Project Manager / Municipal Engineering

Job Summary

The Project Manager – Municipal Engineering is responsible for managing the planning, design, and delivery of municipal infrastructure projects with a strong emphasis on technical design execution and CAD production oversight. This role requires a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) with demonstrated expertise in municipal systems and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through all phases of project development.

The ideal candidate combines technical depth in design and CAD standards with strong project management capabilities, including client coordination, schedule control, and budget oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Manage multiple municipal infrastructure projects from proposal through construction closeout.
• Develop and monitor project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Serve as primary point of contact for municipal clients, regulatory agencies, and subconsultants.
• Lead project meetings, prepare status reports, and maintain proactive communication with stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable standards.

Technical Design Leadership

• Lead design of municipal infrastructure systems including:
  • Roadways and local streets
  • Water distribution systems
  • Sanitary sewer systems
  • Stormwater management and drainage systems
  • Site development and utility coordination
• Perform engineering calculations, hydraulic modeling, and design analysis.
• Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards (e.g., MDOT, EGLE, local municipal standards as applicable).

CAD and Production Oversight

• Oversee CAD production and enforce company drafting standards.
• Review and mark up plan sets for accuracy, constructability, and quality control.
• Coordinate with CAD technicians and design engineers to ensure efficient workflow.
• Maintain drawing consistency, file structure, and digital project documentation.
• Participate in development and refinement of CAD standards and design templates.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Support proposal preparation, including scope development and fee estimates.
• Maintain strong client relationships with municipal administrators, DPW directors, and engineering staff.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business and expanded services.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Michigan or ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing municipal infrastructure projects.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D (or comparable CAD platform).
• Strong understanding of municipal design standards and permitting processes.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and schedules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with municipalities or public agencies.
• Familiarity with state transportation standards (e.g., MDOT or similar).
• Experience with hydraulic modeling software (e.g., WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, HEC-RAS).
• Experience supervising technical staff.

Core Competencies

• Technical design expertise
• CAD proficiency and production management
• Project planning and execution
• Client relationship management
• Regulatory knowledge
• Leadership and mentoring
• Quality assurance and attention to detail

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based design work, client meetings, and occasional site visits.
• Ability to perform field inspections and attend construction progress meetings as required.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Director of Engineering / Principal
Supervises: Design Engineers, CAD Technicians, and Project Support Staff

About Hennessey Engineers

Hennessey Engineers is a civil engineering firm focused on improving the quality of life for Southeast Michigan communities. As a Women Business Enterprise (WBE), we have had the pleasure of serving more than 25 local municipalities, dozens of county and state agencies, as well as multiple developers and private entities. We are certified through the Michigan Department of Transportation as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) which provides us with the opportunity to partner with large firms on federally funded public infrastructure projects. Our positive impact over the past 50 years has strengthened communities, improved living conditions, and elevated the quality of life for countless residents.