About the Position

We’re seeking a Lead Design Engineer (Transportation/Transit) to support the delivery of engineering design services for large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs in highways, roads, and bridges, transit (including rail systems), aviation (international airports), and water sectors delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. This role is responsible for leading and delivering assigned engineering design scopes under task orders, with accountability for technical quality, coordination within defined scopes, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements. The individual in this role is expected to operate as the Lead Design Engineer responsible for assigned task order scopes, capable of independently leading design efforts, and delivering design packages in coordination with client stakeholders.

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in Sacramento, CA.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Lead and take ownership of assigned engineering design scopes under task orders, including planning, execution, and delivery of design packages, while ensuring the technical quality, completeness, and compliance of engineering deliverables within defined scopes.
Lead multidisciplinary design efforts within assigned scopes, including coordination across relevant disciplines to support delivery of assigned design packages.
Provide technical leadership and oversight for design development to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable codes, and agency standards.
Actively lead and contribute to design development, including review and validation of engineering calculations, drawings, and technical assumptions.
Prepare, review, and ensure the technical quality and completeness of engineering plans, specifications, calculations, and technical reports for transportation or public works projects.
Coordinate design interfaces across relevant disciplines within assigned scopes to support delivery of design packages.
Apply and enforce engineering design workflows and quality control procedures, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and technical integrity of design deliverables across multi-stakeholder environments.
Collaborate with project management, construction teams, and client stakeholders to resolve complex technical and constructability issues within assigned scopes.
Identify design risks and develop mitigation strategies related to constructability, staging, phasing, and technical constraints.
Ensure design deliverables comply with applicable regulatory frameworks, agency standards, and permitting requirements.
Provide guidance and technical support to junior engineering staff working on complex infrastructure projects.
Coordinate with project controls teams (cost, schedule, risk) to align assigned design scopes with delivery requirements.

Attributes

Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams.
Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships.
Ability to work effectively within established leadership structures while contributing technical expertise.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, electrical, or related disciplines) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of progressive engineering experience, including leading design scopes on transportation or public works projects (e.g., highways, roads and bridges, rail, transit, aviation, or similar civil public works programs).
Experience serving in a lead role for engineering design deliverables, with accountability for technical quality and compliance.
Experience leading or supporting design delivery on large, multidisciplinary transportation or public works projects with multiple stakeholders and interfaces.
Experience coordinating across engineering disciplines to support integrated design delivery in complex project environments.
Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements governing transportation and transit infrastructure in California.
Experience working in client-facing or project delivery environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of California.
Experience on rail or transit infrastructure programs, including systems, facilities, or stations, with exposure to rail-specific design interfaces or requirements.
Experience working in DB, CMGC, or other alternative delivery environments.
Experience supporting major public-sector transportation programs in California, including work with state DOTs, transit agencies, or similar owner organizations.
Familiarity with design management tools, document control systems, and interdisciplinary coordination platforms used on transportation or public works projects.

Compensation Details

Expected Salary: $170k-$200k/year ($81-$96/hour). Luster provides the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might offer for this position based on the successful candidate’s level of experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, certifications, licenses, geographic location, etc. Luster reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range depending on circumstances not related to any status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

Unlimited flexible time off
Paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)
Long-term disability insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution
Formal career planning and development program
$2,500 annually toward professional development
Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend
Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement
Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian
Free personal financial planning services
Employee assistance program
Employee discounts
Employee referral bonus

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS

If you wish to be considered for a position where there is not an active job posted, please search for our 'General Application' and apply.

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes from any third-party. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email [email protected] for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.

Lead Design Engineer

Transportation/Transit

Luster National

Compensation Overview