Director of Digital Engineering

What we are looking for

Aldridge is seeking an Director of Digital Engineering to join our dynamic and energetic team in Libertyville, IL.

As a strategic leader, you will drive the implementation of advanced technical solutions that optimize project delivery, enhance safety, reduce costs, and maintain our competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry. In this role, you will bridge the gap between traditional construction practices and cutting-edge technology. You will oversee a high-performing team dedicated to Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), automation/scripting, and AI-driven tool integration.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and execute the company’s Digital Engineering and Construction Technology roadmap.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for the VDC and Prefab groups (e.g., Generative AI, machine learning, robotics, IoT) and assess their viability for project delivery.
• Act as the primary champion for innovation, fostering a tech-forward culture across both corporate and field operations.
• Securing New Projects: Partner with the Preconstruction and Pursuits teams early in the project lifecycle. Help develop highly visual digital twins, 4D schedule sequencing, and logistics plans to pitch and win highly complex projects

VDC & Advanced BIM Operations

Oversee the corporate VDC strategy, ensuring seamless integration of 3D/4D/5D modeling across all phases of the project lifecycle.

Establish enterprise-wide standards, workflows, and protocols for digital twins, reality capture (Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry), and AR/VR applications.

Target Value Design: collaborate to bridge gaps between design intent and physical buildability, optimizing costs long before a shovel touches the dirt

Define the corporate off-site strategy by establishing company-wide prefabrication criteria, designing a data-rich library of Revit MEP families, and collaborating with the Shop Manager to build an internal product catalog of standardized, repeatable electrical assemblies for direct integration into projects.

Automation, Scripting & AI Integration

• Lead the development of custom scripts, plugins, and APIs (using Python, C#, Dynamo, Grasshopper, etc.) to automate repetitive design and preconstruction workflows.
• Deploy AI and machine learning tools to analyze historical project data, optimize scheduling, improve estimating accuracy, and predict safety risks.
• Manage the integration of disparate data streams into unified dashboards to deliver actionable business intelligence to executive leadership.

Team Management & Collaboration

Recruit, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of VDC managers, computational designers, software developers, and data analysts.

Collaborate closely with Operations, Preconstruction, IT, and Project Management teams to ensure digital tools solve real-world jobsite challenges.

Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage a robust data ecosystem, using predictive analytics and operational dashboards to monitor KPIs, assess risk, and prevent cost overruns across the company

Heavy Trade Coordination: Heavily emphasize MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination and design-assist workflow oversight, ensuring that complex building systems are thoroughly modeled and fully resolved to catch clashes digitally.

VDC strategy to drive off-site manufacturing and field profitability, transforming complex 3D electrical models into highly automated, high-precision prefabrication (DfMA) assemblies and integrated shop-floor (PreFab) execution workflows.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, or a related field. (Master’s degree or technical certifications preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) technology, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role within a medium-to-large construction firm.
• VDC/BIM Ecosystem: Deep expertise in Autodesk Construction Cloud (Revit, Navisworks, Assemble), Bentley, or Trimble ecosystems.
• Computational Design & Scripting: Strong understanding of automation tools like Dynamo/Grasshopper and programming languages (Python, C#, or JavaScript).
• AI & Data Analytics: Proven experience implementing AI tools or leveraging data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) in a construction context.
• Reality Capture: Familiarity with drone mapping, laser scanning, and processing point cloud data.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and field crews.
• Strong change-management skills with a proven track record of driving technology adoption across large organizations.
• Host regular performance conversations to set goals, provide feedback, and support the development of direct reports

Who we are

At Aldridge, we invite you to be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills are not only valued but crucial to our success. As we pursue our vision to be the First Choice for Energy and Transportation infrastructure projects, we welcome fresh perspectives and prioritize teamwork to drive our industry-leading safety, innovation, and execution.

Our culture is rooted in family-centeredness, with third-generation leadership guiding our unwavering spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. With over 2,000 industry experts dedicated to our vision, we actively contribute to and uplift the communities impacted by our infrastructure projects and our Aldridge family.

Built on collaboration and a commitment to mental wellness, our core values create an unparalleled sense of unity and camaraderie within our organization. Through team-building events, open-door policies, and visible executive presence, we foster an environment where everyone can thrive, innovate, and make a meaningful difference. Join us in building the infrastructure that keeps the world moving and connected – become a part of the A-team to start building and strengthening your career today!

What we offer

The annual base pay for this role is between $175,000.00 - 215,000.00. The actual pay is dependent upon many factors, including: location, work experience, education, training, transferable skills, business needs, and market conditions. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role may also be eligible for a bonus. Aldridge provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wellness Incentive Programs

Short and Long Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Legal Assistance

Identity Protection

Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

Company 401(k) Matching Contributions

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

This job-specific task list covers only the most important job duties. Employees assigned to this position title will also perform other occasional work assignments not mentioned above, including temporary assignments, training assignments, and other related duties. Aldridge is an EEO Employer and will recruit, hire, train, and promote people in all job classifications without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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