Deputy Planning & Engineering Director

Location: Preferably Sacramento, California
Work Arrangement: Hybrid as needed. If based in California, this role may be remote with required travel
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $250,000 - $325,000 per year

Position Overview

A large infrastructure transportation project is seeking a Deputy Planning & Engineering Director to provide leadership across planning, engineering, and program delivery functions. This role will support executive leadership in developing strategy, evaluating alternatives, guiding implementation, and overseeing key initiatives that advance project goals.

The Deputy Planning & Engineering Director will play a key role in supporting the planning, execution, and delivery of complex infrastructure work while helping ensure alignment across engineering, operations, environmental, and stakeholder priorities.

About the Company

For over 30 years, our client's organization has been an industry leader providing Project Management Solutions to their clients on their Capital Construction Projects. Focusing in the Transportation, Utilities, Oil, Gas, Water, and other Large Construction Projects, their Project Controls Professionals have worked on some of the largest Capital Construction Projects throughout the US. They are Certified as a Federal Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and State of California Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE).

Key Responsibilities

• Support executive leadership in developing and implementing long-term planning and engineering strategies

• Provide direction on planning, engineering, and infrastructure delivery activities for a large transportation infrastructure project

• Evaluate alternatives, implementation requirements, and program priorities to support leadership decision-making

• Identify and help implement innovative technologies, materials, and processes that improve project outcomes and operational performance

• Support the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering and infrastructure initiatives across the full project life cycle

• Analyze project performance, operational data, and program results to recommend improvements and corrective actions

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including planning, engineering, environmental, operations, and program delivery

• Help ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and project objectives

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders

• Provide strategic guidance on complex planning, engineering, sustainability, and infrastructure issues

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Planning, or a related field, plus 12+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• At least 4+ years of leadership experience managing teams, projects, or major initiatives in planning, engineering, infrastructure, or related fields

• Extensive experience overseeing planning and engineering functions for large, complex infrastructure or transportation projects

• Proven success managing large-scale projects and collaborating across cross-functional teams

• Strong understanding of infrastructure design, environmental regulations, and sustainability practices

• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

• Strong ability to work with multiple stakeholders and provide strategic guidance in complex project environments

Required Certifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant engineering certification

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar project management credential

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading public sector planning and engineering initiatives or working with government agencies

• Expertise in environmental compliance and sustainable infrastructure development

• Knowledge of systems integration, network integration, and system certification processes

• Experience using project management software such as Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project

• Familiarity with engineering design tools and infrastructure program controls

Work Location and Travel

• Preference for candidates based in Sacramento, California

• Hybrid work arrangement available as needed

• Candidates based in California may work remotely, with required travel based on business needs

Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.