Roadway Design Lead

Lead + Grow McAdams’ NCDOT Design Team

At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. As the NCDOT Roadway Design Lead, you will shape the future of the Roadway and Hydraulic Design practice and be responsible for growing and leading a design team, securing and performing work for NCDOT through existing and future limited services contracts, and developing internal processes and procedures aligned with NCDOT standards and requirements.

Success in this role requires a leader with a history of winning and performing design work for NCDOT and close relationships with NCDOT personnel and other North Carolina based consulting firms. You will define and execute a vision for an NCDOT-focused roadway and hydraulic design practice while collaborating across a growing transportation team to build a practice positioned for long-term impact.

Why McAdams

Joining McAdams isn’t just a career move; it’s an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. We’re growing, and our people are a big part of that. From exciting projects to a culture that embraces creativity, choosing McAdams means choosing a workplace where you’re not just an employee — you’re a vital piece of our success story. 

We invest in people who want to build: 

• Opportunities to shape strategy and grow a practice
• Exposure to high-impact projects within the NC Transportation Industry
• A united, team-first culture
• A platform for long-term career growth and leadership development

See what our teammates have to say about their experience at McAdams: https://youtu.be/XnX3G3m75uU?si=sPyVjCetpQi0poYd 

What You’ll Do

• Lead, grow, and mentor a team of project managers, engineers, designers, and CAD technicians
• Drive business development efforts focused on NCDOT, including leading pursuits and developing proposal materials
• Secure work through McAdams’ existing limited services contracts with NCDOT where McAdams is the prime contractor including Eastern Divisions, Western Divisions, Feasibility Studies, Hydraulics Support Services, and Roadside Aesthetics, in addition to multiple contracts where McAdams is a subconsultant
• Build and expand a transportation practice within a growing, dynamic team
• Develop internal processes and procedures aligned with NCDOT standards and project delivery requirements
• Coordinate with internal service lines (e.g., structures, geomatics, water resources) and manage subconsultants to successfully win and deliver projects
• Ensure a consistent focus on quality, accuracy, and completeness across all project deliverables

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation, or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) required
• 10+ years of experience in transportation design for NCDOT
• Proven success winning and delivering work for NCDOT units, including Feasibility Studies, Divisions, and Project Management
• Deep understanding of NCDOT processes, procedures, Project Delivery Network and procurement methodologies
• Familiarity with relevant design standards (AASHTO, MUTCD, etc.) and software tools including Bentley OpenRoads Designer
• Established relationships with North Carolina consulting firms to support teaming opportunities
• Strong leadership, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-growing environment

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