Design Leader - Land Development (Residential)

Job Description:

Join Pape-Dawson’s Orlando team in the heart of the vibrant Milk District, one of the city’s most creative and energetic neighborhoods. Established through the acquisition of Poulos & Bennett, our Orlando office brings together a close-knit, team-focused culture with deep technical expertise and a strong reputation for guiding complex projects from initial vision and site selection through design, permitting, and final delivery. Team members have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals while enjoying an office location surrounded by local restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment, and everything that makes Central Orlando an exciting place to live and work.

Our Orlando team supports an impressive range of projects across one of the country’s fastest-growing regions, including large-scale master-planned and mixed-use communities, single-family developments, retail centers, industrial facilities, institutional campuses, and power-sector projects. With meaningful work, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to help shape communities throughout Central Florida, this office offers an ideal environment for professionals looking to grow their careers and make a visible impact.

Overview

Our Orlando team is seeking a Design Leader to support our Residential Land Development group. The Design Leader is a senior technical leadership role responsible for guiding the design process across all project phases—from concept development through final design and construction.

This position sets the technical and design direction for projects, ensures consistency and quality across deliverables, and advances innovative design solutions aligned with company standards and values. This role mentors and develops technical staff, promotes excellence in design culture, and represents the firm with clients, agencies, and professional organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the design process for complex engineering projects across all phases, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and consistency with company standards.
• Provide advanced technical leadership, mentorship, and on-the-job training to elevate the capabilities of engineers, designers, and production staff.
• Review and guide design approaches, engineering calculations, technical reports, and project deliverables to ensure quality and compliance with applicable standards.
• Coordinate with project managers to support scope development, schedules, budgets, and resource planning for multiple concurrent projects.
• Review proposals, budgets, and client agreements for technical alignment with project objectives and firm capabilities.
• Contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of internal design standards, tools, and best practices.
• Promote innovation by evaluating and implementing new design ideas, technologies, and methodologies.
• Represent the firm in meetings with clients, agencies, and stakeholders, supporting business development and long-term client relationships.
• Actively participate in professional associations and community or civic organizations to advance industry leadership and company visibility.
• Set the tone for a strong design culture that balances creativity, precision, accountability, and the firm’s core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience managing and leading complex infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced technical design and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical staff while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage clients, agencies, and internal teams.
• Active involvement in professional organizations and industry or community initiatives.
• Ability to work Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm with overtime as needed 

If you need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application due to a disability or special need, please contact our team at [email protected] or call (210) 375-9000.

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.