Project Engineer

About The Company

J.A. Watts, Incorporated (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm known for treating clients and employees like family. Our supportive culture shapes how we work, serve our clients, and build strong teams. We bring together people with different backgrounds and experiences because we believe that working together makes us stronger. At JWI, we are committed to delivering thoughtful, high-quality professional services while creating an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and do their best work.

About The Role

JWI is seeking a Senior Project Engineer – Land Development to lead and support planning and design services for land development projects. In this role, you will contribute directly to project management by preparing, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring work across project phases. You will oversee engineering design, procurement, and construction inspection, while helping a multidisciplinary team deliver plans, specifications, estimates, and reports.

The Senior Project Engineer will manage technical assignments, coordinate project resources, monitor schedules and budgets, and serve as a key point of contact for clients and project partners. The role requires sound engineering judgment, a practical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining quality and project integrity. The expected work arrangement includes reporting to JWI’s Lisle office or a project site at least three days per week, as project needs or management direction require. Remote candidates will also be considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain one within the first year of employment.
• At least seven years of professional experience delivering land development projects through all phases, from initiation to completion.
• Experience working effectively on multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinating technical project work.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations, engineering practices, standards, and performance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using AutoCAD or MicroStation design software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound decision-making, and an analytical, methodical approach to quantitative problem-solving.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, time management, collaboration, facilitation, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage competing deadlines, and adapt to changing project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate technical work across land development projects, including contract submissions, design, testing, and data collection and analysis.
• Review project plans and proposals, recommend updates, and maintain changes as project needs evolve.
• Complete complex engineering assignments, including construction layout, verification of calculations, construction inspections, and field testing.
• Prepare and distribute project specifications, schedules, and related information to internal teams and external clients.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation; recommend adjustments to support successful delivery.
• Oversee work performed by contractors and other project contributors, serving as a primary project contact.
• Conduct quality control reviews and provide regular, accurate updates on project status.
• Communicate with clients regularly, understand their needs, and propose appropriate project updates.
• Maintain compliance with applicable state and federal requirements and help protect the integrity and reputation of each project.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, provide support to team members, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

JWI offers medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and their families, along with Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Benefits also include company-provided group life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and voluntary life insurance options. Employees can participate in a matching 401(k) retirement plan and receive paid time off and holidays. Additional offerings include student debt repayment resources, identity theft protection, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and company-sponsored social events.

Equal Opportunity

J.A. Watts, Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.