Project Engineer / Design Manager

(Senior Project Manager track available)
Location: Arlington, Texas
Company: Graham Associates, Inc.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Represented by: Luxus Group Recruiting – www.LuxusJobs.com

About Graham Associates, Inc.

Graham Associates, Inc. is a well-established, Texas-based civil engineering, planning, and surveying firm headquartered in Arlington. For decades, Graham has played a key role in shaping North Texas communities through the delivery of public infrastructure, roadway, municipal utility, drainage, and land development projects for both public agencies and private-sector clients.

What differentiates Graham is its hands-on leadership model, strong client relationships, and long-tenured technical staff. Engineers at Graham are trusted to own their projects end-to-end—client relationships, budgets, schedules, quality, and staff development—rather than operating in narrow silos. The firm is known for producing high-quality, practical designs while maintaining a collaborative, accountability-driven culture that values responsiveness, professionalism, and mentorship.

This role offers the opportunity to step into a true leadership position, with direct influence over clients, project teams, and the continued growth of the firm.

Position Overview

Graham Associates is seeking a Project Engineer / Design Manager to lead civil engineering projects across a diverse portfolio of public and private clients. This individual will serve as both a technical leader and client-facing project manager, responsible for overseeing design quality, managing budgets and schedules, mentoring staff, and supporting business development efforts.

The ideal candidate brings strong civil engineering fundamentals, proven project management experience, and the ability to build trust with clients, staff, and stakeholders. This role is well-suited for engineers who enjoy owning projects from conception through completion and who want a clear path toward senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead and oversee civil engineering design for projects including roadways, site development, drainage, water, and wastewater systems.

• Define project scope, goals, schedules, and deliverables in collaboration with clients and internal teams.

• Maintain full accountability for project performance from initial concept through final delivery.

Project Management & Financial Oversight

• Manage project budgets, staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation.

• Ensure timely billing, monitor accounts receivable, and follow up on outstanding invoices.

• Submit and manage approved change orders prior to commencing additional work.

Technical Oversight & Quality Control

• Review all plans, specifications, calculations, and work products prior to submittal.

• Ensure designs meet applicable municipal, state, and regulatory requirements.

• Interface with survey crews and field teams to ensure accuracy and quality of deliverables.

Client & Business Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining frequent and proactive communication.

• Build and nurture long-term client relationships while supporting new business development.

• Assist in the preparation of proposals, RFQs, and RFP responses.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and manage engineers, EITs, technicians, and analysts through project assignments and career development.

• Mentor junior staff and set clear expectations for performance, accountability, and professional growth.

• Promote a collaborative team environment that supports quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Senior Project Manager Track

Candidates qualifying as Senior Project Managers will:

• Have 10+ years of experience performing project management at a consistently high level.

• Demonstrate advanced client management, financial oversight, and staff leadership capabilities.

• Serve as a key contributor to firm leadership, project strategy, and client expansion efforts.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

• 7+ years of progressive civil engineering and project management experience
  (10+ years for Senior Project Manager consideration)

• Strong experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills

• Strong client-facing presence with a commitment to responsiveness and professionalism

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical staff

Compensation & Benefits

Target Base Salary (≈5% Above Market – North Texas):

• Project Engineer / Design Manager: $135,000 – $165,000

• Senior Project Manager: $160,000 – $190,000+, depending on experience and performance

These ranges are intentionally positioned above typical DFW-market civil PM compensation to attract high-performing leaders with long-term growth potential.

Additional Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Performance-based bonuses

• Professional development and licensure support

• Stable workload with strong backlog of projects

• Long-term leadership and growth opportunities within the firm

Why Join Graham Associates?

• Leadership role with real ownership of projects and clients

• Strong reputation across North Texas municipalities and private developers

• Collaborative, accountability-driven culture

• Opportunity to mentor and shape the next generation of engineers

• Stable firm with consistent work and long-standing client relationships

• Clear path toward senior leadership for high performers

Interview Questions

1. How many years of civil engineering and project management experience do you have?

2. What types of civil projects have you managed most frequently (roadway, drainage, utilities, site development)?

3. Have you been responsible for managing project budgets, billing, and accounts receivable?

4. Describe your experience reviewing and approving plans and specifications before submittal.

5. What is your level of proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D?

6. Have you led or mentored engineers, EITs, or technical staff? In what capacity?

7. How do you manage multiple projects and competing deadlines at the same time?

8. What experience do you have communicating directly with municipal or public-sector clients?

9. Have you participated in proposal writing, RFQs, or RFP responses?

10. What are you looking for in your next role, and what interests you about a leadership position at a firm like Graham Associates?