Freelance Pavement Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer

GRI is seeking an Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer to join our growing team and provide technical leadership, project oversight, and strategic growth in our pavement engineering practice. This senior-level position will lead projects involving pavement management, pavement rehabilitation and design, airfield pavements, forensic investigations, and construction management, while also playing a key role in business development, client relationships, and staff mentoring. GRI is an employee-owned, full-service geotechnical, pavement, geological, and environmental engineering consulting firm based in the Portland, Oregon area with satellite offices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We are an ambitious and highly trained team of engineers and geologists. GRI promotes a collaborative work culture, supports professional growth, and encourages work-life integration, resulting in a highly desirable work environment.

Key Responsibilities Technical & Project Leadership

• Serve as technical lead and project manager for pavement engineering projects, including roadway and airfield pavement evaluations, rehabilitation, and new design.
• Lead pavement management programs, including PCI data collection, analysis, and long-term capital planning.
• Oversee and perform pavement design using AASHTO 1993, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) methodologies, FAA pavement design standards, and UFC pavement design standards.
• Review and interpret FWD backcalculation, GPR survey, and other advanced pavement evaluation data.
• Provide expert input on forensic pavement investigations and rehabilitation strategies.
• Oversee field investigations, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Oversee construction administration services for pavements including; construction observations, material selection and testing, collaboration with contractors to confirm compliance with plans and specifications, and post construction testing to evaluate the efficiency of applied methods

Business Development & Client Management

• Lead and support business development efforts, including proposal strategy, scope development, fee estimates, and client interviews.
• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships with public agencies, airports, and civil primes.
• Attend and present at AEC conferences to support business development.
• Identify market opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of GRI's pavement practice.

Staff Management & Mentorship

• Manage and mentor engineering staff, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.
• Review technical work products for quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Communication & Deliverables

• Prepare, review, and approve technical reports, memoranda, and presentations.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to clients, stakeholders, and staff.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (Oregon or ability to obtain by comity).
• 15+ years of experience in pavement engineering.
• Proven experience managing projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience in construction administration including; construction observations, responding to RFI's, and review of submittals.
• Extensive experience in:
  • Pavement management systems (e.g., PAVER, StreetSaver)
  • Roadway and airfield pavement design and rehabilitation
  • AASHTO 1993 and MEPDG pavement design

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS.
• Extensive experience with FAA pavement design standards and airfield pavement management.
• Experience overseeing field and laboratory testing programs.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative management style.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to use computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Perform site visits that may include walking, standing, climbing, or crawling for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally.  Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Compensation & Benefits GRI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and role.
• Generous PTO accrual and 9 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with immediate company contribution.
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance.
• Eligibility for annual bonuses.
• Continuing education and professional development reimbursement.