maintaining team and client standards, and overseeing quality assurance/quality control efforts. You’ll also advise on complex technical challenges and coordinate closely with Olsson teams, clients, and consultants throughout the project lifecycle. This position may involve travel to job sites for observation and client meetings and offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Olsson’s growing federal portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide complex civil design efforts for federal projects, including grading, drainage, utilities, and site layout, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as technical lead or project manager on high-profile federal assignments, driving scope, schedule, and budget alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
• Review and approve planning documents, design calculations, and technical specifications, ensuring consistency with federal standards such as UFC, DoD, and VA requirements.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices in design, documentation, and client engagement.
• Lead quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes, providing strategic oversight and resolving complex design challenges.
• Coordinate with internal teams, clients, and external consultants, ensuring seamless communication and integrated project delivery.
• Contribute to strategic proposal development, shaping winning responses to federal RFPs and expanding Olsson’s federal portfolio.
• Represent Olsson in client meetings and site visits, offering expert guidance from concept through construction and ensuring client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in civil/site design, ideally with federal clients.
• Proficiency in Civil 3D and other relevant design software.
• Deep understanding of DoD, VA, and federal design standards and processes.
• Exceptional communication skills and proven ability to coordinate complex projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote options.
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Tailored development paths
• Wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
• Health care
• Vision
• Dental
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.