Job Description:
Overview:
We are seeking a seasoned and visionary leader to establish, grow, and lead our Federal Services Practice in Texas. This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished professional with 30+ years of experience to shape and drive a high-impact federal program with full autonomy and organizational support.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and proven builder—someone who has developed and maintained trusted relationships with clients such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Department of Defense (DoD), and Navy Facilities Command, and is ready to replicate that success. As a subject matter expert in federal programs, you will lead key pursuits, guide multidisciplinary project delivery, and help define our federal strategy across the Texas region.
You’ll also play a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of federal market leaders while collaborating across practices to deliver integrated solutions to public-sector clients.
Responsibilities:
Practice Building & Strategic Leadership
Establish and grow a thriving federal services practice aligned with the firm’s mission and strategic goals
Lead the development and execution of market strategy, including client targeting, teaming, marketing, and recruitment
Serve as a primary point of contact with USACE districts (e.g., Galveston, Fort Worth, Tulsa), DoD, NAVFAC, and other federal entities
Client & Contract Development
Leverage existing federal relationships to secure IDIQ, MATOC, SATOC, and single-award opportunities
Lead proposal development and contract pursuits across architecture-engineering (A-E), design-build, planning, and environmental services
Guide negotiations and ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and agency standards
Mentorship & Legacy Leadership
Mentor and develop high-potential staff to build a succession-ready team of federal market professionals
Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and client-focused service
Cross-Practice Collaboration
Partner with leaders in water resources, transportation, aviation, environmental restoration, and infrastructure to integrate federal strategies
Coordinate with national federal teams to align business development, technical delivery, and compliance systems
Qualifications:
30+ years of experience in federal consulting, with a focus on USACE, Navy, or DoD programs in Texas and the Gulf Coast
Proven success in launching or significantly expanding a federal practice within an A-E consulting or environmental services firm
In-depth knowledge of federal procurement processes, contracting (FAR), and A-E/C services for civil works, MILCON, environmental remediation, and infrastructure
Strong relationships with decision-makers in USACE (Galveston, Fort Worth), NAVFAC, and other regional agencies
Demonstrated ability to lead proposal efforts and win contracts ranging from $10M to $100M+
Professional credentials such as PE, PMP, or equivalent preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and mentorship abilities, with a passion for team building and legacy leadership
Why Join Us?
Senior leadership role with autonomy to build and lead a federal practice from the ground up
Access to a multidisciplinary team and a growing regional presence
Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
Long-term opportunity to shape the future of a firm committed to innovation, sustainability, and public-sector service
EEO Statement:
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.