Civil Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager

Company: PCL Construction

Location: Katy, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the civil design and engineering for utility-scale solar projects, ensuring constructible, cost-effective, and compliant solutions from inception through to project completion.

• Manage and direct a network of Engineers of Record (EORs), geotechnical consultants, and other specialty engineering firms to deliver high-quality civil design packages.

• Oversee all aspects of site development, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion/sediment control, access roads, and foundation design, aligning with project objectives and owner expectations.

• Drive technical excellence and risk mitigation by reviewing and challenging engineering assumptions, calculations, and deliverables, ensuring practical application in the field.

• Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, county, and local stormwater regulations and permitting requirements, maintaining a proactive approach to environmental performance and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc., a specialized division of PCL Construction focusing on solar energy projects. The "Civil Design Manager" title implies a leadership role overseeing the entire civil engineering lifecycle for these complex projects, with a strong emphasis on constructability, regulatory compliance, and risk management, aligning with typical Senior Engineering or Operations Management roles in the renewable energy sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Civil Engineering & Design Leadership:

  • Lead the comprehensive civil design development for utility-scale solar projects, encompassing grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, access roads, foundations, and overall site development.
  • Critically review and challenge engineering assumptions, calculations, and final deliverables to ensure the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and constructability of proposed solutions.
  • Manage and direct the work of Engineers of Record (EORs), geotechnical consultants, environmental consultants, and other specialized engineering firms throughout the entire project lifecycle.
  • Provide technical oversight and review for detention basin sizing, culvert designs, floodplain impact analyses, and comprehensive drainage reports.
  • Evaluate and recommend alternative design approaches to optimize project costs while rigorously maintaining permit compliance, long-term site stability, and environmental performance standards.
  • Effectively coordinate civil design interfaces with electrical, structural, substation, transmission, and other renewable energy systems to ensure seamless integration.
  • Provide technical oversight for the development of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), stormwater permitting, erosion and sediment control design, and environmental compliance strategies.
  • Ensure robust compliance with all federal, state, county, and local stormwater regulations and permitting requirements.
  • Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of varying state-specific stormwater requirements, including permitting processes, post-construction stormwater controls, erosion prevention measures, and environmental commitments.
  • Drive the implementation of lessons learned related to stormwater management and environmental risk mitigation across projects.
  • Manage the performance of external engineering consultants and EORs to ensure quality, adherence to schedule, budget constraints, and contractual obligations are met.
  • Lead technical review meetings, actively facilitating the resolution of design discrepancies, constructability concerns, and identified engineering risks.
  • Employ sound engineering judgment, construction experience, geotechnical data, and project-specific conditions to challenge assumptions and recommendations.
  • Ensure all design decisions are meticulously documented, validated, and demonstrably aligned with overarching project objectives and owner expectations.

• Project Execution & Risk Management:

  • Proactively identify and effectively manage design-related risks that could impact project cost, schedule, procurement, constructability, permitting, and overall construction execution.

  • Thoroughly review and understand owner requirements, EPC contracts, consultant agreements, and risk allocation strategies to inform design and management approaches.

  • Actively support and contribute to value engineering initiatives throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.

  • Participate in comprehensive constructability reviews, ensuring that field requirements and practical construction considerations are fully incorporated into design development.

  • Monitor design progress closely, maintaining strict alignment between engineering deliverables and construction schedules to prevent delays.

  • Coordinate critical geotechnical investigations, corrosion assessments, foundation recommendation development, pile design criteria, and site-specific civil requirements.

  • Review project-specific design criteria and engineering studies to ensure consistency and alignment across all engineering disciplines.

  • Develop and maintain robust, professional relationships with owners, consultants, permitting authorities, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

  • Lead lessons learned programs specifically focused on civil engineering, stormwater management, environmental compliance, and constructability improvements.

  • Mentor and develop engineering and project staff through consistent coaching, technical guidance, and targeted professional development opportunities.

  • Stay current with industry trends, evolving stormwater regulations, renewable energy development practices, and emerging design technologies.

  • Promote a strong culture of proactive risk management, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring deep technical expertise in civil engineering for large-scale infrastructure projects, specifically within the solar energy sector. The emphasis on managing external consultants, risk, and compliance highlights the operational and strategic aspects of the position, typical for a Manager or Director level within an EPC firm. The inclusion of "Solar USA" suggests a focus on the US market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive engineering and project delivery experience is essential, with a significant portion of this experience focused on utility-scale solar projects. This depth of experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and requirements of renewable energy infrastructure development. Required Skills:

• Civil Site Design Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of civil site design principles, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, hydrology, hydraulics, and erosion and sediment control practices. This is foundational for the role.

• Stormwater & Environmental Compliance: Extensive experience in reviewing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Hydrology & Hydraulics (H&H) studies, drainage reports, detention basin designs, floodplain analyses, and understanding complex environmental permitting requirements.

• Consultant & EOR Management: Proven experience in managing and directing Engineers of Record (EORs), multidisciplinary design teams, and external engineering consultants effectively.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Thorough understanding of state and local stormwater regulations and permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions, critical for project success.

• Geotechnical & Foundation Interpretation: Experience in interpreting geotechnical investigations, foundation recommendations, soil corrosion studies, and understanding their impact on constructability.

• Project Risk Management: Strong understanding of project risk management principles, construction methods, cost optimization strategies, and design integration specific to utility-scale solar facilities.

• Contract & Permitting Acumen: Knowledge of construction contracts, engineering agreements, permitting processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills are vital for managing diverse teams and external parties.

• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Proven ability to challenge technical assumptions and drive practical engineering solutions that effectively balance compliance, cost, schedule, and constructability.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) Designation: A Professional Engineer (PE) designation is strongly preferred, indicating a higher level of technical competence and professional standing.

• Value Engineering: Experience in value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs and enhance project value.

• SWPPP & Environmental Permitting: Deep, specialized knowledge of SWPPP development and environmental permitting processes for renewable energy projects.

• Renewable Energy Sector Experience: Prior experience specifically within the renewable energy sector, particularly solar, is highly advantageous.

• Construction Methods: Familiarity with modern construction methods and their implications for civil design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7-10+ years of experience, coupled with the preference for a PE designation, positions this as a senior-level engineering management role. The emphasis on specific technical skills like stormwater management and SWPPP review, alongside project management and risk assessment, indicates a need for a candidate who can bridge technical design with practical construction execution and regulatory adherence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of civil design projects, particularly for utility-scale solar facilities, highlighting your role in grading, drainage, and stormwater management.

• Stormwater Management Solutions: Present specific instances where you successfully designed or oversaw the design of stormwater management systems, including detention/retention basins, culverts, and erosion control measures, demonstrating compliance with regulations.

• Consultant Management Examples: Provide evidence of your experience managing external engineering consultants and EORs, illustrating how you ensured quality, schedule adherence, and budget control.

• Risk Mitigation Documentation: Include examples of how you identified and mitigated design-related risks (e.g., geotechnical challenges, permitting hurdles, constructability issues) in previous projects.

• Regulatory Compliance Demonstrations: Showcase instances where you navigated complex federal, state, and local environmental and stormwater regulations to achieve project permitting and compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of the end-to-end civil design workflow for large infrastructure projects, including how you optimize processes for efficiency and constructability.

• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate how you oversee the implementation of designs and manage the integration of consultant deliverables into the overall project plan, potentially leveraging project management software.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you track and analyze the performance of designs against project objectives, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements, incorporating lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Civil Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize leadership in design execution and project delivery. Candidates should highlight their ability to manage complex technical processes, external stakeholders, and regulatory environments, demonstrating a track record of successful project outcomes and risk mitigation. The focus should be on the strategic oversight and management of the design process rather than just individual design contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Civil Design Managers with 7-10+ years of experience in the Houston-Katy, TX metropolitan area, and considering the specific expertise required for utility-scale solar projects, an estimated salary range would be between $110,000 and $145,000 annually. This range accounts for the Professional Engineer (PE) designation preference and the specialized nature of renewable energy infrastructure. Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: Opportunities for employee ownership, fostering a vested interest in company success and long-term value creation.

• Performance Bonuses: Annual discretionary performance bonuses, rewarding individual and company achievements.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Health Support Services: Prescription drug coverage, telemedicine services, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation.

• Life & Disability Protection: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and disability insurance to provide financial security.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave and family care support benefits.

• Wellness Programs: Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

• Professional Development: Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction, professional development courses, career growth pathways, leadership development, and mentorship programs.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. However, project demands may necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours during critical design or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable compensation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) for similar roles in the specified region, adjusted for the high-demand renewable energy sector and the leadership responsibilities. The benefits package detailed in the input data is extensive and competitive, reflecting PCL's commitment to employee well-being and career development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in Solar Energy Infrastructure)

The construction industry, particularly within the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, is characterized by project-driven environments, a focus on safety, and a demand for technical expertise and efficient execution. PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc. operates within this dynamic space, contributing to the development of critical infrastructure for solar power generation. Their specialization in solar projects implies a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge construction techniques.

Company Size: PCL Construction is a large, established company, operating globally with significant resources. As an employee-owned entity, it cultivates a culture of shared responsibility and commitment among its workforce. This size offers stability and extensive career development opportunities, while the employee ownership model promotes a strong sense of belonging and collective success.

Founded: PCL Construction was founded in 1906. With over a century of experience, the company has a deep-rooted history and a proven track record of success in the construction industry. This longevity suggests a stable organization with robust processes, a strong reputation, and extensive expertise across various sectors, including their specialized solar division.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Civil Design Manager will likely be part of a larger engineering or project management division within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc. This team is expected to be composed of specialized engineers (civil, electrical, structural), project managers, and support staff. The team size can vary significantly depending on the number and scale of ongoing projects.

• Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering leader, such as a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a Program Manager, depending on the organizational hierarchy within the solar division. They will, in turn, manage a team of civil engineers and consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive cross-functional collaboration with electrical engineering, structural engineering, procurement, construction operations, safety, legal, and project controls teams. Effective communication and integration with these departments are critical for successful project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing project data, performance metrics, and engineering analyses to inform design choices and risk assessments.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A systematic approach to planning and optimizing civil design workflows, ensuring efficiency, constructability, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: Adoption of tools and technologies to automate repetitive tasks, improve design accuracy, and enhance overall project delivery efficiency, particularly in areas like stormwater modeling and site layout.

Company Website: https://www.pcl.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: PCL's long history and employee-ownership model are key differentiators. The "Solar Constructors USA Inc." designation indicates a focused business unit, likely operating with a degree of autonomy while leveraging the parent company's resources. The emphasis on data, workflow optimization, and automation is crucial for a modern engineering management role in construction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Civil Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and project delivery domain. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in civil engineering, specifically for large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects, coupled with strong leadership and project management capabilities. Professionals at this level are expected to handle complex technical challenges, manage significant risks, and lead teams to achieve ambitious project goals. This role is typically a stepping stone towards higher management positions such as Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, or Program Director.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will report to a senior leadership position within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc., likely a Director of Engineering, Senior Project Director, or VP of Operations. They will be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of civil engineers, designers, and external consultants (Engineers of Record, geotechnical experts, environmental specialists), guiding their technical contributions and professional development.

Operations Impact: The Civil Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial viability and operational success of utility-scale solar projects. By optimizing civil designs for cost and constructability, managing risks effectively, and ensuring regulatory compliance, this role directly impacts project profitability, schedule adherence, and long-term performance. Their decisions influence everything from site preparation costs and foundation stability to environmental impact and overall project risk exposure, making their contribution critical to PCL's overall revenue and strategic objectives in the renewable energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of civil engineering for renewable energy, such as advanced stormwater modeling, geotechnical analysis for large-scale foundations, or sustainable design practices.

• Leadership Development: Progression into roles with broader responsibilities, such as managing multiple projects concurrently, leading larger engineering teams, or taking on program management responsibilities for major solar developments.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Potential to develop a deeper understanding of other project disciplines (electrical, structural, substation design) and their integration, fostering a more holistic project management skill set.

• Industry Influence: Opportunities to contribute to industry best practices, present at conferences, or participate in professional organizations related to civil engineering and renewable energy.

• Executive Leadership Path: For high performers, there is a pathway to executive leadership roles within PCL, potentially overseeing entire divisions or regional operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical leadership function within a specialized, high-growth sector. The career path emphasizes not only technical specialization but also the development of strategic management and leadership skills, crucial for advancement within a large construction firm like PCL. The emphasis on impact on profitability and risk management highlights the business-critical nature of this operations role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is primarily on-site, requiring the Civil Design Manager to be present at the PCL office in Katy, Texas. While the role involves significant desk-based work for design review, project management, and coordination, it also necessitates site visits for project oversight, inspections, and collaboration with construction teams.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston. This location offers access to a significant industrial and engineering talent pool and is strategically positioned within a region known for its energy sector activities. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the needs of a large construction firm.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among engineering teams, project managers, and other support staff. Open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and shared project spaces are likely available to facilitate communication and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software for design, modeling (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, hydraulic modeling software), project management tools (e.g., Procore, Microsoft Project), and communication platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction Opportunities: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, construction personnel, and senior management through meetings, site visits, and informal discussions, promoting a cohesive and informed work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of the construction industry, there may be requirements for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, such as major design milestones, permitting deadlines, or key construction activities. Flexibility and a commitment to meeting project deadlines are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is typical for construction management and engineering leadership positions where direct oversight, site visits, and close team collaboration are essential. The Katy, Texas location is significant for its proximity to the energy sector and a skilled workforce.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications (education, experience, PE designation preference).

• Technical Interview (Round 1): Typically involves a discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineer to delve into your technical expertise in civil engineering, stormwater management, solar project design, and regulatory compliance. Expect questions about your experience with specific design challenges and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation (Round 2): You will likely be asked to present a selection of your most relevant work from your portfolio. This may involve detailing a specific civil design project for a solar facility, explaining the challenges, your solutions, the outcomes, and your role in managing consultants and risks. Be prepared to discuss your process, decision-making, and impact.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview (Round 3): This stage focuses on assessing your leadership style, team management skills, conflict resolution abilities, and how you handle pressure and complex stakeholder relationships. Questions will likely be framed around PCL's values and the specific demands of managing a design team in a fast-paced construction environment.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or department heads to ensure cultural fit and strategic alignment. This could also be an opportunity for you to ask in-depth questions about the company's vision and future projects.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in utility-scale solar civil design, focusing on grading, drainage, stormwater management, and foundation design. Highlight your leadership in managing consultants and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.

For example, "Reduced stormwater management costs by 15% through innovative design," or "Successfully navigated complex permitting processes, preventing a 3-month schedule delay."

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:
  • The project scope and your specific role/responsibilities.
  • The key technical challenges and regulatory hurdles.
  • Your design approach and problem-solving methodology.
  • How you managed consultants, stakeholders, and risks.
  • The final