Data Acquisition & Design Technology Lead

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, water, and infrastructure engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities they live in and support, are a vital part of who we are and what we offer. Founded in 1956, Schnabel has experienced tremendous success and growth through its dedication to excellence in client service, high quality, and value-added solutions. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with over 600+ employees in 30 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by Civil Engineering News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel offers a highly collaborative culture with a focus on advancement and progression of its employees. We make extraordinary efforts to attract, develop, engage, and retain the best professionals in our fields of expertise. We provide our employees with a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, life and disability. Engagement in Schnabel’s wellness program offers incentives for employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle, and the firm rewards employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Our Jersey City, NJ office is seeking a Data Acquisition & Design Technology Lead to help expand our growing Data Solutions practices. In this role, you will provide leadership, management, and technical expertise for a variety of multidisciplinary projects involving dams and reservoirs, canals and levees, heavy-civil works, and other general infrastructure across the greater New York metropolitan area.

We’re looking for a motivated candidate who values attention to detail, strives for continuous improvement, and is eager to join a collaborative and inclusive team tackling complex, high-profile projects. Schnabel is proud to be 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We believe sharing ownership and profits motivates our employees to excel in serving our clients, providing technical excellence, and delivering strong business performance through collaborative teamwork. 

Position Responsibilities:

Candidate will serve as Data Acquisition & Design Technology Lead for Schnabel’s Water Engineering Practice for the New Jersey office. Major focus areas for the role include:

• Support the growth of our local practice by strengthening existing client relationships and tracking major regional programs and funding opportunities.
• Bolster sales initiatives and support proposal management, leveraging their technical skills to effectively address our clients' needs.
• Communicate with clients and regulators, establish project goals and objectives, and coordinate resources to ensure timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality project delivery.
• Supervise and/or perform field and hydrographic data collection using survey equipment including GPS, LiDAR scanners, and UAVs.
• Process and analyze geospatial data for engineering and design projects.
• Participate in quality control and quality assurance processes for internally developed products.  
• Maintain, calibrate, and ensure the proper functioning of survey and data collection equipment.
• Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections, and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from engineers and other design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
• Prepare 3D models to visualize complex features or structures.
• Train technical staff on drafting standards and procedures.
• Participate in professional training and conferences.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Land Surveying, or demonstrated practical experience.
• 15+ years of experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D in a civil engineering design capacity.
• Strong technical proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing design drawing sets and figures from base data (e.g., survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches), and incorporating engineering input and guidance. Experience with BIM software is preferred.
• Proficient in u