Overview
MSA Professional Services is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead and advance complex roadway and infrastructure design projects in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and other transportation clients. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced civil engineer who excels in design leadership, technical innovation, and mentoring, while helping deliver high-impact transportation solutions that improve communities across Illinois.
Who we are:
For over 100 years, MSA has helped shape communities through engineering excellence. What began in 1919 with a single practitioner in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has grown into a robust firm of over 500 employee owners across the U.S.
Our purpose is simple: to make communities stronger, safer, and more sustainable. We believe in the power of relationships, trust, and doing the right thing — and we take pride in seeing our work come to life.
At MSA, we understand that great work happens when you contribute great value, and maintain a balanced life and career. That’s why we offer:
Employee Ownership = True Investment: MSA is a 100% employee-owned firm. That means when you join our team, you’re not just doing a job — you’re building your legacy and sharing in the success of the firm.
A Culture of Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside a talented, cross-disciplinary team that values mentorship, professional development, and team success.
A flex time program that empowers you to manage your schedule — because life doesn’t always fit inside 9 to 5
A flexible work environment, including hybrid and remote options where possible, to support your productivity and well-being
Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Project Engineer, you’ll play a key technical and leadership role in designing transportation infrastructure projects that meet and exceed IDOT standards. You will collaborate closely with agency staff, municipalities, and contractors to develop efficient, safe, and constructible design solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead multidisciplinary design teams through all phases of transportation projects—concept, design, and plan preparation—serving as a consultant and trusted partner to IDOT.
Develop and review roadway design plans, drainage and utility relocation designs, construction staging plans, and technical reports aligned with IDOT Bureau of Design and Environment (BDE) requirements.
Provide advanced technical oversight and QA/QC review of roadway geometrics, storm sewer systems, and related infrastructure components.
Coordinate proactively with IDOT personnel, municipal clients, and contractors to address technical issues, ensure design compliance, and maintain project momentum.
Manage scope, schedule, and budgets; anticipate design challenges and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers and designers, fostering skill development and technical excellence.
Support business development efforts by maintaining strong client relationships and assisting with proposals and project pursuits for IDOT and other agencies.
Represent MSA at technical conferences and professional events, promoting the firm’s expertise and commitment to quality design.
Qualifications
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (Master’s degree a plus).
Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Illinois PE required; multi-state licensure a plus).
10+ years of progressive experience in roadway design and transportation engineering, with substantial experience delivering IDOT projects as a consultant.
Demonstrated expertise with MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer (ORD), and IDOT-specific standards, documentation, and workflows.
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with proven success managing multidisciplinary design teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience interfacing directly with agency staff and external stakeholders.
Solid understanding of project financials, scheduling, and resource management for design projects.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to provide or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.
Why MSA?
- Better Together: A collaborative environment that values open ideas, diversity, and authenticity. Our diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success in our employee-owned firm.
- Multi-disciplinary Opportunities: Follow your interests, explore new experiences, and apply your skills where they have the most impact.
- We've Got Your Back: Enjoy support when you need it and independence when you don't. We are 400+ strong, working as one cohesive team.
- Passion & Purpose: We're passionate about our work and proud of it! Share inspirations, "geek out," and think big with us.
- Pay & Perks: Competitive pay and unique perks that make MSA stand out.
- Communities of Practice: Our think tanks and idea generators—regular collaboration and learning opportunities.
- Work-Life Integration: Life doesn't stop when work begins. We support your professional and personal balance.
- Commitment to Learning: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and cutting-edge technology to keep you connected and creative.
- Community Engagement: Giving back through volunteering, education, STEM outreach, and event participation, backed by corporate sponsorship and donations.
The salary for this position ranges from $88,871to $142,195 per year commensurate with experience. Higher compensation within this range will be paid to candidates with significant experience and exceptional qualifications.
Best-in-Industry Benefits - Eligible employees enjoy:
- Quality Insurance Options: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
- Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year for full-time employees
- Paid Holidays: 8 holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional time for birth parents under MSA’s Short Term Paid Leave
- Supplemental Insurance: 100% paid life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): 100% employee-owned, with stock provided at no cost
- 401k Retirement Savings Plan: Generous employer match, immediately 100% vested
- Short Term Incentive (STIP) bonus
MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
