Marine & Coastal Design Operations Manager

Position Overview

Kiewit is expanding its design team specializing in Marine & Coastal Resiliency (MCR) and is seeking top performing contributors to support and sustain its growth. As such, we have an immediate opening for a Marine and Coastal Design Operations Manager with experience in the management of multidisciplinary design engineering teams and design of marine and coastal resiliency structures. The Marine and Coastal Design Operations Manager will work closely with the Marine and Coastal Department Director and other members of the leadership team to grow and manage the operational needs of the Department. The successful candidate will bring energy, enthusiasm, and a focus on collaboration while providing administrative, technical, quality, and safety leadership for the engineers and designers of the department.

The Marine and Coastal Design Operations Manager will work with an interdisciplinary team that includes civil, structural, geotechnical, hydrology & hydraulics engineers, as well as estimators, schedulers, and other construction professionals to identify project risks and develop appropriate designs for water ports and marine projects.

The Marine and Coastal Design Operations Manager will be responsible to lead our preliminary and detailed design efforts on marine infrastructure and coastal resiliency projects, supporting engineering integration, managing design, providing technical mentorship to team members, and contributing to construction estimating, scheduling, and planning efforts. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for connecting with the Operating Districts, developing a strong trusting relationship with the main stakeholders in districts, understanding their engineering support needs in the Marine, Ports, Maritime, and Coastal space.

The Marine and Coastal Design Team Lead will also play a vital role in promoting and increasing cross-discipline collaboration with other teams as well as supporting the company’s integration of AI solutions to increase quality and efficiency.

District Overview

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering seamlessly transitions solutions from design to construction through the collaborative efforts of Design Engineering, Design Management, Proposals, Estimating, and Integrated Project Controls. Our construction-focused engineering approach involves a multidisciplinary team working together to maximize value for clients by improving schedules, controlling costs, and minimizing risk on infrastructure projects. This integrated strategy emphasizes collaboration and constructability throughout the project lifecycle, enabling us to identify and implement quality solutions with a strong safety focus.

Clients benefit from Kiewit’s proven processes and tools, which minimize project risk. As an in-house resource, we support projects across the company, in all major markets, sharing experiences, innovative concepts, and best practices. Kiewit’s management and implementation of this process result in safe, cost-effective, and innovative designs that exceed client expectations and uphold Kiewit’s legacy of excellence.

At Kiewit, we believe in building more than just structures – we build relationships, strengthen communities, and expand workforce capacity. We don't just build projects; we build careers. With top-notch health benefits, a wealth-building 401k plan, and unbeatable growth opportunities, we are deeply invested in the future of our employees. Join us at Kiewit, where we go beyond construction to develop the ultimate road to success.

Location

This position is to be based out of Houston, TX. With Travel expected up to 50% of the time if required. 

Position could qualify for more flexible remote work based on prior experience.

Responsibilities

People/Organization

· Identifying, developing, and aligning high performance teams and individuals to meet organizational goals.

· Coordinating and continually monitoring staff assignments and staff workloads; developing staffing forecasts.

· Fostering an environment that emphasizes collaboration and coordination; providing feedback and encouraging learning to create growth opportunities; mentoring team members.

· Assisting in development of training strategies; overseeing technical training and ensuring the technical competency of HDH staff.

Projects/Technical

· Act as a senior contributor as part of the Marine & Coastal Resiliency design team on pursuits and projects, including:

o Perform, review, and oversee analysis and design for marine structures,

o Develop detailed construction drawings and specifications,

o Prepare technical reports and documentation,

o Ensure accuracy of design deliverables (reports, drawings & specifications, etc.),

o Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure project success,

o Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction,

o Help identify project risks and assist with risk mitigation planning,

o Unique to the Kiewit model: act as a facilitator of collaboration with construction teams during the design phase. Take advantage of access to the construction team to achieve a design that is truly optimal for construction.

o Perform project coordination and management of selected engineering projects.

o Mentor and lead engineers in their technical development.

o Contribute to MCR technical proposals.

o Support the development of the MCR engineering team by building internal tools and processes.

· Ensuring designs are completed with consistent application of design standards, technical approaches, and in accordance with the design quality management program.

· Advising and providing direction to staff on proper execution of complex and advanced deliverables; potentially serving as engineer of record with responsibility for design recommendations and deliverables associated with advanced design components.

· Working with pursuit teams to identify key technical risks and develop plans to mitigate those risks.

· Ensure on-time and on-budget project delivery.

· Leading the exploration of alternate designs or new technologies to challenge the status quo and provoke exploration of new or innovative design solutions.

· Collaborating with staff and the Engineering Project Management Team to develop work scopes and labor estimates.

Business Development

· Develop and maintain strong and trusting relationships with Clients, Construction Personnel, Subconsultants and Regulatory Agencies.

· Support Kiewit’s Business Development stakeholders with insight and recommendations, from a technical perspective

· Help develop new internal and external clients.

· Support the development and the implementation of the department’s business plans.

Quality and Safety

· Leading by example with respect to safety, quality, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

· Coordinating with the quality management team to train staff and implement the design quality management program.

Qualifications

· Minimum 20 years of experience, with a strong focus on ports, marine and coastal projects.

· Professional engineering registration in one or more US State, required.

· Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in Civil, Structural, Marine Systems, Geotechnical Engineering, or closely related field, required. A master’s degree is an asset.

· Minimum 5 years of experience managing an engineering department with profit and loss responsibility, including demonstrated success hiring & developing engineering teams and leading through change, required.

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