Director of Engineering Services

Overview

OMNI is honored to partner with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) in the search for a collaborative and experienced Director of Engineering Services to lead and grow ARE’s structural engineering practice. ARE is a leading engineering and environmental services firm that specializes in providing innovative engineering solutions for North American freight railways that prioritize safety, regulatory compliance and long-term performance.

As the leader of the Engineering Services team, you will provide strategic direction, ensure technical excellence, and oversee the successful delivery of complex engineering projects from proposal through completion. You will serve as a trusted resource advisor on challenging structural engineering issues, guide quality assurance and quality control efforts, strengthen client relationships, and mentor engineers as they advance their technical and professional capabilities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a licensed and experienced railroad bridge engineer to influence the future growth of the practice while remaining engaged in the technical challenges and client partnerships that drive project success. The ideal candidate brings extensive railroad bridge design experience, strong business and project management skills, and a passion for developing high-performing teams. 

This position is full-time, direct hire with an office in Overland Park, KS or opportunity to work remotely.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is responsible for the leadership, performance, and continued development of the bridge design team delivering railroad bridge rehabilitation, bridge replacement, culvert, and emergency repair projects for railroad clients across North America.

Leadership & Technical Excellence:

• Lead ARE’s structural design team in load rating, rehabilitation, replacement, and emergency repair design for railroad bridges, culverts, and related structures.
• Establish the direction of and execute the plan for the structural design team, ensuring staff and resources are sufficient for current and forecast work.
• Ensure that design standards, AREMA Chapters 7, 8, and 15, client design criteria, and ARE procedures are clearly communicated and enforced.
• Lead the team in on-time delivery of calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports, focusing on client needs.
• Ensure quality through a QA/QC program, including independent checks of calculations and drawings.
• Directly supervise the CAD Lead in the development of drawing standards, templates, and production.
• Coordinate with the Director of Bridge Management Services on load ratings and repairs for conditions found during field inspection.
• Coordinate with the Director of Environmental Services for environmental compliance and project permitting.

Team Development & People Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, project managers, technicians, and CAD professionals.
• Set performance expectations for Engineers, Technicians, CAD, and Project Managers assigned to the team, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Communicate project forecasting, assign work and balance team capacity to meet utilization targets.
• Mentor engineers toward engineer in training (EIT) and PE licensure and recommend promotions and level changes using the advancement criteria in ARE job descriptions.

Project Delivery & Client Management:

• Oversee project execution to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, project budgets, fee estimates, and staffing plans.
• Serve as Engineer of Record where licensed and pursue additional licensure as business needs require.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with railroad clients and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, strengthen client partnerships, and contribute to business growth.
• Collaborate with company leadership to pursue new clients and strategic opportunities.

What Success Looks Like:

The Director of Engineering Services is responsible for the performance, productivity, and profitability of the Engineering Services group. This position carries a target utilization rate of 50%. Success in this role is measured primarily by team performance, project delivery, employee development, and overall departmental profitability. The Director is accountable for setting clear expectations, managing employee performance, and ensuring engineers and technicians have the resources, guidance, and support needed to achieve established goals.

The Director of Engineering Services is expected to:

• Deliver design projects on schedule and within budget, with deliverables that pass QA review.
• Meet the team’s annual revenue and profitability goals set with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Support team members to meet their level-specific performance expectations and licensure milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of structural engineering experience, including significant experience with railroad bridge design, rehabilitation, and replacement projects; highway bridge design will be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading engineers and technical project teams.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one state, with the ability and willingness to obtain additional licensure as needed; multi-state licensure preferred.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis, mechanics of materials, and AREMA design and construction standards.
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design software such as RISA, MathCAD, L-Pile, or similar tools, along with working knowledge of drafting software.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound engineering judgment and develop practical solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, scopes, and technical deliverables.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and support professional development and licensure advancement.
• Experience building and maintaining client relationships and contributing to business development efforts.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain a high level of accountability.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel quarterly for project site visits, client meetings, and industry events.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing in accordance with ARE policies and applicable FRA requirements.

Why Join ARE?

At ARE, you’ll do more than design infrastructure. You’ll help strengthen the transportation networks that keep communities and industries connected. As part of a growing and forward-thinking engineering firm, you’ll take on complex railroad bridge projects that leave a lasting impact while collaborating with respected industry experts who are passionate about innovation, technical excellence, and professional development. Additional benefits include:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Work on impactful infrastructure projects that promote sustainability.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave policy.
• Flexible remote work in the US, with an office in Overland Park, KS.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

Stacey Cowan, Senior Consultant – scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.