Chief Engineer

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering and environmental consulting services today, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using new advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, and award-winning water reuse projects. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a collaborative and influential Chief Engineer to serve as a responsible, strategic leader with the authority to lead, validate, direct, and develop technical standards and approaches for the delivery of engineering services. This may include conventional design-bid-build, design-build, engineering during construction, and aspects of construction management. Aspects of program management may also be included.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, and implement necessary changes to company technical practices and processes to continuously evolve all aspects of project delivery within the organization.
• Focus on minimizing organizational risk through the development and continuous improvement of the firm’s design processes, templates, and standards, and increasing capabilities in identifying and managing contract and project risks.
• Oversee and develop systems, tools, processes, and policies that require use and adherence to company standards, enforcing accountability in applying these standards to products developed for clients.
• Continually assess the adequacy and relevance of the firm’s technical standards, processes, and approaches, and, when necessary, update and develop new technical standards and processes.
• Lead and manage a Standards Committee that reviews data on necessary changes to the firm’s design standards and approaches, including risk mitigation measures or project efficiency purposes.
• Set standard evaluation processes that apply corporate experience and judgment to emerging new technologies that may be considered for application on company projects.
• Partner with Construction Management Leads to develop and maintain processes for construction phase management, issue resolution, and feedback to inform design improvements.
• Develop, manage, and implement a monthly Technical Learning Program aimed at sharing key aspects of technical advancements, project delivery approaches, and design processes.
• Provide strategic direction on the technical aspects of projects, focusing on managing risk, applying approved processes, and engaging appropriate technical leads to best serve clients' most complex challenges.
• Review scope, schedule, budget, approach, and proposed staffing for large and/or complex proposals, especially those brought to the Risk Committee for review.
• Develop and maintain processes for QA/QC across all projects, including guidance documents and report-back forms to confirm QA/QC is followed.
• Collaborate with the firm’s Project Management Office (PMO) to develop verification processes to ensure QA/QC is applied to each project.
• Chair the Risk Committee, develop risk assessment forms, and manage pursuit and project risk discussions.
• Collaborate with the Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel to develop processes and procedures for managing strategic defense against exposure to claims and client satisfaction challenges.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a similar engineering field required.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Practical project management (PM) and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required.
• 20 years of experience in water/wastewater design through construction and project delivery.
• Deep understanding of the design process and the application of various existing and emerging engineering-related software, including AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil3D, Revit, and Microsoft Products.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, plans, specifications, technical memos, and standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate as a valuable team member, exchanging ideas, following through on assignments, and treating colleagues with respect.
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence decisions at all organizational levels, both internally and externally, demonstrating essential communication skills to navigate complex situations and achieve strategic outcomes.
  
  

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $240,000 - $280,000, and may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits Summary

Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.

As an employee-owned firm, Kennedy Jenks offers a unique company culture with a corporate commitment to maintaining a positive work/life experience with a flexible hybrid work environment. Kennedy Jenks provides competitive compensation that will vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, skills, licensure/certifications, seniority, and geographic location. We offer a full benefits package.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.