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Director Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

About Us HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K/yr

About Us HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

About Us HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

About this Role A Structural Designer at HBK Engineering in Chicago or Oak Brook is a position responsible for designing engineering systems for overhead and subsurface utility projects with ...

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Design Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

... subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ... Direct client interface and relationship management responsibilities * Professional growth within ...

New

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site +1

... subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ... Direct client interface and relationship management responsibilities * Professional growth within ...

New

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Experience in leading and mentoring direct reports * Experience in leading an engineering design ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K/yr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Experience in leading and mentoring direct reports * Experience in leading an engineering design ...

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Experience in leading and mentoring direct reports * Experience in leading an engineering design ...

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Experience in leading and mentoring direct reports * Experience in leading an engineering design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Subsurface Utility Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$75.2K

$200.6K

$261.7K

How much do director subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director subsurface utility engineer in Chicago, IL is $200,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,800.00 and $260,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a deep understanding of civil engineering, utility mapping, and project management, typically supported by a PE license and a degree in civil or related engineering. Familiarity with utility locating technologies, CAD/GIS software, and industry standards such as ASCE 38-22 is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in managing teams and client relationships. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, risk mitigation, and the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Directors in Subsurface Utility Engineering often encounter challenges related to coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing project risk due to unknown or outdated utility data, and ensuring compliance with varying local and federal regulations. To address these issues, strong communication and leadership skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring accurate data collection. Implementing advanced geospatial technologies and maintaining strong relationships with utility owners can also help mitigate risks and streamline project delivery.

What is a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer?

A Director Subsurface Utility Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the detection, mapping, and management of underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunication lines. They lead teams that use specialized technologies to locate and document subsurface assets, ensuring construction and infrastructure projects avoid damaging these utilities. In addition to technical expertise, they typically manage budgets, client relationships, and regulatory compliance. This role requires a combination of engineering knowledge, leadership skills, and experience with utility coordination and safety standards.

What is the difference between Director Subsurface Utility Engineer vs Subsurface Utility Engineer?

AspectDirector Subsurface Utility EngineerSubsurface Utility Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with extensive experienceRequires a degree in engineering, surveying, or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and oversees utility coordination in large infrastructure projectsPerforms utility location, data collection, and analysis on-site or in office settings
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale infrastructure, transportation, and utility projectsCommonly involved in utility detection, mapping, and coordination tasks

The main difference is that the Director Subsurface Utility Engineer holds a leadership role overseeing projects and teams, while the Subsurface Utility Engineer focuses on technical utility detection and data collection. The director manages broader project strategies, whereas the utility engineer executes specific field and analysis tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Project Manager - Civil Engineering

Project Manager - Civil Engineering

HBK Engineering, LLC

Oak Brook, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

HBK Engineering is seeking a Project Manager for the Civil Engineering team based in Chicago. This position that leads project teams consisting of engineers, designers, and field personnel involved in the design, modification, analysis, and constructability of new and existing utility systems. This executive-level role involves working on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of engineering and construction-related issues while coordinating utility design and relocation efforts on behalf of utility infrastructure owners. The position requires preparing, reviewing, and approving proposals, contracts, and cost estimates while serving as team lead in coordinating detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work.

What You'll Do
  • Lead project teams consisting of engineers, designers, and field personnel involved in design, modification, analysis, and constructability of new and existing utility systems
  • Work on challenging assignments including investigating, troubleshooting, and solving engineering and construction-related issues
  • Coordinate utility design and relocation efforts on behalf of utility infrastructure owners
  • Prepare, review, and approve proposals, contracts, and cost estimates with executive authority
  • Act as team lead in coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work
  • Coordinate design activities to ensure installation and operations comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements
  • Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by project teams for quality assurance
  • Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
  • Negotiate revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with sub-consultants and clients
  • Adhere to safety initiatives as needed by the organization
  • Manage, develop, mentor, and evaluate resources within the organization
  • Train project coordinators and senior project coordinators in project management best practices
  • Travel as needed for project requirements and client meetings
  • Control expenditures to meet budget allocations and financial targets
  • Create proposals in coordinated effort with project team leadership, contractors, and other key team members
  • Provide project team leadership through completion of project financial accruals and forecasts
  • Identify and resolve project/program budget, forecast, and authorization concerns early and develop resolutions to meet required project metrics
  • Monitor and resolve program financial risks and opportunities and provide detailed analysis of variances to budget, quarterly plan, and month-over-month variance analysis.
What You'll Bring
  • Minimum 4 years of revelant experience is required
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited program
  • Utility design and/or coordination experience
  • CAPM or PMP licensure preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
  • Proficiency in Project Management software
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Experience in leading and mentoring direct reports
  • Experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of project designs
  • Familiarity with area agencies, municipalities, and governing jurisdictions
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting expertise
  • Contract negotiation and management experience
  • Financial management and budget control capabilities
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Ability to work for prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Ability to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.
What You'll Get
  • Project Management role leading diverse teams of engineers, designers, and field personnel
  • Leadership responsibility for challenging engineering and construction projects with complex problem-solving requirements
  • Strategic involvement in utility design and relocation coordination for infrastructure owners
  • Authority in preparing, reviewing, and approving proposals, contracts, and cost estimates
  • Professional development in contract negotiation and client relationship management
  • Leadership opportunities in training and mentoring project coordinators and senior staff
  • Advanced responsibility for financial management, budget control, and variance analysis
  • Strategic oversight of project teams through all phases of design and implementation
  • Client interface responsibilities at the executive level for technical reporting and communication
  • Clear executive career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Project Management Track
  • Professional certification support for CAPM/PMP credentials
  • Pay range: $70,000.00 to $110,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and the potential to participate in our discretionary annual incentive bonus program.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Available to Full-Time Employees:
    • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
    • Company Paid Life and AD&D
    • Optional Ancillary benefits including but not limited to: Legal, Pet, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident and Voluntary Life
    • Short Term and Long Term Disability
    • 401(k)/Roth retirement plans with company match
    • Paid Sick, Holiday and Vacation time
Compensation RangeThe anticipated compensation for this position is USD $70,000.00/Yr. - USD $110,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER